ORLANDO, Fla. _ Steve Spurrier _ the new Head Ball Coach of Orlando's new professional team in the Alliance of American Football _ says he doesn't think former UCF star Shaquem Griffin will get cut by the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, but if it happens Spurrier says, Griffin would likely be his team's first draft pick.
Spurrier says the Alliance is scheduled to hold a draft after the NFL makes its cuts in August. Griffin, the former UCF linebacker and a fifth-round draft pick by the Seahawks, has become one of the most inspirational stories in sports. As an amputee who plays with one hand, Griffin's dominant outing against Auburn in the Peach Bowl and his amazing performance at the NFL scouting combine made him one of the most notable stories of the NFL offseason.
When asked on our Open Mike radio show on Monday what would happen if Griffin got cut by the Seahawks, Spurrier did not hesitate.
"He'd be the first player we went after," Spurrier said. "But, to tell you the truth, I don't think he's going to get cut. He's too good a player. If he did, certainly, we would have a spot for him."
Spurrier said he wants to have his fair share of ex-UCF players on Orlando's new team, as well as former Gators, Seminoles and others who played college football in the State of Florida.
"We hope to have several UCF players," Spurrier said. "I'm gonna tell you what, Scott Frost and the attitude those guys played with last year _ you just want some of those guys on your team. Good teammates inspire other teammates. Hopefully, we can get several of those guys and some former Gators, Seminoles, USF Bulls and Miami players. We want our state represented, but we also want to get the best players we can."
Since the Orlando Alliance team will be playing at UCF's Spectrum Stadium, Spurrier says he is also excited about getting to know new UCF coach Josh Heupel. Spurrier, who revolutionized college football offenses back in the 1990s, says he would love to talk offense with Heupel, who is considered one of great young offensive minds in today's college game.
"Josh will do a super job at UCF," Spurrier said. "I look forward to watching some tape with him and getting some of his ideas. I tell you what, they broke all the offensive records at Missouri last year (when Heupel was the offensive coordinator) and I'm personally interested in seeing some of the things that he's doing."
