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College Football’s 5th Quarter: Pre-National Signing Day transfers and scandals

By Justin Dottavio

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Mark Dantonio looks on after defeating the Washington State Cougars 42-17 in the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Mark Dantonio looks on after defeating the Washington State Cougars 42-17 in the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

5. Shaqem Griffin got his invite

The University of Central Florida Knights captain and defensive leader, Shaquem Griffin, got an official invite from the NFL Combine after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. Griffin, who had a hand amputated at four years old, has dominated American Athletic Conference offenses for the past two seasons since his move from defensive back to rush linebacker.

Griffin logged 195 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks and three interceptions over his four-year UCF career. Griffin was named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and now will be NFL Combine bound. His twin brother, Shaquill Griffin, was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks and has had a strong rookie campaign in 2017.

He redshirted when he first arrived in Orlando, FL and was a part of the Fiesta Bowl Championship season with Blake Bortles at quarterback, the 0-12 season during George O’Leary’s final season at UCF, and this season’s undefeated 13-0 season under now-Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Scott Frost. Griffin saw the program fluctuate aggressively over a five year span as a member of the Knights.

The 6-foot-1, 233 pound linebacker was moved to play the edge rusher position when Scott Frost’s staff moved UCF to a 3-4 defense. Griffin projects more as a strong side linebacker in the NFL, covering Tight Ends and playing in the special teams.

NFL Draft guru Dan Kadar even said he sees Griffin as a “special teams ace” which can keep players in the NFL for years longer than their counterparts who cannot play in the kicking game.

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