The recruiting dead period has concluded, prompting one of the nation’s premier players to narrow down his list of preferred schools.
Elijah Griffin, a standout defensive lineman from Savannah (Ga.) Christian Prep, recently trimmed his list to 12 schools, with Oregon securing a spot among his top choices. Joining the Ducks on his list are prominent programs such as Georgia, Colorado, Louisville, Miami, Florida, Clemson, LSU, South Carolina, USC, Duke, and Alabama. This reduction in options followed Griffin’s initial consideration of 34 reported scholarship offers.
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Standing at an imposing 6’5″ and weighing 285 pounds, Griffin is highly regarded as a five-star recruit by the 247Sports Composite, boasting an impressive rating of 0.9989. According to the same system, he ranks as the third-best player nationally, the top defensive lineman, and the premier recruit in Georgia.
While Georgia’s Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs may hold an early advantage in securing Griffin’s commitment, as indicated by a crystal ball prediction from 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong, other contenders have emerged. Griffin embarked on visits to Florida, Georgia, and Clemson in January, showcasing his interest in exploring various options.
Oregon, known for its recent success in recruiting top defensive line talent, boasts a formidable class highlighted by previous signees Elijah Rushing, Aydin Breland, and Jericho Johnson, all recognized as All-American prospects. As the recruiting process unfolds, the Ducks, under the leadership of Dan Lanning, will aim to entice Griffin to Eugene for a visit during the critical spring period, which often plays a pivotal role in recruitments.
Additionally, Oregon’s 2025 recruiting class shows promise with notable additions such as four-star wide receivers Dallas Wilson and Adrian Wilson, quarterback Akili Smith Jr., edge rusher Matthew Johnson, and offensive lineman Chavez “Sandman” Thompson, further solidifying the program’s future prospects.
