Crum Jr. Named To DCTF 2024 40 Under 40 List
DALLAS (SMU) – SMU Linebackers / Co-Defensive Coordinator Maurice Crum Jr. was recognized as one of the best young coaches in the state of Texas on Friday. Crum Jr. was selected to the prestigious Dave Campbell's Texas Football 40 Under 40 List by the publication for 2024.
In his first season with the Mustangs in 2023, Crum's linebackers made their mark immediately, as newcomers Ahmad Walker, Kobe Wilson, and Alexander Kilgore all found success on the field, with Wilson and Walker earning all-conference accolades by various publications. The trio powered a Mustang defense that was among the nation's elite in 2023, helping the Mustangs roll to an 11-3 mark, resulting in the first conference championship since 1984, while posting an undefeated record in conference play (8-0).
The defense dominated its opposition on all three levels, ranking in the top 25 in the FBS in several categories including: defensive touchdowns (1st, 5), sacks (3rd, 47) third down defense (4th, .281), team passing efficiency defense (9th, 115.28), scoring defense (11th, 17.
, total defense (12th, 304.1), passing yards allowed (13th, 182.2), TFLs per game (16th, 7.1), blocked kicks (21st, 2) and red zone defense (25th, .778).Wilson (80) and Walker (65) finished the year as the top two tacklers on the team. Walker also had 6.5 TFLs and five pass breakups.
Kilgore showed promise in his debut collegiate season under Crum, finishing with 36 tackles and 6.5 TFLs.
