University of Central Florida Knights linebacker Shaquem Griffin celebrates after the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl NCAA football game on January 1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. File photo by David Tulis/UPI |
License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin impressed viewers and scouts Saturday by benching 225 pounds 20 times at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Griffin, 22, is listed at 6-foot, 227 pounds. He was the 2016 American Atheltic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Griffin had 92 combined tackles, 11.5 sacks, seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception in 2016. He had 74 tackles, seven sacks, three passes defensed, two fumble receoveries, two forced fumbles, an interception and a touchdown in 2017.
He lost his left hand at age 4, due to a prenatal condition.
"Just starting it off I could feel the energy from everybody," Griffin told NFL Network after pulling off the accomplishment Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. "My adrenaline was going through the roof and I didn't feel like I needed to stop, so as soon as I heard 16, I was like 'oh yeah, I'm going for 20.' I changed my whole facial expression, like 'oh yeah I'm going to grind this out.' It felt amazing to reach that goal."
Griffin doesn't use the prosthetic limb when he plays football. He is the twin brother of Seattle Seahawks defensive back Shaquill Griffin.
"It's amazing because obviously a lot of people didn't think I was going to be able to do the bench press," he told NFL Network.
Griffin also wrote an article on Friday for The Players' Tribune titled: A Letter to NFL GMs.
"I know there are some scouts and coaches -- and even some of you GMs out there -- who are probably doubting me, and that's O.K. I get it. I only have one hand, and because of that, there have always been people who have questioned whether or not I could play this game," Griffin wrote.
"If you're one of those GMs who believes that I can play in the NFL, I just want to say thank you. I appreciate you, and I'm excited for the opportunity to play for you and prove you right."
"And if one you're of those who is doubting me ... well, I want to thank you, too. Because you're what keeps me motivated every day to work hard and play even harder."
"Back when I was eight years old, I played because I loved the game. I still do. But now, I also play because I believe it's my purpose. I know that it won't come easy. Nothing comes easy. But I will fulfill that purpose. I have no doubt."
The linebacker is expected to go in the middle to late rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft.
