March 17, 2008

MEMPHIS, TENN. - University of Memphis football coach Tommy West announced today the signing of defensive back D.A. Griffin to a National Letter of Intent for the 2008 season.

Griffin (5-11, 185) joins the Tigers from Itawamba Community College where he lettered two seasons as a wide receiver and kick returner for coach Jeff Terrill. Griffin had his 2007 season cut short when he broke his sternum in the second game of the season versus Co-Lin. He had caught a game-high eight passes for 110 yards before leaving the game. ICC finished the season at 8-2 and advanced to the MACJC playoffs for the fourth straight season. Griffin totaled 15 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown in his first two games.

"We have been talking with D.A. for quite some time and just got him up here for a visit," said West. "He is a great addition to the secondary and I expect him to compete immediately for playing time at the corner position. He was high on our list as a wide receiver and once he got hurt, we came off of him a bit. We decided to go back after him as a defensive back and are excited that he signed with us."

A native of Millbrook, Ala., Griffin played in seven games as a freshman at Itawamba and was in the top 10 nationally in receiving yards. He was named an honorable mention All-American and was an all-state honoree while at ICC. In 2006, he played in seven games and ended the season with 25 receptions for 331 yards and a touchdown.

Griffin prepped at Stanhope Elmore High School where he was a four-year starter as a receiver and defensive back. His squad advanced to the state semifinals twice and he was an all-state and all-metro honoree. Griffin also played baseball at SEHS and helped his squad to a state championship his senior season. He was an all-state pick as an outfielder.

The Tigers will begin spring practice on Tuesday, March 18, at the Murphy Athletic Complex. The squad will have 15 practices and will conclude the spring session with the Blue-Gray Game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on April 12 at noon. The scrimmage is free and open to the public.