Freshman ILB with 6 offers

A year ago, landing a college scholarship offer was the furthest thing fromKevin Crosby's mind.

Then again, he was only an eighth-grader.

Now a freshman inside linebacker at Bamberg-Ehrhardt(S.C.), Crosby already has become among the most sought-after players in the state. And he's only 14.

On Monday, Clemson became the sixth school to offer.

"When I was in the eighth-grade, I couldn't even think about a freshman having this many offers," Crosby said. "If you think about it, all of them are cool. Not many freshman get offers."

Crosby was a member of the varsity in 2010, playing both linebacker and tight end. He started two games, and also gained experience competing Thursday nights with the junior varsity.

Besides Clemson, Illinois, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Texas Tech have offered the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder. Alabama is showing interest.

The Clemson offer was significant because Crosby grew up a fan of the program, largely because former Bamberg-Ehrhardt standout Ricky Sapp, whom he considers to be like a big brother, played for the Tigers.

"I've been to a lot of Clemson games," Crosby said. "Probably about 20. It was exciting to get another offer [Monday], but especially coming from Clemson. It was exciting. When I went to camp there when I was like 11, they let us run down the hill. I just pictured myself with the No. 7 jersey running down that hill."

The offers have motivated him to improve, Crosby said.

"Since I've got these offers, you've got to show yourself, show you're still working," he said. "I can't play for them. You've got to play for your high school team."

Already, Crosby is off to a good start in the classroom, where he said he has a 3.5 GPA and is "working" on improving it. His father, Kevin Crosby Sr., is the school's head coach.

"The first thing he says is, 'Stay on your grades' before he tells you anything else," Crosby said.