Calhoun's Adam Griffith is part of the 2011 Dynamite Dozen.ADAM GRIFFITHNo. 2School: CalhounHeight: 5-foot-11Weight: 170College interest: Committed to Alabama
CALHOUN, Ga. - Though Adam Griffith doesn't like to brag about how far he can kick a football, chances are the Calhoun High School senior will find out this season.
Griffith, who has committed to Alabama, kicked last season with a stress fracture in his lower back and still managed three field goals in excess of 50 yards. His most memorable kick, however, was his final one, a 48-yarder to send the Class AA state championship game against Buford to overtime.
Though Griffith had hit several long-distance field goals, he had never been called on to hit one of such importance. And it came at a time when his back hurt the most. It is at full strength now.
"It was the worst time ever for my back," the native of Poland recalled. "I was praying because I knew I was going to have to kick one. I wasn't nervous, though, but for some reason after I kicked it I was. I'm glad I did, because the next time I have to do it, I know how it will be."
Calhoun coach Hal Lamb, though aware that his kicker had spent most of the title game's second half lying on the training table, didn't hesitate to call on him when a last-minute drive bogged down.
"He may not look like it, but Adam is a very tough kid," Lamb said of the 5-foot-11, 170-pound four-year starter. "There was no doubt in my mind he was going to make that kick. Since he's kicked it, he's gotten a lot of notice around the state and I know it's raised his confidence level."
So how far can a healthy Griffith boot a football? As good as he is on field-goal attempts, he's even better on kickoffs.
His touchback percentage last year was nearly 80 percent, and he's won several kickoff competitions at camps such as Alabama's, the Top 12 camp in Los Angeles, one in Las Vegas and one with the Indianapolis Colts.
In practice last year he made a 3-pointer from 69 yards out.
"I feel comfortable anywhere from 50 to 55, but I know I can kick it farther," he said.
Added Lamb: "Adam's such a weapon for us. Just his kickoffs can change a game, but he can hit it from anywhere, and this year he will probably get some shots from 60-plus yards."
