Campers learn from NFLs Crowell

ATLANTA -- Participants at the Atlanta stop of the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour were treated to an unexpected surprise on Saturday.

They heard from a former five-star player and an undrafted free agent who currently starts in the NFL. And they were actually the same person.

Isaiah Crowell, one of the more publicized Georgia recruits in recent memory, was on hand at Lambert High School during his first offseason as an NFL player. He spoke to the campers prior to the drills, then worked with the Rivals coaches at the running back station throughout the afternoon.

"I really enjoy this, because I never had anybody come back and talk to me when I was in high school or middle school," Crowell said. "I know that (NFL players) are the type of people that people look up to and want to meet, so I do the best I can and try to go."

Crowell didn't just make a cameo appearance. The Browns' starting running back demonstrated how to do drills, stepped in as a mock linebacker and showed proper cutting and spinning techniques.

"I was extremely happy and excited to be working with someone from the NFL," said three-star running back Malik Staples. " He was showing us how to flip your hips in the pad drill."

Rivals running backs coach Rob Ford, who worked as an assistant on five NFL teams (winning three Super Bowl rings) and for numerous major college programs, was impressed with Crowell's approach to the event.

"He was very enthusiastic. He's at the pinnacle in terms of football, but he's a little kid at heart," Ford said. "With his enthusiasm, I can see why he is successful with the Browns. It is great for these kids to see that."

Crowell certainly knows the ups and downs a football career can bring. He was a coveted five-star recruit out of Columbus, Ga., in 2011, then became even more famous by pulling out a live bulldog on Signing Day to announce his commitment to Georgia. The stunt follows him to this day, and he's happy to talk about it when asked.

"It was fun. It was special. That was one of the best days of my life," he said.

His career at Georgia looked promising as he ran for 850 yards on his way

to being named SEC Freshman of the Year, but a one-game suspension during the season and an arrest the following summer ended his Bulldog career.

Crowell transferred to Alabama State, where he spent two seasons in obscurity. He was not selected in the 2014 draft.

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"I was happy to get a second chance and I feel more people deserve second chances because sometimes people get caught up in the wrong thing or are with the wrong people in the wrong environment. I feel like everybody deserves a second chance. It is on you what you do with it."

- Isaiah Crowell on second chances

But Cleveland signed the talented running back as a free agent, and Crowell ended up earning the starting job by the end of the season. His highlight was an 88-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Falcons at the Georgia Dome in front of family and friends.

"I was really extra motivated for that game because all of my family was going to be there," he said. "That was big because I made a statement in Georgia."

The statements he has been making in the offseason have to do with second chances, because appreciates the good fortune he's had after the trouble he encountered in Athens. He has spoken to local elementary, middle and high schools, was part of an Under Armour lobbying contingent that visited Washington D.C. on National Health Through Fitness Day to promote physical education and was recently recognized by his local state Senator Ed Harbison at the Georgia state house for his off-field efforts in the Columbus community.

"I was happy to get a second chance and I feel more people deserve second chances because sometimes people get caught up in the wrong thing or are with the wrong people in the wrong environment," Crowell said. "I feel like everybody deserves a second chance. It is on you what you do with it."

His message was not lost on his captive audience on Saturday.

"He said you had to do everything right all the time," Staples said. "The difference between a good player and a great player is performance, so you always have to perform. He told us to keep working hard. He was great."

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