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Kelsey Griffin
Sophomore defensive tackle
6’2, 307 lbs.
Buford, Ga.
Recruitment:
A consensus 4-star prospect, Griffin was rated the nation's 7th-best defensive tackle in the class of 2013. He sported offers from a host of major programs, including Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, and Southern California. Griffin initially committed to his home state Georgia Bulldogs, but when his commitment was not accepted for his not being nose tackly enough, he opted to take his talents to the Palmetto State. According the the 247 Composite Rankings, Griffin was the rated second-highest of any player in South Carolina's 2013 haul, behind linebacker Larenz Bryant.
College Career:
The coaching staff elected to burn Griffin's redshirt and he rewarded that decision in the early going, logging four tackles in the season opener against North Carolina. He also logged five tackles against Coastal Carolina. However, Griffin did not see playing time in three of the final four games of 2013.
2014 Outlook:
Griffin should be in the thick of the competition for the spot vacated by Kelcy Quarles and yes we may be replacing a DT named Kelcy with a DT named Kelsey. Defensive tackle is among the team's deepest positions, so Griffin will be battling with the likes of veterans Philip Dukes, Gerald Dixon, Jr., Deon Green and heralded JUCO-transfer Abu Lamin for playing time alongside surfire starter JT Surratt.
Trivia:
Should not be confused with Alaskan WNBA player of the same name and height.
Ron Aiken’s game-winning lede:
"To Deke Adams, 'Kelsey Grammar' is more an award-winning television actor, it's also a playful name for his young defensive tackle's penchant for clever turns of phrase."