Christian Prep Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman Elijah Griffin is currently uncommitted, despite predictions that he will choose to stay close to home, opting with the Georgia Bulldogs. But Griffin is keeping his options open. He recently scheduled an official visit for June 21st with USC Football.
While he is entertaining other schools other than UGA, Griffin seems to have narrowed his search to these two schools and Miami, which he will visit on June 7th. He also has an unofficial visit scheduled with Georgia for June 14th.
But more visits may be scheduled, given his status as the fourth-best recruit in the nation. Clemson is another school he has expressed definitive interest in visiting.
USC Football DL Coach Credited With Recruiting Elijah Griffin
USC extended a scholarship offer in August of 2023, but it wasn’t until USC defensive line coach Eric Henderson was hired that Griffin started taking USC football seriously.
“(Henderson) was the first one from USC to reach out and make that first impression on me,” Griffin told WeAreSC in May. “You know, coming down to the school and then talking to me, talking to my mom and building that relationship. Before Coach Henny came by, I wasn’t really looking at USC.”
Griffin also described what made Coach Henny, not just a good recruiter, but also a world-class defensive line coach.
“It is completely different,” said Griffin. “The way he actually dials in on a specific player’s needs, because everybody’s different. Some person might not understand visually. They might understand in another way being demonstrated or whatnot. You know, just getting to know the way guys think and how each individual operates.”
Henderson was hired by USC on January 15th of this year.
The 6’3″ 270 lbs junior is rated as the top defensive lineman in his class by ESPN, 247 Sports, and On3. Last season, he racked up 97 tackles, 31 for loss including 17.5 sacks in 14 games.
