Shaquem Griffin named American Defensive Player of the Year

Shaquem Griffin didn't see much of the field in his first three years at UCF.

Given an opportunity by Scott Frost, Erik Chinander and the new coaching staff, the redshirt junior and converted safety fluorished at outside linebacker, helping fuel the Knights' turnaround from 0-12 to a bowl game.

The St. Petersburg native was honored with the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award on Wednesday, which is voted on by the league's 12 head coaches. He also earned a spot on the All-Defensive First Team.

Griffin leads the American in sacks and ranks second in the league in tackles for loss.

"I'm overwhelmed with emotions right now," Griffin said in a release posted to UCFKnights.com. "I have to start off by saying thank you to the man upstairs, without him I wouldn't be the person I am today. Belief and faith take me a long way each and every day. I want to say thank you to the entire UCF program. I've been blessed to have everyone from the coaches to the players stand behind me and help make this season spectacular. It means the world to be able to play this game that I love so much. To be Named Defensive Player of the Year is unbelievable. I couldn't have dreamed of this. I also want to thank my family for always supporting and being there for me every step of the way. I'm forever grateful for all the love and support."

Griffin's twin, cornerback Shaquill Griffin, was named to the American All-Defense Second Team along with defensive tackle Jamiyus Pittman. Safety Drico Johnson earned honorable mention honors.