sigil: noun. an inscribed or painted symbol considered to have magical power.
I know what you’re thinking, “why are you writing about a former collegiate athlete on a site that is all about everything current about the NCAA?” I feel though, as this piece is long overdue to someone that is getting a lot of national attention at the moment, but should’ve been getting it a long time ago.
Going into his freshman year, Shaquem Griffin was rated as a three-star linebacker and had multiple offers to plenty of Division 1 schools. That isn’t very out of the ordinary for a guy with good athleticism, strength and coverage ability. But, he reached this ranking and this skill level with only ONE hand. To most, this is very heartwarming, and very nice to see someone overcome such a difficult obstacle. To me however, and the many like me out in the world, we look at him as an object of hope, as a source of inspiration. In my case, I have a thing called Poland Syndrome: I have a short arm that doesn’t do a whole lot.
Shaquem showed off his skills this past year when he helped cap a perfect season for the UCF Golden Knights when they beat Auburn in the Peach Bowl. As the game ended, and they announced that he was the MVP of the game, the beam of hope and desire that shone over the nation, provided by him, was one that could not be denied.
This is the type of player that the NCAA needs more of. This is the type of player we need athletes to be, humble, driven, and a role model for all. Hopefully we will have more like Shaquem Griffin coming through the ranks shortly. But until then, look to his dominant senior year, his record-setting combine, and his hopefully powerful NFL career for all the hope you need.