Latest news with #WillGriffin


USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
A glimpse at Florida football's blue-chip quarterback ahead of 2025 Elite 11 Finals
A glimpse at Florida football's blue-chip quarterback ahead of 2025 Elite 11 Finals The 2025 edition of the Elite 11 Finals — a showcase of 20 soon-to-be high school senior quarterbacks who travel to Los Angeles for three days of competition against other top quarterback talents — kicks off on Tuesday, and the list of participants includes one of Florida football's top-rated prep prospects. Quarterback Will Griffin, a four-star gunslinger out of Tampa (Florida) Jesuit, is one of three Sunshine State products included in the event as well as one of a trio of recruits committed to a Southeastern Conference school. 247Sports' Andrew Ivins provides a quick breakdown of the Gators' future under center ahead of the Elite 11 Finals start. "Enters senior year with 46 varsity starts under his belt, making him one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the class. Built like Tim Tebow, but wants to win more times than not with his arm. Finished regional on a high note as he was lights out in the red zone." Ivins notes that Griffin reminds him most of former Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Hunter Dekkers, who played college from 2020 to 2022 in Ames and signed with the New Orleans Saints after college as an undrafted free agent. 2025 Elite 11 finalists by state California - 3 Texas - 3 Florida - 3 Ohio - 1 Nebraska -1 Indiana - 1 Georgia - 1 Utah - 1 New Jersey - 1 North Carolina - 1 Arizona - 1 Tennessee - 1 2025 Elite 11 finalists by conference committed ACC - 5 SEC - 3 Big Ten - 3 Big 12 - 3 Elite 11 History 16 of the last 17 QBs to win the Heisman Trophy attended Elite 11 finals or regionals The last three Heisman Trophy-winning QBs were Elite 11 finalists Twelve of the last 13 QBs to go No. 1 overall in NFL draft attended Elite 11 finals or regionals Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florida QB Commit Sends Strong Message to Top Recruits on Visit
Florida QB Commit Sends Strong Message to Top Recruits on Visit originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Florida QB commit Will Griffin spoke during the Gators' official visit weekend. He kept it brief while making sure that his message was clear. Standing in front of the group, he introduced himself and shared a bit about his background. Advertisement Griffin explained how he had a special connection with the place. That connection played a significant role in his early commitment. He made sure the recruits knew why this place mattered to him. Florida Gators head coach Billy NapierMatt Pendleton / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Griffin said, 'It's been a dream to play here, and hopefully we can make that happen.' Griffin let everyone know he was the first to commit. He's been locked in with Florida for over a year. His message was clear. He spoke to the recruits who might still be deciding. No pressure, just a nudge to join him. 'This is the last OV, the most special one, so don't be afraid to commit,' he said. Recruiting reporter Corey Bender shared the moment on social media. Griffin stood in front of the crowd and spoke directly to the recruits. His short speech ended with a simple 'Go Gators'. The setting allowed Griffin to demonstrate his standing within the program. Advertisement Florida is in a critical phase of its recruiting cycle. The staff is looking to lock in commitments, and moments like this help. Getting current commits involved adds a personal touch. Griffin's message wasn't long, but it made the point. He's all in. And he's hoping others in the room will follow his lead. Related: Alabama's Blake Sims Answers QB Concerns With Huge Game Against Florida Related: College Football World Praying For Florida State QB Jordan Travis After Gruesome Injury Related: Elite QB, Former Florida State Commit Reveals Top Four Schools This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.