The NFL combine, in which college players show off their skills to scouts and coaches, is usually dominated by athletes who have been tipped for greatness for years. This year’s star is a little different.
When Shaquem Griffin was a child, his left hand was amputated due to a pre-natal condition. He nevertheless grew up to star for his high school in track, football and baseball before winning an athletics scholarship to the University of Central Florida alongside his twin brother, Shaquill.
Some believed UCF had offered Shaquem a place just to curry favor with Shaquill. If that was true the coaching staff were soon pleasantly surprised: the linebacker was named American Athletic Conference defensive player of the year in 2016.
At this week’s combine, Shaquem was again expected to be a curiosity rather than a standout performer. But on Saturday he bench-pressed 225lbs 20 times, using a prosthetic hand. His previous best was 11 and his twin, who turned pro early with the Seattle Seahawks) had only managed 17 last year .
Source : theguardian
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