Alabama believes freshman 5-Star LB will have a role this year

Alabama football feels it will not take long for Xavier Griffin to carve out a role in Tuscaloosa.

Griffin is a native of Alabama, but he played high school football in Gainesville, Georgia, at Gainesville High School. The former five-star is what some may consider to be a hybrid linebacker. His athletic skillset and frame give him plenty of position versatility.

Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack was asked about Griffin on Tuesday, and he revealed the linebacker is getting trained to be used in a variety of ways.

“Zay’s doing a really good job,” Wommack said. “It’s hard to play the linebacker position, and we’re asking him to do multiple things in that room. He has value as a pass rusher. He did that for most of his high school career. And then what was really cool was his senior year, he got to play, you know, as a stack backer and took his game really to another level.”

Griffin is putting in work to ensure he is able to take full advantage of any opportunities he gets this fall. He is even putting in extra work with the Tide’s inside linebackers coach Chuck Morrell.

“Chuck Morell has done a fantastic job with him,” said Wommack. “I came in here, whatever it was, 6:00 AM this morning, and they’re meeting one-on-one, spending time. We’re working to get him ready. I think he’s going to have a role for us this year. He’s doing a really nice job.”

It is highly likely Griffin sees playing time at multiple spots this fall for the Tide.

The former five-star saw his first playing time during the Crimson Tide’s spring game, rushing from the edge.