CKD has lost just 2 games at Alabama when the offense produced 21 points

True.
I do believe that he does emphasize all 3 phases and playing “complimentary football” more than most offensive minded coaches. He’s certainly not a Lincoln-Riley type that essentially ignores defense and special teams.

My big concern on offense is that we’re purely a younger roster on offense but also you can sorta presage many of the older OL players are likely to be depth. And FCS center may be the only OL starter with more than 2 years of experience. In fact, that is sorta why I suspect that guy is a shoo-in to be the center as long as he isn’t a Williamson type (basketball reference) projection bust from lower level ball.

Someone said he regressed

I hope he wins the job for sure

How do you know that he weighs 205 ? That was probably his weight at a camp this past summer. He’s in the program, going through workouts and will be more bulked up by time the season starts.

He was recruited as an off-ball LB. His Rivals comp is Jihad Cambell (I think Xavier has more lateral speed imo). I think he will play the weak-side position that Justin Jefferson played. However, I would not rule out playing in the middle.

I’ve seen his weight listed anywhere from 198-211lbs….Justin Jefferson played legitimately (not his listed/roster weight) at 210lbs. The one verified measurement that doesn’t fluctuate is is Griffin’s 6’3 height.
We are able to put 15-20lbs of “good weight”/muscle on kids with a good frame at the D-2 level. Duke Johnson was able to put on 20+ lbs this past season at Alabama.

Griffin’s lateral speed is freakish and he’s very physical. His film reminds me more of CJ Mosely than Jihaad Cambell at this stage.

Look at the list of True Freshmam LBs that started under CNS:
- Rolando McClain
- Donte Hightower
- Reggie Ragland
- CJ Mosely
- Christian Harris (played Cornerback as a Senior at University Lab (1A) in Baton Rouge
- Trey Depriest (injury wrecked his career)
- Dylan Moses (same)
- Rashaad Evans
Many others who played a lot as well:
- Jihaad Campbell (rotated with Trez Marshal/was start in Semi-Final game vs Michigan)
- Reuben Foster (making the calls was the only reason he didn’t start day 1)

I’m sure I’m forgetting several others.

Yes, to your question about rushing the passer. He can certainly put his hand down as an Edge rusher in obvious passing D&D like Hightower and Rashaad Evans. Also, Jihad Cambell was used in that role in passing situations under CKW.
However, he will make his millions (NFL not just NIL) playing in the middle.

The staff feels confident with what they have on the roster at the LB position group, or they would have over-hauled it like they did the Dline.

I really like QB Reese, and I think he is a very violent player that uses his hands to block-protect and get off of blocks as well. I think Woodson (Va Tech transfer) and Reese will battle for 1 of the 2 spots, and Griffin will play the other.

Make no mistake, Griffin is a freak, and he didn’t come here as the #1 LB in the country to wait his turn.
He will rank high up on that list of TF LB’s I listed above that started under CNS by the end of his career at Alabama. Enjoy

I tend to agree that Russell is probably going to be the choice if Mack isn't clearly ahead in the Fall camp.

I hope we can keep Mack around if he's not the winner out of camp.

I suppose he's already used his redshirt, so there is nothing for Mack to gain. Yeah, that's probably why they went ahead and secured him into a meaningful contract.

I am a big fan of Griffin. He’s a heat seeking missile. I don’t think that he will start at inside linebacker this season. He will be an instant impact player on special teams though. There is a reasonable chance that he could work his way into the rotation as a situational pass rusher as the season progresses. Which is the same path that Jihaad Campbell took in 2022 as a true freshman.