Alabama freshman linebacker says he has put on 25 pounds, can bench more than 400 pounds since enrolling

Xavier Griffin has put on some weight and feels he has gotten stronger since enrolling at the University of Alabama. Griffin is a former five-star recruit.

The Crimson Tide signed Griffin as a member of its 2026 recruiting class. He enrolled at the university as an early enrollee, and he went through winter and spring training with the Tide.

The Alabama native told reporters at a youth football camp he helped lead that he is reaping the benefits of enrolling early.

“I think I’ve put on about 25 pounds. since I got there,” Griffin said, according to ABC 33/40. “I definitely feel stronger. Lifting a lot more in the weight room. I benched 405 the other day. I wasn’t touching that in high school, so it’s definitely different.”

Yhonzae Pierre, who is expected to star as an edge rusher for the Tide, was impressed with Griffin during the early days of his enrollment.

“Xavier Griffin, I like that guy; he’s been working his butt off,” Pierre told “The Millers’ Edge” ahead of spring practice. “I had a little interview with him yesterday. I mean, he’s going to be one of the ones, he’s going to step up and be a good player for us.”

Griffin got on the field early during the Tide’s A-Day. At 6-foot-3 and 222 pounds, Griffin saw playing time at inside linebacker and as an edge defender for Alabama.