UCF senior linebacker Shaquem Griffin was named the 2017 Division I Senior CLASS award winner on Wednesday, adding another honor to the list of awards he has won during his time as a Knight.
The award is voted on FBS coaches, media and fans and honors the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I football. To be eligible for the award, the student-athlete must have noteworthy achievement in the four areas of classroom, community, character and competition.
After being selected as a preseason second-team All-American, Griffin excelled on the field, finishing the regular season with 62 tackles, including 10 for loss, 5 1/2 sacks, two forced fumbles and recoveries, one interception and one touchdown.
He also has significant accomplishments off the field. He already has a degree in Human Communication and is currently pursuing a second degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in sociology. Additionally, he works with several non-profit organizations and does public speaking engagements.
Griffin has been very productive since switching to linebacker before his junior season. Along with this award, Griffin has been named AAC First Team All-Conference the last two seasons, AFCA Second Team All-American this season, and the AAC Defensive player of the year last season.
Griffin was also nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team this season.
Griffin and the Knights will look to add one more achievement to this season, as they look to finish the season undefeated when they take on the Auburn Tigers in the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day.