NEWPORT, R.I. (UCFKnights.com) – What a difference a year makes.
Twelve months ago at American Athletic Conference Football Media Days, you could have asked any of the reporters, coaches and players in attendance and very few -- if any -- would have had any idea who Shaquem Griffin was.
In an informal poll of more than 10 media members, coaches and student-athletes in attendance at this year's event, only one said they had any awareness of Griffin a year ago. East Carolina head coach Scottie Montgomery had heard of him, but admitted it was because he was aware of Shaquem's brother Shaquill and he knew they were twins.
But everyone at this year's media event knew the reigning American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. After a 2016 season that saw Griffin lead the conference and finish 12th in the nation in sacks, it would have been hard for anyone who follows The American not to recognize Shaquem Griffin's talent and ability.
Griffin was among four players representing the Knights at American Athletic Conference Media Days this season, one of the perks of his breakout season from a year ago.
"I'm just blessed," Griffin said." I'm really blessed to be here. Just having an opportunity to come here for my first time in Rhode Island. Words can't really explain how blessed I am to be here. That is awesome."
Everyone connected to American Athletic Conference football now knows the name Shaquem Griffin, including the man charged with running The American.
"He epitomizes what a student-athlete ought to be," Commissioner Mike Aresco said. "But he also epitomizes what this league represents, the grit and determination, overcoming any kind of issue that you have, just saying 'nothing is going to stop me from being the best.' He's an absolutely wonderful young man."
Knowing Griffin's story, learning about his work ethic, determination and drive has left him with many fans around The American and around the nation.
"The other schools in this conference certainly aren't rooting for UCF," UConn radio commentator Joe D'Ambrosio said. "But they are all rooting for Shaquem Griffin."
ESPN.com's Andrea Adelson said her knowledge of Griffin was "zero" a year ago. In addition to knowing exactly who he is now, she even holds him up as an example to her own children.
"I did follow (his story last season)," Adelson said. "In fact, I told my kids about him. I like to find examples of people who have strong perseverance and overcome things. I pointed at him and said 'Don't ever let anyone say you can't, because you always can.'"
Montgomery said his ECU coaching staff identified Griffin as the one player they would have to neutralize when the Pirates hosted UCF last season. But his praise for the Knight senior went far beyond trying to stop him in a game last October.
"The best defensive player we played against," Montgomery said. "That's including some guys who were drafted. There's no question, he was the best player we saw. I don't see it as a situation where he's going to take anything for granted. That's what his edge is, his competitive nature. I've got a lot of respect for that kid, a lot of respect for the way that he plays. But I also love the fact that there isn't one ounce in him that feels sorry for himself. You talk about one kid you'd like to take and have on your football team, he would be the one. Scott (Frost) is extremely blessed to say that he's coached this kid."
Griffin appreciates all the kind words and says he plans to use them as motivation for the upcoming season.
"With praise like that, you've just got to take every blessing and be thankful for it," he said. "I want to be that person, with that platform that people look at and say 'That's a guy I know is going to go hard for his team, his family … I want everybody to know that. When somebody says I can't do something … like I've always said, we just get it done."
Griffin and his teammates begin camp in preparation for the 2017 season on July 27.
