DeBoer Compares 2026 LB Signee to Jihaad Campbell

On Wednesday, the Alabama Crimson Tide signed the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 recruiting class, with five-star Alabama native Xavier Griffin signing with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

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Kalen DeBoer's first question during his Wednesday press conference for Early National Signing Day was about Griffin, who plays in Gainesville, Georgia, but will return to the state of Alabama for his collegiate career.

"X [Xavier Griffin] is a guy who's a flex guy. I really see him as like a Johaad Campbell," DeBoer said on Wednesday afternoon. "He's got some length, and he's gonna out on some good weight, and be versatile enough to go play on the edge and not have to necessarily sub in when you want to put him in spots to go get after the quarterback. Can't wait to have our defensive staff get their hands on him, and let him go to work."

During his three seasons in Tuscaloosa, former Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell totaled 186 tackles, 5.5 sacks, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. If Griffin can play to a similar level as the Philadelphia Eagles' first-rounder, Crimson Tide fans will be ecstatic to watch him on Saturdays in the fall.

Griffin is also teammates with four-star defensive line signee Jamarion Matthews.

Alabama signed 20 players on early signing day for the 2026 recruiting class.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.