Mountain Brook's Clark Griffin: Spartan Headed To The Capstone

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — No high school in Alabama has more athletic state championships than Mountain Brook, so to say that MBHS has its share of great athletes is an understatement. But few football players, if any, have been more decorated during Mountain Brook's program history than Clark Griffin.

Griffin, a linebacker on the Spartans' stingy defense, has amassed an impressive trophy case during his Mountain Brook career. He is a two-time first team All-State selection, a two-time 7A Defensive Player of the Year winner, a three-time All-Metro selection and was recently awarded the Monday Morning Quarterback Club's Lineman of the Year.

Griffin finished his high school career with 335 total tackles, leading all of Class 7A in tackles during his senior season. While he had the opportunity to play college football at some smaller schools on scholarship, Griffin chose to accept a Preferred Walk-on offer from the University of Alabama.

Patch caught up with Griffin to discuss his football career thus far and where he goes from here:

You grew up playing multiple sports, how did you decide to focus on football?

I grew up watching football and ever since I was 4 or 5 I knew I wanted to play football and I knew football was going to be my sport. Since 3rd grade first game with real pads I kinda knew that this was it.

You have recently accepted a Preferred Walk On offer from Alabama. I know you received scholarship offers from other schools, so what played into your decision to turn down a scholarship and walk on at Alabama?

Everything Alabama had to offer, I felt like I could go in and excel and I could really become the best version of myself and have a chance to compete for a national championship every year.

What has been your primary source of motivation in your football career?

Just having that competitive nature in me that I’ve had ever since I was young and hating to lose and the fear of being average has really pushed me and motivated me throughout my career.

What do you plan to major in at Alabama?

Business

What is your favorite memory from your high school football career?

I don’t have one specific memory just being with my best friends everyday playing the sport I’ve been passionate about my whole life. But if I had to choose one it would be the Hewitt game my junior year picking off one of me and my brother's childhood best friends, and winning 20-17 — also being on the field with my older brother for two years is something that I will never forget.