2025 5-star DL Elijah Griffin’s starting to identify schools he’s interested in

Elijah Griffin is already a name that many college football recruiting fans know. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound junior out of Savannah Christian (Ga.) has 30-plus offers and he is the No. 2 prospect in the 2025 On3 Industry Rankings.

The five-star is heading into his junior season and he knows it is a big time in his recruitment. He is not getting ahead of himself though.

“I am in no rush,” Griffin told On3. “I haven’t set any type of timeline and I am still taking it all in day by day. There are a lot of places I still want to see and I need to take a lot more visits, so I see my recruitment going into next year. I would say it is still early for me.”

Griffin mentioned schools like Oregon, Texas and USC as ones he would like to see at some point in the coming months. Those schools plus many more have been reaching out since Aug. 1.

“It seems like about every school in the country has been in contact with me. It all happened at midnight. I was sleeping and my phone kept going off. At first, it was all overwhelming because so many coaches were calling or texting me. I have tried to respond to all that I can and it has gotten better. It is something that I am getting used to now.”

The process is really going to the next level for Griffin. The No. 1 defensive lineman in the country will get out to games this fall and he will be in regular contact with coaches moving forward. He knows there will be movement on his list as his recruitment comes into focus, but a few schools have solidified themselves as favorites early on.

“Georgia and South Carolina are still up there. I have visited those two schools a lot, both schools have coaches that I am comfortable with and I have had those two on my list from the beginning.

“Clemson is now up there too. I visited for the first time in June and I had a great time with Coach Nick Eason. I still don’t have a true list or anything, but Georgia, South Carolina and Clemson are up there. Alabama is moving up on my list too.”

Clemson made a strong first impression on Griffin

Clemson offered Griffin on May 31, the first day the Tigers extended offers to recruits in the 2025 class. Shortly after, Griffin took his first visit to Death Valley and the ACC program made a strong first impression.

“All offers are blessings, so this one was special too,” Griffin said. “Clemson only offers a small groups, which made this one stand out a lot. The academic program is strong and it has won championships. I really like Coach Eason. He is down to earth, fun to talk to and we had a great time.

“It was just me on campus and some of the coaches were on vacation, but I loved it up there. I was able to look around, talk with Coach Eason and I had a good experience. I could potentially end up there. Coach Dabo Swinney wasn’t there, but I will get back for a game and meet him.”

Griffin already feels at home at Georgia

Georgia was the first school to offer Griffin. The in-state program offered before the five-star started high school. He has visited Athens countless times and the Bulldogs continue to set the pace in his recruitment.

“I can’t even explain what it feels like when I am up at Georgia,” Griffin told On3. “I have been there so many times and the comfort level there is different. The atmosphere is great in Athens, I feel at home each time I am there.

“Coach Tray Scott is a great guy too. He really relates well to my mom and my sister. They love it each time they are up there with him too. Coach Scott talks to me, he talked to my family and he is just a great family guy. He wants guys that have the same mindset as him and we connect on that level.”

South Carolina will be on Griffin’s list until the end

Griffin has visited Georgia the most, but South Carolina is a close second. He has visited Columbia around half a dozen times and the vibe around that campus reminds him of home.

“Columbia is like downtown Savannah for me,” Griffin said. “It is not too big and it just has that similar feel for me. It is like I am back in my hometown when I am at South Carolina.

“The coaches have done a great job too. It was Coach Jimmy Lindsey first, but after he left for LSU, Coach Travian Robertson stepped right in. He is young, he played in the NFL and we have built a quick relationship. I have now met his wife and his boys and we have a good thing going. It is a place I will be back for a game at.”

Alabama is moving up Griffin’s list

Griffin took his first visit to Alabama in the spring. He plans to return early in the fall and the Crimson Tide have made a move for the elite junior.

“Alabama has moved up some for me after my first visit,” Griffin said. “It is a place I can really see myself at now. I like their defense, how they win every year and how they develop players.

“I have been talking with Coach Freddie Roach and he sees as a guy who can play in the 1-tech, 3-tech or 5-tech in their defense. In the scheme they play, I could see myself as that guy. Talking more with Coach Roach and being on campus in the spring showed me a lot about Alabama. I plan to be back for the Texas game.”

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