U.S. National Team alum Shaquem Griffin has blossomed into quite a player for the University of Central Florida.

Griffin lost his entire left hand before age 4 because of amniotic band syndrome, a condition that restricts the growth of a baby’s developing body parts during pregnancy. But despite a hurdle that would end any playing hopes for most people, he has emerged in a major way for UCF.

The subject of a Deadspin feature on Monday, Griffin is proving that he is more than just an interesting story. He's a legit standout at linebacker after transitioning to the position from the secondary.

"But now, instead of being a feel-good story about a hard-working player with a unique physical feature, it’s what Shaquem is doing on the field—consistently terrorizing AAC offenses—that’s getting his name published," wrote Deadspin's Nick Martin.

Griffin is second in the American Athletic Conference in sacks with 8½ and this past weekend was named the conference's  Defensive Player of the Week.

Griffin is thriving alongside his brother, UCF defensive back Shaquill. The pair played on the U.S. Under-19 National Team in the 2013 International Bowl, a 42-10 victory for the U.S. team that include interception by Shaquem where he laid out and hauled the throw in.

"Shaquem Griffin is one of the most amazing stories I've ever heard in football," USA Football’s Garrett Shea said at the time. "For the young man to overcome such a physical challenge to play at this level speaks not only of who he is but his brother as well. … To see and hear how they interact with one another and act as such a support system, it's just great for all of us to be around."

And when Griffin isn’t busy serving as perhaps UCF’s most effective defensive player, he’s giving back to children to whom he can relate extremely well:

 

Moments like this remind you that life is bigger than the game.

Shaquem & Julianna from @Limbitless3D meet for the first time.#ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/xXYpe6lcA4

— UCF Knights (@UCFKnights) October 29, 2016

Video: USA Football Signing Day breakfast with Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin