The annual 2025 Under Armour All-American Game took place on Thursday in Deland, where six future Florida football players competed in one of the nation’s premiere high school all-star events. Among those competing was four-star quarterback commit [autotag]Will Griffin[/autotag], who made his mark in limited action.
The junior out of Tampa (Florida) Jesuit in the 2026 cycle finished 11-for-22 passing for 82 yards in the game. Griffin got into the action after Alabama Crimson Tide commit Keelon Russell suffered an injury in the second half, helping Team Icon defeat Team Unstoppable, 31-19.
“Playing QB in an all-star game with only limited practice windows isn’t easy. But Griffin, one of the juniors chosen to play in this event, did some good things,” Gators Online’s Keith Niebuhr begins in his game summary.
“For one thing, he was patient in the pocket for the most part despite not always having time to throw and made a few nice passes downfield — one to (Gators wide receiver signee Vernell) Brown. Often, he smartly threw to the shorter routes.
“He took a lot of hits but to his credit didn’t get rattled. Griffin’s throws generally lacked the velocity you saw from five-star Alabama signee Keelon Russell, so that’s a good measuring stick for him and something he can work on moving forward,” he concludes.
Griffin’s commitment to Florida
The blue-chip passer gave his word to the Orange and Blue last June and it appears that he is all in at the University of Florida.
“I just love Coach Napier and Coach O’Hara,” Griffin told Swamp247. “It’s always been a dream school of mine. A lot of my family members went there, I’ve been to numerous, numerous games, and I just love the atmosphere. I love the Swamp — especially for a night game. Love the fans. I really love (the staff) and they really love me. So it’s perfect. I’m a Gator and that’s how it’s going to be.”
Griffin is particularly enamored with Florida’s current skipper, who has seen some tough times on the field and in the media during his tenure with the team, but still manages to show up for his players and recruits.
“Coach Napier is awesome. He pours everything he possibly can into those guys. They all believed in him from the beginning. I did when I committed, I said this is where I want to be, I believe in you.
“Like I said, there’s going to be up and downs in every season, every team, I don’t care who you are. Especially in the SEC. We finished out strong, that’s what matters, and everyone still believes in him.”
Taking on leadership role with Gators
Ahead of his final season at the prep level, he has accrued 9,765 yards through the air and 106 passing touchdowns over the course of his high school career. With great performance comes great responsibility.
“I’ve always been the guy where, I’m young, and I’m the quarterback. I’ve always had people tell me, even though you’re young, you have to step up and be a leader this year,” Griffin told Swamp247. “I really have to fulfill that role now, especially being a senior (this fall).
“So I think the biggest thing for guys in high school is the brotherhood and the leadership. So I need to up my leadership standpoint on the field and off the field. Those things matter, like body language. All of those things are contagious. If guys see someone doing the little things right, and then the big things right, that’s someone they want to follow. You have to set an example.”
Griffin to Brown connection
Speaking of [autotag]Vernell Brown III[/autotag], Florida’s incoming four-star legacy wide receiver, the two have a connection that stretches back to middle school and continues into this year’s Under Armour game — and hopefully into the future as well.
“When Will committed, I looked at his film, and he’s a pretty good player,” Brown III told Swamp247. “I actually knew Will when I was younger in middle school. He was my quarterback for a very short period of time.
“Will’s a good player, and I’m excited to have him. I haven’t looked much into the 2026 class, obviously because I am trying to get (to Gainesville) and get situated. Definitely know Will, definitely saw his film, and know he’s a good player.”
Recruiting Summary
Griffin is ranked No. 151 overall and No. 11 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at Nos. 142 and 11, respectively.
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