Perhaps the most highly anticipated draft pick of the 2018 National Football League Draft was announced early Saturday afternoon, as linebacker Shaquem Griffin was selected in the fifth round.
The Seattle Seahawks drafted the former UCF Knights standout with the fourth pick of the round, the 141st-overall pick, reuniting him with his twin brother, defensive back Shaquill Griffin.
“I would wait all over again to have that opportunity to be back with my brother,” Griffin said, per ESPN. “For everyone who was picked in front of me, for everyone who doubted me, they’re really gonna feel who I am. I’m not going to let no price or no pick define who I am.”
Shaquem, who plays with one hand because of a birth defect, has had his story well-documented throughout the draft process.
At UCF, he joined the team as a defensive back under then-head coach George O’Leary. He later made the transition to linebacker in 2016 under former head coach Scott Frost and was named the 2016 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
About time
— Scott Frost (@coach_frost) April 28, 2018
In 2016, Griffin recorded 92 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, an interception and a conference-high 11.5 sacks.
Shaquem joins three other Knights who have already been drafted this year.
Cornerback Mike Hughes became the Knights’ first-ever defensive player to be drafted in the first round, as the Minnesota Vikings snagged him with the 30th-overall pick. Two rounds later, the New Orleans Saints drafted wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith with the 91st-overall pick, and the Houston Texans selected tight end Jordan Akins with the 98th-overall pick.
UCF’s four draftees, so far, in 2018 ties a program history for most players selected in a single draft. In 2003, the Knights produced a fifth-rounder, two seventh-rounders and third-round pick Asante Samuel.
For more on the Knights, as they begin their NFL careers, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
