Mother of Alabama 5-Star freshman reports significant weight gain after 1 month

The mother of Alabama football’s freshman and former five-star, Xavier Griffin, reported he is up to 218 pounds after one month in Tuscaloosa.

Griffin signed with the Crimson Tide in December and enrolled at the University of Alabama in January. He was announced at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds on National Signing Day. His mother’s latest announcement revealed Griffin has gained 18 pounds since enrolling.

This is significant news for the Alabama native. He is among the Alabama freshmen many believe could play meaningful snaps in year one.

At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he was undersized for the Crimson Tide’s Wolf Linebacker position. It was obvious he would have to put on weight to push for early playing time in the fall. Yhonzae Pierre, who started at the Wolf for the Tide in 2025, was listed at 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds on Alabama’s roster last season. Justin Hill, who is also returning to play the position, was listed at 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds.

It is imperative the players who play this position pack mass because they mainly play along the edge of the defensive front, and it will be times where they have to be strong at the point of attack against tackles and tight ends at the line of scrimmage. The Wolf position is called upon to be strong against the run and fast and explosive off the edge when getting after the quarterback.

Alabama played four different linebackers at the position throughout the 2025 season. Hill, Pierre, Noah Carter and Qua Russaw all played meaningful snaps at Wolf linebacker. Russaw and Carter both transferred, opening up the door for a player like Griffin to earn a role in the rotation at the position.

It is also important to note Griffin is considered a hybrid linebacker. He has an opportunity to play inside linebacker as well.

4 Alabama wolf linebackers saw significant playing time in 2025 in rotation.

This trend puts freshman and former 5-Star Xavier Griffin on the pathway to play early in Tuscaloosa.

Among the 5 freshmen I think are set to benefit from the portal impact. https://t.co/2ep0cpirUM pic.twitter.com/T2pf7vchhl

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) January 21, 2026

Griffin will be a player to watch in the spring.