of georgia bulldogs The 2025 recruiting class hit the jackpot with all four of the top recruits in the class performing defensively, including five-stars Elijah Griffin, Isiah Gibson and Zayden Walker.
Among them, Griffin was the headliner because he was a top-five member of the Class of 2025 and an important recruit who stayed in his home state rather than chasing other top candidates.
So what ultimately propelled the Bulldogs to the top?
“Honestly, I chose the University of Georgia not because of the football aspect, but because it was key to my development. As a man, as a person, that played a big role in my decision. ” Griffin said while attending the Under Armor All-America Game event on Jan. 2. Scott says this speaks volumes about people whose positions reflect where you want to be in the future.
“You know, he's done it. He's taken his players to the next level. And, you know, they're doing well. Devonte Wyatt, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, you know. So, having that coach coach you, that's pretty much it.''
Griffin also has a long-standing relationship with head coach Kirby Smart, who began recruiting the standout defensive tackle in the eighth grade.
“Coach Smart” [was with me] Throughout this process,” Griffin said. “It all started for me in eighth grade. Through this process, he hasn't changed. He's been the same person from eighth grade to now. You know, he's always been… He told me to focus on the main thing and that I can do anything.”
Griffin and the 2025 freshman class are expected to be key pieces for the Bulldogs not only as freshmen, but throughout the next three to four years. And it helps that the group has already started forming a bond before arriving on campus.
“JJ Hanne will come and talk.” [a lot]and [me and] Isaiah Gibson, we went to the University of Southern California many years ago from our freshman year to our senior year, and we used to visit and see each other for a long time. [and] Miami visits together, and, you know, we talk all the time,” Griffin said.
While the star defensive tackle is excited to get on the field as soon as possible, Griffin knows he has work to do, starting in the weight room.
“Honestly, my prediction is [from my freshman year]I have high expectations for my physical strength and conditioning from my coach. [Scott] Sinclair,” Griffin said. “It was a lot of learning the playbook, a lot of studying, and a lot of just dialing in and maintaining the key things. [and] I just have tunnel vision. That's what I expect. ”
Griffin, who can fill many roles without depending on the scheme, hopes to follow in the footsteps of a long line of first-round picks to lead the way as the next elite defensive lineman out of Georgia. .
