Miami was disappointed on national signing day when multiple targets decided to play for other programs. The Hurricanes had made up for the effort by signing a pair of ESPN 300 recruits in the past week. The latest was ESPN 150 tight end Derrick Griffin (Rosenberg, Texas/Terry) .
Griffin was the top recruit still available and ranked as the 33rd overall prospect by ESPN RecruitingNation. He immediately becomes the crown jewel of Miami's class this year -- if he makes it to campus. Griffin may not play for Miami this season.
"From what I'm hearing, newly-signed recruit Derrick Griffin will have an uphill battle qualifying academically at UM," Jorge Milian of the Palm Beach Post tweeted.
Mike Farrell of Rivals.com added, "Sign and place I think, big-time potential though."
Griffin may have to spend a year at a prep school in order to improve his grades. Although, it isn't a foregone conclusion Griffin won't qualify for Miami this year:
Sam Khan Jr.
Derrick Griffin commits to Miami
"There have long been concerns over Griffin's ability to academically qualify, but Griffin has been working diligently this year at improving in the classroom and made the A-B honor roll at Terry in the fall semester.
He recently took the ACT, and McGowan said Griffin will take it up to four more times. In the meantime, he'll continue to work to raise his grade point average to improve his chances to qualify through the NCAA clearinghouse."
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