No. 1 DL Elijah Griffin commits to Georgia: 'It has always had a special spot in my heart'

Pooler (Ga.) Savannah Christian Five-Star+ Plus defensive lineman Elijah Griffin has committed to Georgia over Miami and USC. The No. 5 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking was offered by Kirby Smart in September of his 8th grade year and that played into this decision.

“Georgia took a chance on me as a 13 year old,” Griffin told On3. “They could have waited longer or they could have never even offered me, but offering me that early changed me. It pushed me to work harder, to stay focused and to make sure I am involved with the right crowd.

“That first offer from Georgia did a lot for me. I can really say Georgia changed things for me. Being able to stay home, go to Georgia and play for a program that took a chance on me first means a lot. Georgia has always had a special spot in my heart.”

Miami was a contender. USC had Griffin on campus for an official visit as well. He had interest in the Hurricanes and Trojans, but the SEC program in Athens is just different.

“There is something very distinctive about Georgia and I could never let go. How they treat me. the way they showed love to my family. What they have done since offered me and staying with me. There is a different standard in that building and that is what makes Georgia different. Georgia is a program like no other and I want to be a part of that.”

Tray Scott and Griffin have a different type of relationship

Griffin has visited Georgia well over a dozen times. It may be close to 20. The people in Athens played a big role in his decision and it starts with defensive like coach Tray Scott.

“Me and coach Scott have a different relationship,” Griffin said. “I have known him for over five years, I have worked with him at camp and I have really gotten to know him. He knows my family, I know his and he is the right coach for me. He can make me better as a man and as a player.

“Coach Scott is a great person and what he has done in his time at Georgia, nobody can say they have done more. He has coached first defensive linemen that got drafted in the first round and that speaks volumes.”

Griffin wants to be part of the Georgia program

Kirby Smart has won a couple of National Championships at Georgia, he sends players to the NFL Draft every year and he is all about competing and never being complacent. Griffin wants to be part of that program.

“There is a certain level of perfection at Georgia,” Griffin said. “Their consistency, their drive for excellence and the way they work makes Georgia different. Georgia has a different standard and that is how they separate themselves from everyone else in college football.”

Smart is known for his competitive drive and his intensity as a coach. Griffin welcomes that from the staff in Athens.

“The atmosphere is not for everybody, it is the one for. I want to get yelled at, I want to be pushed to my limits and I want to get cursed at during the drills. I truly believe Georgia can get the most out of me. They can make me the best I can be. I want to play this game at the highest level and I believe Georgia can help me get there.”

There is more than just football that draws Griffin to Athens. The people and the education pushed the Bulldogs to the top.

“It is the home for me at Georgia. The coaching staff is like family. I feel great around the players. I kept going back to Georgia, bringing family, seeing the staff in action, being around the people and I felt loved. That is why I want to be a part of it.

“Then they have the No. 1 Business program in America. I want to study business management and Georgia offers me a great opportunity.

“Overall, it is just home. It is the perfect fit for me.”