He wants to build a pipeline of recruits from Mississippi to the University of Alabama and former Crimson Tide defensive lineman Rudy Griffin, he is well on his way to his goal.
After serving five seasons at Hewitt-Trussville High School as defensive coordinator, the Mike Shula disciple landed a coaching position on the defensive line for East Central Mississippi Community College on Thursday. News came via the school’s head coach – Ken Karcher — who said Griffin will be a “great role model for our young men on and off the field.”
Hailing from Hepzibah, Ga., Griffin was a two-year starter at defensive tackle for the Tide from 2005-06. He was a pivotal component, seeing how Alabama finished No. 1 in total defense for college football in both years. During the 2005 season, Griffin helped the program earn a 10-win season under Shula (before sanctions) and helped him gain a contract extension.
Prior to Alabama, Griffin was a two-year at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C.
RELATED: Nick Saban likes Harris & Robinson, but wants to see freshmen emerge
In his five years at Hewitt-Trussville, Griffin assisted the school to playoff appearances each year – including Alabama Class 7A State Quarterfinal appearances in each of the last three seasons.
With him, the Huskies produced 15 NCAA Division I scholarship athletes and two in particular – Paul Tyson and Pierce Quick – signed letters of intent with the Tide for football.
While he is very happy about the opportunity, this is not the final destination for Griffin.
“I want to coach in the NFL or back at my Alma mater, the University of Alabama,” he told yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. “That’s the ultimately goal, but I am blessed right now. Going to try to win some JUCO Championships.”
After constructing a pipeline from the Huskies to the Tide, fans of Alabama football will be even more excited to watch one of their favorites get players from the state of Mississippi to Bryant-Denny Stadium.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
