WAAY 31 is the home of the SEC
Xavier Griffin was born in Huntsville, then moved to Georgia before starting eighth grade.
But Alabama was always on his mind. On June 29, the five-star linebacker committed to Alabama, becoming Kalen DeBoer’s highest-rated member of the class of 2026.
Griffin was once committed to USC, but Alabama’s staff kept in touch with him. He decommitted from the Trojans in May and took an official visit to Alabama in June.
That’s when he knew Tuscaloosa was his destination, citing the relationships he build with current players, other recruits, and the coaching staff.
“I just feel like it was unmatched,” Griffin told WAAY 31. “That’s what really made me feel more at home too.”
Now, he’ll return to his home state and play for the school he grew up rooting for.
“It’s a different feeling,” Griffin said. “I always wanted to wear that (uniform) one day and then like, you finally get to… I don’t even know how to explain it, honestly.”
There’s been a lot of speculation about Nick Saban’s current involvement in Alabama’s recruiting. But Griffin gives full credit to the current coaching staff, saying he only met Saban once during his freshman year.
“The haters just want to talk,” Griffin said. “They said Nick Saban can’t save us and now they’re talking about (him) saving us. They’re just going to talk.”
Alabama’s recruiting class ranks top-5 in the nation right now. Griffin says the group has the potential to win championships together.
“I think that’s what we’re going to do,” Griffin said.
