For all of the talent that comes to the NFL via the University of Texas, the defensive backfield might be the Longhorns' most reliable and, apparently renewable, resource. The Longhorns have had eight defensive backs selected over the past 10 years, including four within the draft's top 50 picks. In strong safety Michael Griffin, Texas might have its best yet.

A contributor since signing with the team, Griffin entered this season as the starting free safety and with appearances in 37 games already. During that time the talented, aggressive and hard-hitting defensive back has posted 238 tackles, 11 tackles for losses, three sacks, four interceptions, 13 passes broken up, five forceded fumbles, five fumble recoveries and a Texas record six blocked punts. Griffin led the team in tackles in 2005 (124) and leds the Longhorns once again this season (101 through 11 games).

As Griffin's career numbers, reflect, however, it isn't just his ability to stop the ball carrier that has NFL scouts so enamored. Griffin has become one of the nation's most versatile defenders, racking up tackles, big plays and blocked punts in record fashion. This season Griffin blocked another two punts, placing him second in NCAA history and first among Longhorns.

Positives: Well-developed overall musculature ... Impressive overall athleticism ... Plays strong safety here, but athleticism, size and recognition appear better suited to free safety role at the next level ... Reads the action quickly ... Rarely out of position against the pass ... Can cover ground quickly, showing pure speed and a quick hip swivel ... Can plant and drive on the ball ... Effective tackler in space ... Understands his role as one of the last lines of defense and takes proper angles to the ball ... Rare leaping ability as shown in his school-record eight blocked punts ... Good hands to make the interception ... Uses his size and leaping ability well to compete for the ball.

Negatives: Despite his gaudy statistics and prototype size, Griffin isn't the classic run supporting in-the-box safety ... Flashes as a striker, but doesn't punish receivers across the middle ... Considered reliable, but not an intimidator ... Plays strong safety here, but seems much better suited to free safety at next level due to his strength being pass defense, weakness being against the run ... Might lack the versatility some teams are looking for in a safety.

Coached by Jeff Ables at Bowie High ... Two-year starter at running back ... Also started at defensive back as a senior ... Rushed for 2,127 yards and 25 TDs along with averaging 23.4 yards per catch in his final two seasons ... Earned honorable mention all-state (5A) honors at RB as a senior ... Also named All-Central Texas at both RB and DB and tabbed the District 25-5A Offensive MVP that year ... Rushed for 1,181 yards and 11 TDs on 132 carries and caught six passes for 112 yards and a score in 2002 ... Added 46 tackles, three PBUs and a forced fumble on defense ... Top games of the season were in wins against Hays Consolidated (226 yards, three TDs) and Austin (207 yards, three TDs) ... Earned all-district honors as a junior after rushing for 946 yards and 14 TDs on 126 attempts and making 11 receptions for 286 yards and four TDs ... Also earned three letters in track & field (sprint & mile relays) and two in basketball (guard/forward) ... Qualified for regionals in track after posting bests of 10.64 (100m) and 22.10 (200m) as a senior.

Born Jan. 4, 1985 in Austin, Texas ... Full name is Michael Devin Griffin ... Member of UT?s Athletics Director?s Honor Roll in the spring of 2004 ... Majoring in liberal arts ... An honors student who was an academic all-district performer as a prepster ... Served in community service projects in the Austin area ... His twin brother, Marcus, also is a defensive back at Texas ... His parents, Ronald and Mae, are both retired from the military ... Enjoys spending time with his friends and watching movies in his free time.