Sleeper set to soar lands two

Though wide receiver/defensive back Mitchell Crockum (6-2, 187, 4.5) from Alhambra, Calif., has been flying underneath the radar, look for his stock to soar worthy of the 38.5 vertical jump he recorded as a freshman three years ago. The talented two-way athlete landed his first two offers this week.

Crockum earned first-team all-league after hauling in 36 receptions for 791 yards and six touchdowns, while averaging 22.0 yards per catch, with a long of 84 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, he accounted for 32 tackles, four picks, one pass deflection, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and on blocked punt.

On the recruiting trail New Mexico State and UNLV are ahead of the recruiting curve and have come out the box with early offers.

Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, USC and Colorado are showing increased interest in the rising two-way standout.

Crockum hails from the same school that developed Zion Babb, who signed with Michigan out of high school. Like Babb, before him, Crockum will also get his chance on the D-I level.

"Mitchell has the ability to catch the ball at its highest point," Alhambra assistant coach Manny Ruedaflores said. "He's a lot like Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals in that regard. He can really go up I the air and get it."

"Mitchell is very strong for his frame," Ruedaflores said. "He reps 185-pounds, 16 times on the bench."

"Not only does Mitchell have great leaping ability, but he also has great hands and never drops any passes," Ruedaflores said. "He runs great routes and is very explosive."

"Another thing that makes Mitchell special is he's hard to defend," Ruedaflores said. "He is always double or tripled teamed. He's very fast and physical."

"Mitchell is a difference maker," Ruedaflores said. "We think he will be a great leader for us on and off the field his senior year."

"New Mexico State is recruiting him as an athlete, while UNLV likes him as a wide receiver," Ruedaflores said. "Most schools like him as a receiver."

"Mitchell is equally good at both, wide receiver and safety," Ruedaflores said. "He could even play corner. He has that type of versatility and athleticism."