Robert Griffin III wasn’t in the glaring spotlight from the moment this season started as Andrew Luck was, though he was darn good last year, too. He wasn’t a statistical freak of nature like Case Keenum in Houston, though he became Baylor’s first Heisman winner, throwing 36 touchdown passes and only six picks. And he hasn’t been dogged by speculation over outside influences like Cam Newton, even if the quarterback he physically resembles most is the likely NFL rookie of the year. Griffin simply led Baylor to a fantastic 9-3 season and a spot in the Alamo Bowl, turning the program around and playing his way into a deserving Heisman Trophy. He also added an entirely new dynamic to the discussion of what will happen in the first round of the NFL Draft in April, when marriages will be consecrated between quarterbacks and multiple teams, a group that more than likely will include the Redskins.
The comparison with Newton only can help, even if Griffin is smaller (6-foot-2, 220 pounds) than the former Auburn star. A Big 12 champion and NCAA All-American in the 400-meter hurdles, Griffin is also faster than Newton, for whom there really are no good physical comparisons.
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Meanwhile, Griffin also was stunningly efficient this season, leading the country in completion percentage (72.4) and passer rating (192.31), which is crucial considering accuracy from the pocket is valued in the NFL more than playmaking ability.
Speaking of Tim Tebow, Griffin has improved his delivery, a testament to his understanding of the game and of himself. Though he’s a fourth-year junior, Griffin already has graduated and is working on a master’s degree in communications, proof he has spent the last two years doing more than just trying to recover from a torn ACL.
Interestingly, Griffin isn’t the only quarterback to close the gap between himself and Luck. Matt Barkley, in a pro-style offense at USC, also played well late in the season. Like Griffin he’s a junior, and if both enter the draft, one or the other could be the second quarterback taken.
Then again, Colts fans might consider trading in “Suck for Luck” in favor of “Give in for Griffin.”
– Craig Stouffer
