Gators QB Will Griffin wins another prestigious prep award

Florida Gators freshman quarterback Will Griffin has added another major trophy to his collection. Griffin, a standout at Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit, on Wednesday was named the winner of the Guy Toph Award, sometimes known as the “Hillsborough County Heisman.” It has been given out annually to the top player in Hillsborough County since 1939 and is believed to be the oldest continuously awarded high school sports trophy in the country.

“Will knows it’s a very prestigious award and he was kind of shocked,” said Nick Griffin, Will’s father. “In Tampa Bay, it’s really a big deal.”

Will Griffin, a 4-star recruit, signed with Florida in December and already is enrolled in classes in Gainesville. In high school, he passed for 12,299 yards and 143 touchdowns, making him one of the most prolific passers in state history. As a senior, Griffin completed 160 of 246 passes for 2,534 yards, 37 touchdowns and only two interceptions while leading Jesuit to an 11-2 record.

For his efforts, he previously was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida. The 6-foot-2.5, 225-pound Griffin was the No. 17 QB nationally in the Rivals Industry rankings.

Griffin’s father accepted the Guy Toph Award for his son Wednesday in Tampa. Will Griffin was unable to attend the event because he was taking part in offseason workouts with the Gators. He moved to Gainesville earlier this month.

“He loves it there,” Nick Griffin said. “Loves the coaches. They’re intense. Great personalities. Loves the camaraderie of all the guys on the team. And he was born for this. Early there, late, stay late, film, long QB meetings. He said, ‘Dad, I’m at the bottom of the totem poll and that’s where I should be. I’ve got a lot to learn and to figure out.’ But he’s up to it.”