UC Bearcats Recruiting: Alabama DE Griffin Riggs Commits To Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Bearcats have added Auburn, Alabama defensive end recruit Griffin Riggs to their 2015 class. Tim Adams at Bearcat Journal was the first to report the commitment. Riggs is the 14th commitment in Cincinnati’s already AAC-leading recruiting class. The defensive end hails from Alabama and if there’s anything we’ve learned about Tommy Tuberville’s staff it’s that they’ll hit the grounds they know best. Sure, everyone recruits Georgia and Florida (UC absolutely included) but this regime seems to hit the states in the deep south and mid-Atlantic more than any other prior set of coaches. The former is the case especially with this commitment from Griffin Riggs, who posted 22 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 8 quarterback hurries as a junior playing a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker role for Auburn.

OVERVIEW

Position: Defensive End, Outside Linebacker
Hometown: Auburn, AL
High School: Auburn
Height, Weight: 6’3″, 222 lbs
Offers: Arkansas State, Southern Miss, Appalachian State, South Alabama
Composite Rating: *** – 82
247 Sports Rating: –
ESPN Rating: –
Rivals Rating: ** – 5.4
Scout Rating: ***

ANALYSIS

Hudl highlights from his junior year

Tommy Tuberville and his staff promised that they were going to add speed to Cincinnati’s defense so it comes as no surprise that they extended an offer to Griffin Riggs. He plays both defensive end and outside linebacker for the Trojans so he can utilize his natural speed. Riggs is quick off the snap and, while it would do him well to keep his shoulder pads level to the ground for a second longer, the pass rusher accelerates to his top speed quickly. I’m also impressed with how he holds his own at the line of scrimmage. Despite lining up on the inside and facing larger, slower moving guards, Riggs does a nice job standing them up and holding his ground. He appears to have above average strength and the solid use of his hands to slice away the arms of offensive linemen to get off blocks helps. Riggs also displays a relentless pursuit, using those strong hands to corral the ball carrier.

OUTLOOK

Riggs is an excellent prospect for a future 3rd and long pass rusher, used in a similar manner as Brandon Mills was for years. I’m really intrigued by his unique blend of size, strength, and especially speed. If he uses a redshirt year to bulk up even by 10-15 lbs, Riggs could be a dangerous threat off the edge in obvious passing downs. Another option is moving him to outside linebacker and send him on blitzes. He has the speed to run with tight ends or runningbacks slipping out of the backfield but mentally it’s a completely different game. If Cincinnati’s coaches think he can adapt to learning coverage schemes, linebacker might just be the home for Riggs at UC.

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