Buchholz WR Keil McGriff announces his commitment to Clemson football

Keil McGriff walked into Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney’s office last Friday night unaware of his future.

Nine months ago, his future seemed all but written. The son of legendary Florida football WR Travis McGriff, Keil was destined to continue in his father’s footsteps. Florida, Georgia and Clemson all expressed loads of interest.

Then Keil suffered an ankle injury that ultimately kept him out all summer and his senior season with Buchholz football.

Colleges backed away…except Swinney. The legendary coach remained committed to Keil. But Keil had no idea in what capacity he would be a Tiger. Would he arrive in the summer like a normal recruit or skip his freshman season and come in January?

When Keil walked into the office, he saw a wall that players in each recruiting class signed.

“He paused for a minute and said, ‘I’ve thought about it, and you’re going to be on full scholarship, and we’re going to bring you in the summer.’” Keil said.

That made it official. Keil McGriff is going to be a Clemson Tiger, he revealed in an exclusive interview with The Sun.

Prior to the visit, Keil knew he’d end up at Clemson in some way. Swinney offered him in the summer what he calls a “grayshirt.” What that meant is Keil’s enrollment would be delayed until the spring to manage scholarship spots. Given his injury concerns, that seemed like a logical option.

Swinney, though, called Travis about two weeks before their visit to Clemson last weekend. He informed Travis a full scholarship spot opened up but to keep this a secret from Keil.

“It was hard to keep the secret, but I wanted him to have that genuine moment with Dabo and not fake it,” Travis said.

Now, Keil can play for one of two active coaches with multiple national championships, and compete for an ACC championship in a wide-open conference.

After Keil’s injury, most big-time programs backed off, but Swinney remained loyal. The coach still goes about the sport in what is now considered a more “old-fashioned” way. He doesn’t pull offers and hands out the least of any FBS program. He remains strong in his convictions, which Travis said reminds him of his college coach – Steve Spurrier.

Keil called him the best coach in the country.

“He’s undeniable so genuine,” Keil said. “You don’t get anything but real from him, whether it’s good or bad.”

Swinney remains a living legend, but many pundits think his time has passed. It’s been seven years since his last national championship, and the program just suffered through a 7-6 season – its worst since 2010.

Keil views that as an opportunity. Swinney is adjusting to the new game and still holds an insatiable desire to win.

“It’s hard to consistently win and be that good for that long, so I think for all us recruits in the class, it’s a chance for us to bring him back to where he’s supposed to be,” Keil said.

Travis said that Swinney, like Spurrier, holds power over players that when he believes in them, they’ll believe anything is possible. Travis referred to Hunter Renfro. He was a walk-on, but Swinney trusted his gut and believed in him. Renfro went down as one of the greatest receivers in Clemson history.

Keil’s already gotten a taste of that before he’s even enrolled. Swinney believed in him after the injury, which gained a new level of respect from Travis.

“When Dabo Swinney believes a kid can play, he doesn’t wait like a lot of other schools do,” Travis said. “He doesn’t wonder how many offers the kid has. He just wants them.”

That’s why, when Keil left Clemson for the first time last summer, he knew the fit was perfect. He played just one full season of receiver in high school and holds more experience at quarterback. Swinney knows that, but he also knows Keil is a pure athlete who can play.

“I’ve been away from the game, and one of the things it’s taught me is how much I love football and to compete,” Keil said. “Clemson is getting someone who is going to put their head down, going to work and going to compete.”

In the last year, Keil was dealt with an unimaginably brutal hand. He missed his senior season. With him, Buchholz had a real chance to finally win that elusive state championship

Yet, he’s found himself exactly where he belongs.

“I’m just so blessed to be going to a place where I can be myself and help Dabo Swinney get back to where he’s supposed to be,” Keil said.

Keil will officially sign to play for Clemson football Wednesday afternoon at 3:15 p.m. at Buchholz High School.