Griffen star of stars
There were many stars at USC's Rising Camp who shined bright and perhaps the player whose star shined brightest was five-star defensive end Everson Griffen (6-4, 264, 4.63) from Avondale (Ariz.) Agua Fria.
Griffen is an athlete of a freakish nature. There aren't many on any level that have the size and speed combination that Griffen possesses. He has been timed in the 40 in a sub 4.5 hand held and a sub 4.6 electronically.
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This guy is so special an athlete that he needs a nickname. How about "Super Freak" and whenever the talented Griffen makes a play the band or the loud speaker will blast the late great Rick James' classic R&B tune Super Freak.
"Super Freak" was as impressed with USC at their camp as he was impressive.
"It was a lot of fun," Griffen said. "I liked all the coaches. It's off the chain.
"The coaches give 110 per cent. They are always moving, hyper and ready to go.
"You can't be tired around those guys (USC's coaches). If you get tired around them (the coaches) then they are going to run you off the field."
"I loved everything about USC," Griffen said. "The coaches, the way they handled practice and the campus.
"The only reason that I didn't commit is because I want to take my time. I want to look at other schools. I was tempted to but I didn't commit.
"I still interested in UCLA, Arizona, ASU, and Oregon, mostly Pac 10 schools."
"I want to take visits to see what school is the best fit for me," Everson said. "Then I will commit from there."
As a junior, Griffen led his team in rushing with 794 yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns. He also had 12 receptions for 188 yards and one touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, Griffen racked up 47 tackles, five sacks and three recovered fumbles while attracting a lot of attention from opposing offenses.
Griffen earned first-team all-region as a junior.
"Super Freak also threw the shot and discus. His best shot put is 56.6 and best heave of the discus with 168-feet. What makes his accomplishments even the more impressive is this is Griffen's first year partaking in track.
Griffen is a Super Freak in the weight room, too with a 405-bench. He also has a D-I like squat of 530-pounds and has recorded a 29-inch vertical.