Former 5-star uses spring break to craft pass rush moves for freshman season at Alabama

Photo comes via social media

He is one of most intriguing signees in Alabama football’s freshmen class, especially when one projects where he could play in Kane Wommack’s defense.

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Xavier Griffin, a former five-star, was one of the most explosive linebackers on the recruiting trail from Gainesville (Ga.) High School. 

He juggled football and basketball; however, Griffin was an animal on the field under Josh Nibblet.

He finished with 78 total tackles, including 12 for loss and four sacks, as a senior before signing with the Crimson Tide. Griffin added 22 pounds to his 6-foot-3 frame in Alabama’s offseason program, increasing from 200 to 222. The initial vision for him was to play ‘Wolf’ or edge-rushing outside linebacker, but Griffin was spotted inside during the first week of spring practice.

His goal is to be impactful no matter where he is, yet the Tide’s defensive staff wants to create situations in having as many pass rushers on the field as possible. Griffin was one of multiple players for Alabama that used spring break wisely.

He trained under Marcus Howard, a former Southeastern Conference standout with the Georgia Bulldogs, in Atlanta, Ga.

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Howard was a defensive end and linebacker at Georgia, earning first-team All-SEC honors for his excellence in 2007.

He collected 41 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles – en route to the Bulldogs winning the Sugar Bowl and him capturing Most Valuable Player honors. His collegiate career ended with 79 tackles, 12 sacks, and four forced fumbles.

Jay Clay, Griffin’s mother, shared a post to X of Howard training her son on crafting pass rush moves.

Putting in work over the break with one of the best to become the best and some recovery @Mhoward38 @zay_social pic.twitter.com/1YBKexbHJj

— Jay Clay (@bamamade87) March 21, 2026

It will be interesting to document Griffin’s growth as the Tide returns to practice on Tuesday.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.