Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Londonderry resident Ryan Griffin, a freshman tight end at the University of Connecticut, may see significant playing time sooner than he expected.

Griffin, who redshirted last season, moved up the depth chart when sophomore tight end Yianni Apostolakos suffered a sprained knee during spring practice. Apostolakos is expected to miss at least three weeks. The team's Blue/White Game is April 18.

The Huskies are looking to replace two senior tight ends who were on the roster last season. Three redshirt freshmen -- Griffin (pictured), John Delahunt and Corey Manning -- are the other tight ends on this year's roster.

"Griffin is probably the best pass receiver, Manning is probably the better blocker, and Delahunt gives you a little bit of both," UConn coach Randy Edsall told the Hartford Courant. "The big thing for those kids is they've got to get stronger. We like all of their ability, but the biggest thing is the weight room after spring ball is over."

Griffin played at New Hampton Prep before he transferred to Londonderry High School for his senior season. He played several offensive positions in Londondery's single-wing offense, and was a First Team All-State selection as a defensive back.

Griffin helped Londonderry secure the No. 4 seed for the Division I playoffs in 2007. The Lancers lost to Nashua South in the Division I semifinals.