Tampa Prep's Griffin picks Univ of Tampa

Tampa Prep senior Ryan Griffin, the 2007 Times Soccer Player of the Year, said Thursday he's committed to the University of Tampa.

Griffin, who led the Terps to the 2A state title last season, will join his long-time club coach, Adrian Bush with the strong Division II program at UT. He said he will sign in the next few days, picking UT over Holy Cross, Belmont and Appalachian State.

"I just wanted to stay close to home," Griffin said. "I really like (Tampa's) program...Most kids go to these big Division I schools and end up sitting the bench for three years. I'm not really interested in that. I want to play and help win a national title."

Griffin missed half his senior season with mono, but is back and ready to lead the Terps against St. Stephen's in the 2A region final Friday in Bradenton. Griffin scored 34 goals last year as a forward, but has played a lot back on defense this year at center mid, where he'll play at UT.

"This is the biggest game of my high school career," Griffin said. "It's bigger than any state title game. Each year we've had them at our place with our fans. This year for once it's us going down there to their hostile environment." 

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com