What really pops about St. Xavier outside linebacker Griffin Lyons Griffin Lyons 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB/EDGE St. Xavier | 2028 State OH is how much of a thumper he is. He consistently dents back ballcarriers, hitting with pop, and takes good angles to the ball without over-pursuing running backs and quarterbacks. He is instinctive, possesses good range, stays square and wraps up too. His past offers include Virginia Tech and most-recently NC State.

Lyons is a really difficult player to account for on defense because of his versatility and ability to line up at many different positions and win. He can line up over the guard or over the tackle and win with power, quickness, or athleticism. Not just is he talented though, he has a motor that runs hot all the time. He was top 5 in the GCL South in both sacks (9) and TFL’s (16). While Griffin wasn’t asked to play in space much this year because of the talented senior linebackers. With Reeder, Clapper, and Reilly all graduating, I wouldn’t be surprised if Lyons got moved outside next year and played in space a lot more. I’m excited to see how this summer goes for Lyons and how D1 college coaches view him positionally. One thing is for sure, regardless of position the talent is undeniable. Griffin currently has offers from Miami (OH) and Pitt.

Lyons lined up along the defensive line for the Bombers. I believe he projects to the edge or linebacker position at the next level. Regardless of where he lined up, he was wreaking havoc in the Thunderhawks backfield. Lyons has an excellent get off he can use to win with speed. He has quick and violent hands. You rarely saw offensive linemen get clean hands on him. He also has the athleticism to dip and spin. You don’t really see players at his age that have so many tools in their pass rushing tool bag. Griffin is one who could really burst onto the D1 recruiting scene this offseason.

It’s not too often you see sophomores who are impact players for Saint X, but Lyons is the exception to the rule. Lyon’s will line up a number of places on the Bombers defense. Most notably he’ll line up at middle linebacker and at defensive end. Lyons has a quick burst and he’s really active. He does a great job using his hands to disengage blockers. He finds the ball well and is strong in pursuit. With the kind of the schedule that St. X plays Griffin will have a chance to continue to prove himself versus a high level of competition.

Griffin Lyons Griffin Lyons 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB/EDGE St. Xavier | 2028 State OH is having a breakout season and is a new addition to the rankings, and if he continues as developed, it won’t be long before he reaches the top.  The 6-foot-1, 200-pound linebacker has great first-step quickness and strong use-of-hands.  He is an outstanding pass rusher who can turn the corner and deliver big hits, and he can set an edge nicely against the run.  Lyons is a must-know name for the 2028 class in the Midwest.

Good, solid, all-around linebacker who is stout v. The run and good against the pass.  Can drop in coverage, come out of a backpedal and get downhill, good mover in space.  Displays good instincts.  Name to know.

Lyons proved himself as a good outside linebacker who can rush his way into the backfield. He has good vision and can get to rushers before they can break free. Lyons bends well and can manipulate his body to get contact. He is a good bluffer and can drop into coverage quickly to get off the line of scrimmage. Lyons is a total package as a player and I expect to see him getting hype over the next season.