The Falcons have a rich history of linebackers. Mr. Falcon, Tommy Nobis, and Jesse Tuggle are probably the two most notable, but I grew up on Keith Brooking throughout the Michael Vick era.
Brooking was drafted in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft and spent the next 11 seasons in Atlanta, where he earned Pro Bowl honors five straight years, twice earning All-Pro honors, and leading the league in tackles in 2003.
There are very few linebackers in the state that can compare. He’s not only a Falcons legend, but he’s a Georgia legend, attending East Cowetta and Georgia Tech. His impact on the state cannot be overstated, and Brooking isn’t done.
He’s on the coaching staff at Savannah Christian, grooming what could be the next star defender to come out of the Peach State. Elijiah Griffin is a five-star recruit who is on campus in Athens and has a chance to not only play as a true freshman but become a star in Kirby Smart’s defense for the Georgia Bulldogs.
“I mean, just a freak of nature physically,” Brooking told Steak Shapiro and Rusty Mansell on 92.9 The Game, via DawgsHQ. He has all the tangibles. No doubt about it. There’s really not a weakness in his game. He’s explosive and changes direction. I mean, like, he’s beyond his years.”
“I mean, and it’s kind of a big need for Georgia, too, from what I’ve gathered, that interior defensive line,” Brooking continued. “I’ll be absolutely shocked if he doesn’t play as a freshman. Not only that, man, just has all the talent and ability in the world. I mean, he’s a top defensive lineman in his class but he’s just a great kid, you know, with good grades, and very coachable. I was with him daily, and a leader of our team, and just did things the right way. You know Kirby, man. He’ll get the best out of him. He’s at a place where Kirby’s gonna maximize his ability in every way. I think it’s a great fit and just a good kid, and we’re pulling for him for sure.”
The defensive line at Georgia has become a launching pad for stars going to the NFL. Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, and Devonte Wyatt went in 2022, but the best defensive lineman to come out of Athens recently is Jalen Carter, who is already one of the best interior defenders in the NFL.
That’s ironic too because during the Georgia Bulldogs pro day, Warren Brinson called Elijah Griffin the next Jalen Carter. That’s about as high of praise as a player could get at the present moment. If Keith Brooking is hyping him up, everyone should be excited about what Griffin can do in 2025.
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Photographer: Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire
