It’s official. Alcovy senior standout defensive lineman Tim Griffin is now a Cincinnati Bearcat.

Griffin, who originally committed to Cincinnati two weeks ago during a commitment ceremony, officially put pen to paper on early national signing day on Dec. 4. He signed his national letter of intent (NLI) surrounded by family, coaches, teammates and friends.

The senior standout said putting pen to paper was a surreal moment for him.

“[It’s] great to make it very official,” Griffin said. “It just feels amazing. I’m truly blessed.”

Despite starting football in sophomore season, and moving to the defensive side of the ball his junior year, Griffin quickly stood out on the gridiron with his 6’5 frame and elusive speed. He drew the attention of several Division I schools, picking Cincinnati out of his top 4 over Ole Miss, Florida State and Alabama. 

The three-star recruit is one of 19 who signed their NLI during early national signing day. Joining him at Cincinnati is Newton running back Zion Johnson, who rushed for over 2,000 yards and is the Rams’ all-time leading rusher.

Griffin will be early-enrolling, becoming one of a select few to ever graduate early from Newton County Schools. He said that he is looking forward to starting his collegiate journey in January.

“[I’m] looking for hard work and the cold it’s gonna be a different atmosphere,” Griffin said. “It’s a little chilly down here now but that snow is a different beast.”

Outside of the gridiron, Griffin said he is looking forward to making the move up north. He intends on studying nursing, like his mother Lawanna, and to make memories he will never forget.

“The atmosphere,” Griffin said when asked what he’s most excited about. “Just being in the college atmosphere, building those bonds and starting a family up there.”