ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – USA TODAY Sports' preseason All-America teams were announced on Wednesday, and UCF's Shaquem Griffin was among the 50 players across the nation to be honored, garnering second team accolades.
It's one of many preseason honors for the Knights' senior linebacker, who was named the 2016 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a junior. Griffin was also named to four preseason watch lists for national awards prior to the start of fall camp.
One of just six linebackers in all of NCAA FBS to be named to the All-America Team, Griffin led UCF with 20.0 tackles-for-loss and 11.5 sacks in 2016. He ranked 13th in the nation in sacks and 12th in tackles-for-loss.
Griffin becomes the first UCF player to earn preseason All-America honors since Quincy McDuffie received Phil Steele Preseason All-America honors as a kick returner in 2011.
He was joined on the team by American Athletic Conference foes Ed Oliver of Houston and Courtland Sutton of SMU.
PRESEASON HONORS FOR GRIFFIN
- Nominated for Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
- Butkus Award Preseason Watch List
- Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List
- Bednarik Award Preseason Watch List
- Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watch List
RISE AND CONQUER
The second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is just around the corner. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.
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