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Shaquem Griffin: 'I think they're starting to believe now'

"I think today was a pretty good day," Griffin said following his workout.

OVIEDO, Fla. - University of Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin passed his final public test during the school's pro day on Thursday.

Griffin was surrounded by droves of scouts and media members throughout the afternoon inside UCF's indoor facility.

"I think today was a pretty good day," Griffin said following his workout.

"I got to show the vertical [jump] today and I think I jumped pretty high today - or so they say - so I'm pretty good with that. I was able to do [defensive back] drills and show I've got good breaks, get out of my breaks well, backpedal well and show good hips. I think overall, I had a really good day today."

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The linebacker's story has made waves in the national spotlight for weeks.

Griffin had his left hand amputated as a child due to amniotic band syndrome.

He was able to impress as a high school athlete, despite playing with just one hand. He then became a fixture of UCF's defense during the past two seasons.

He was invited to take part in the Reese's Senior Bowl in January. However, he was forced to launch a social media campaign to score an invite to February's NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

His wish was granted and his production didn't disappoint.

Griffin ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, which was an NFL Combine record for a linebacker. It was a major pay off for Griffin and the legion of fans that he has gained through social media.

"I had the entire nation behind me," Griffin said.

"I was disappointed I wasn't invited [to the NFL Combine] at first but I think I did enough work for me to get a chance to get an invite. It wasn't just me [who received the invite], I had the whole nation behind my back."

No longer overlooked, Griffin was the main attraction at UCF's pro day. While he skipped out on most of the timing tests, he did participate in position drills.

Griffin dropped four passes during defensive back drills but his overall performance was impressive.

Griffin said he wasn't worried about the drops during the coverage drills. He believes he can be a three-down linebacker in the NFL, despite his potential physical limitations.

If there are doubters still out there, Griffin isn't afraid to prove himself even further.

"No, if I need to prove anything else, just tell me what I need to do and I'll get it done," Griffin said.

The linebacker has met with the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints during private visits. He met with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the NFL Combine.

He said most teams have a specific spot for him on defense.

"A lot of teams want me at [weak-side] linebacker," Griffin said.

"To be a guy who has a nose for the ball and can still cover. I've got a few guys asking me if I can cover in space and be a guy who be on his own. WILL linebacker is the most feedback I've been getting so far."

Griffin is greatly admired by his college teammates. Some think he can play any position on the defense.

"Personally, just Shaquem himself, the player that he is, I know we will fit in anywhere," wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith said.

"Cause his heart, his will - I've just never seen [anybody] play like that. All the doubt about him, you see him out here performing, I don't know why there's doubt. He obviously plays [well]."

Griffin was recently invited to attend April's NFL Draft. He plans on being in Dallas to hear his name get called by Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The invite shows just how far Griffin has come over the last few months. He is changing perceptions and proving that his physical disadvantages won't hold him back at the next level.

"It goes to show I've been putting a lot of work in and it's paying off now," Griffin said. "I was a guy who was under-the-radar and they didn't believe in at first, but I think they're starting to believe now."

Griffin was asked about joining the Jaguars during his conversation with the media. He smiled at the thought of heading to Jacksonville.

"I'd be blessed to go anywhere," Griffin said. "If they send me there, they're going to have a good guy there and we're going to make things happen."

More News and Notes From UCF Pro Day

- Wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith caught all but one pass during a choreographed throwing session with former UCF quarterback Jeff Godfrey. Smith worked with Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers coach Skyler Fulton during the session.

"I felt like I did really well today," Smith said. "I caught everything throw to me - probably except for one pass - and then coaches said [I performed] well out there. I'm very confident with today."

- Tight end Jordan Akins looked impressive during his receiving drills. He was unable to take part in the 40-yard dash due to a hamstring injury but he said the ailment is nearly healed. Akins said he is willing to run for teams during private workouts.

The tight end worked with Cincinnati Bengals tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes during drills. He said it was a good opportunity to work with a professional coach.

Following the workout, Akins said he had to catch an afternoon flight to Kansas City to work out for the Chiefs. He said he has already worked out for the Saints and the Los Angeles Chargers.

The 25-year-old former baseball player will be a relatively old rookie. He thinks his age will be an advantage at the next level from a maturity standpoint.

"I definitely do [think it's an advantage]," Akins said. "Years of life, just experience. I have more years of life, so I'm definitely on the mature side of things and the business side of things. I believe I'm out in front of a lot of kids."

- Cornerback Mike Hughes looked very good during defensive back drills. He was quick out of his breaks and changed directions with fluidity. He also caught the ball very well.

"I was kind of nervous on the first [catch], so I dropped the first one," Hughes said. "But after that I kind of settled in, just looked the ball in and do what I do."

Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.

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