Dallas Griffiths

[DELdaBull]

Kids abs have abs. Wow

[Reliable Source]

Like the sound of this guy leading their defense, averaging less than 7 a game, yikes.

Experience leading NFC defense to success

12:58 AM, Oct. 20, 2011  | 

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By Jim Henry

Democrat writer

North Florida Christian senior linebacker Dallas Griffiths doesn't necessarily have to wave his arms and scream to get the attention of teammates. He can be far more subtle, simply making checks and changes by eye contact.

Such is a luxury of experience.

"We are really playing together as a team," Griffiths said. "The chemistry on the front seven is great. I can make checks just by looking at players and they already know."

NFC's defense, which features nine returning starters, has helped set the tone for the undefeated Eagles (6-0). They enter their off week with consecutive shutouts over Florida High (44-0) last Friday and Hawthorne (46-0). NFC allowed double-digit points just once (25-20 win at Wakulla) and has limited opponents to seven points per game.

NFC coach Robert Craft says the unit's stinginess is a reflection of its commitment.

It started during the offseason with strength and conditioning and carried into practice. Players made improvements in areas such as tackling and understand their responsibilities in coordinator Jonathan Mauk's multiple 4-3 scheme. The unit also features more depth, specifically along the line and in the secondary.

"I think the biggest thing that contributes to all this is the maturity of our nine returning players," Craft said.

That group, of course, is headlined by senior safety Travis Blanks, a Clemson commitment. But Blanks, who sat out the Florida High game with a minor hamstring injury, hasn't been a one-man show either.

Griffiths, who has received offers from Maryland, Georgia Tech and South Florida, has been rock steady. Fellow senior linebacker Jay Klees, the nephew of Wakulla coach Scott Klees, had 10 tackles, a sack, forced two fumbles and returned a fumble 49 yards for a touchdown against Florida High. Sophomore Tony Fields has recorded three of his four interceptions in the past two games.

Overall, the unit has forced 16 turnovers.

"Guys are stepping up and making big plays," Klees said. "It's about working hard and getting 11 players to the football on every play. There's nothing more sweet than getting a shutout."

NFC, which travels to DeFuniak Springs on Oct. 28, also understands the importance of maintaining its momentum.

The Eagles are guaranteed a berth in the postseason from two-team District 1-2A after they failed to make the playoffs last year. They meet fellow district member FAMU High on Nov. 4 and close the regular season at home against Jefferson County on Nov. 11.

There's no need to shout either.

"We know what we have and are all working together — our strengths complement our weaknesses," Griffiths said. "I think the sky is the limit with our defense, to be quite honest."

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20111020/SPORTS01/110200323/Experience-leading-NFC-defense-success?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7Cfrontpage%7Cp

[Reliable Source]

Looks like we are no longer pursuing Griffiths who now lists his top 3 as UCF, MD and Liberty(according to Rivals). He was a wrecking crew against AFA today 12 tackles, 1.5 TFL.