Georgia native and top 2026 linebacker is offered by USC football

USC is constantly in the state of Georgia, looking for elite defensive talent. Here is another example.

Xavier Griffin is quickly becoming one of the most heavily recruited defensive players in the Class of 2026.

Gainesville (Georgia) High School four-star linebacker Xavier Griffin has gotten a offer from USC. Griffin ranks as the nation’s No. 7 linebacker and the No. 77 overall prospect for 2026 in the On3 Industry Ranking.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound rising junior has offers from Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State, among others. According to MaxPreps, he had a stellar 2023 season, recording 52 tackles, 20 tackles for losses and 11 sacks.

“He’s such a long kid and has length and got unbelievable speed and closing speed. The thing about it is he’s still got a high ceiling. That’s what is neat about him. He’s a special kid. An unbelievable kid with high character. He works extremely hard as a team player. He’s kind of all business,” said Gainesville High School coach Josh Niblett.

USC linebacker coach Matt Entz would love to be able to develop and teach this prospect, who has a lot of upside by all appearances.

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