This Guy Plays Notre Dame Football: #3 Houston Griffith

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a roster full of players, and we want to talk about all of them. One Foot Down’s player profile series will take a look at every single one of them, and hopefully we all learn a little bit more about these guys, and Notre Dame’s chances for the upcoming 2018 season.

#3 Houston Griffith

Next up on the list is 4 Star Early Enrollee, Freshman DB, Houston Griffith. He is slated to be a guy who can have an immediate impact, which you can pick up after watching 1 play from his highlight tape. He has incredible reaction speed when breaking on the ball and coming downhill on a tackle, particularly hitch routes. He started off as a corner, but due to “opportunity” at Safety, was quickly moved during Spring Practice.

Griffith has a knack for making plays on the football, something that the safeties desperately lacked a season ago. Unlike many freshman, he has the body size to immediately compete for a starting spot heading into fall camp. Kelly and the other coaches praised his football IQ and his ability to quickly adapt to his position change in the Spring. Needless to say, this is a name you want to remember heading into 2018.

3 Things To Know About Houston Griffith

1. Griffith originally played at Chicago Catholic League powerhouse Mt Carmel, whose notable alumni include Donovan Mcnabb, Simeon Rice, and Jordan Lynch amongst others.
2. After his Sophomore season Griffith transferred to the renowned IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, hometown of former state gymnastics champion and current wife of mine, Annie.
3. His Father, Howard Griffith, played Running Back at University of Illinois (where he once had 8 TDs in a game) and 10 year career in the NFL.

Youtube Hot Fire

*Watch his footwork as he breaks on the ball and attacks the defender, eerily similar to how Julian Love breaks (bonus fire below)

*Bonus Fire of Love breaking on a ball

Country, Condiment, Or Canon

Identifying the player as either a country, condiment, or member of the Star Wars Canon.

Though very difficult not drop a Star Wars reference, I have come to the conclusion that Houston Griffith is like Sriracha (pronounced SIR-AH-CHAH). Last year, Notre Dame’s safety play was more like white rice, plain broth, unseasoned chicken breast.....you get it....boring. It was not bad by any means, but no one made plays, instead, they let the game come to them.

Griffith will bring a swag (and spice) as a ball hawk and a playmaker that will elevate everyone’s play around him. Fear of losing a spot and increased competition (especially with Alohi Gilman eligible) will bring out the best in this unit this year. Like Sriracha, he will bring delicious flavor and enhance a formerly boring and bland dish.

2018 Outlook

Houston will immediately find himself playing in many if not all of the special teams units. He also may serve as a primary backup at Safety at the conclusion of fall camp. Ideally he will fill in and get some solid playing time early in the season, particularly in games like Ball State.

Barring any injuries or just outright poor safety play, he could see himself thrust into a starting role, but I do not anticipate that happening week 1. This is a guy who has the physical and mental tools to be a dominant safety for the Irish for years to come. Keep an eye out for this playmaker to bring some much needed spice to the secondary this fall (enough with the puns).