Marcus Griffin, 2008 NFL Draft Prospect

By: John L. Clarke

“Griffin from Texas huh?  Where have I heard this before?  Maybe it’s Dallas Griffin, the center whom is on the Outland Trophy watch list?”  Nope. “Perhaps Cedric Griffin, the former cornerback that was drafted in the second round in 2006 by the Minnesota Vikings?”  You’re getting warmer.  “He kind of looks like Michael Griffin, the former safety whom just went in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans.”  Close enough.  He is actually Michael Griffin’s twin brother. 

Marcus Griffin was a walk on at UT in 2003 and while his brother played early and often, he fought his way onto the roster and as of 2006, into the starting lineup, opposite of this brother.  The 5^th year strong safety had a great first year as a starter as he earned UT’s Outstanding Defensive Newcomer Award.  He posted 90 tackles, a sack, interception and 2 forced fumbles as a junior.  He also has academic accolades that will boost his stock.  He was not only apart of the National Honor Society in high school, but was also earned a second-team Academic All-Big 12 honor.

This year should really be a breakout year for the “other” Griffin, as he now has more of a featured role in the University of Texas nationally ranked defense.  He is on the Big 12 Pre-Season All Conference list at Strong Safety.  While Marcus may not be as athletic as his twin brother, it is incorrect to say that he is not an athlete. 

At Bowie High School, Marcus was the quarterback and free safety whom made 82 tackles, including 62 solos, while making three interceptions and a fumble recovery on defense and also recorded 1,028 passing yards and 560 rushing yards offense.  That is a pretty impressive high school resume. 

Marcus takes fantastic angles to get to the ball carrier and runs down hill on rushing plays.  He is an excellent tackler and like his brother, he knows how to strip ball carriers.  He is better in the box than in coverage.  His man to man skills are limited and his ball skills are average.  His hip flexibility is above average, which means he can learn how to be better in coverage.  He is a little on the small side for strong safeties, however with his football knowledge and toughness, he can play at the NFL level.  Look for him to break from his brother’s shadow this season and go as high as a late 2nd round pick of the 2008 NFL Draft.

UPDATE:

Griffin had a great senior season, in which he led the Longhorns in tackles (99) and interceptions (5).  He really stepped up as a leader after being known as the “other” Griffin throughout his college career.

I do not think he has the athleticism to start for any ball club right away, but if he is in the right system, he can have a very productive career down the road.  He can be used on special teams and probably become and ace at that right away.  I estimated that his natural talent and instincts would propel him from obscurity (most people were projecting him in the 6^th or 7^th round) before the season into a legit 1^st day prospect.

With the safety class being thin this year, I still foresee him going in the late second round.  Like every prospect, he is going to have to time well in all speed drills in order to bump his stock up.

MARCUS GRIFFIN CAREER STATS

 MARCUS GRIFFIN CAREER AWARDS

          2007

·         Mike Campbell Most Valuable Defensive Players (Team Award)

·         Most Outstanding Defensive Back Award (Team Award)

·         1^st Team ALL-AMERICAN by ESPN.com

·         1^st Team Big 12 ALL-CONFERENCE