Vols offer 2015 Ohio athlete
The class of 2013 has yet to sign their national letters of intent, but college coaches are already making moves on prospects in the class of 2015. Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward sophomore athlete Shaun Crawford picked up his second offer of the process Tuesday night.
"I just got off the phone with Tennessee's special teams/tight ends coach and he just offered me," Crawford reported. "I am truly shocked about it because an SEC school coming at me as a sophomore shows me I can basically play at any level in the college ranks."
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Crawford said he did not have any contact with the Tennessee staff when they were at Cincinnati, and the interest from the Volunteers is new. He has some familiarity with the campus from running in an AAU Junior Olympics event there a couple years back and he also has family that lives in the state.
The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Crawford played wide receiver and cornerback as a sophomore, collecting 56 tackles and two interceptions on defense while catching 24 passes for 420 yards with five touchdowns on offense. He could project to either side of the football in college.
"[Tennessee] just asked me where I wanted to play," Crawford said. "I told him defense, and he said, 'perfect,' so I guess they have an eye on me playing defense or wherever I fit."
Illinois was the first school to offer Crawford this past fall. Other schools that have been showing strong interest lately include Penn State, Indiana, Michigan State and Michigan. Crawford is especially interested in Michigan and received a visit from their coaching staff last week.
"Coach [Greg] Mattison actually came to the school last Friday," Crawford said. "I have always been a fan and been to many games. I like the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan. It's good knowing that a lot of talent on Michigan's team comes from Ohio."
Crawford is also a standout on the track and reported that he currently holds the fastest time in his state this year with a 6.94 in the 60 meters.