BIG NEWS!

[westexSMU]

4.6 40 reported, very fast for a DE.

[SMU89]

Signed?

[ChrisFowler]

As everyone figured out, based on a quick internet search for 6-foot-8 defensive ends who have or have had some level of interest in SMU, it's Paul Crawford of Hebron High School in Lewisville (Texas, for those of us who aren't around the Hilltop anymore).

Looks like he originally committed to Mississippi State - Dan Mullen knows what he's doing too - and had offers from Arkansas - talk about being able to play right away - Baylor - Art Briles should have a lifetime contract, but Baylor fans are pretty stupid - UTEP - how much longer can Mike Price go on? - San Diego State - Brady Hoke is building a winner, but does anybody care? - Colorado State and Idaho State. As many of you noted, Crawford played more linebacker in high school than defensive end, but once he gets in a college strength program and training table, I think we have to assume they'll put his hand in the dirt.

In short? This is a good get. War Peruna!

[Stallion]

I think you should expect him to be a multi year project-nothing wrong with that. At 6-8, 240 its going to take some work to physically develop. But outstanding size, nice speed and with prospects ahead of him in the 2 deep-he fits pretty nice. One big hint that he may need some physical development-only 1 sack as a Senior in high school.

[Recruiting Guru]

If this is true (I'm not doubting it, but I just heard this through the grapevine, not through scouting circles), this is a real low-risk/high-reward addition. I was a little surprised when he committed to Mississippi State, because everything I had heard about him was that he was a guy who is really close with his family, and that he likely would want to stay near home.

But he's a very intriguing athlete. You look at him, and you automatically start thinking of tall, long-armed, athletic defensive ends. No, he is not Julius Peppers, but he has a chance to be very good. At the moment, though, he is extremely raw. He covers a lot of ground, but he doesn't run as efficiently as he will when he gets coached on it, which suggests he could get even faster as he refines his running mechanics and grows into his frame. Obviously, he needs to add size and strength. Whether he is a guy who can strap on 60 pounds and become a classic 3-4 defensive end, or someone who will remain slender and lanky — that remains to be seen. It depends on how hard he works in a college strength program and how he eats, and of course, everyone's body matures differently.

Crawford has the size, speed and athleticism college coaches covet, and most of the plays he made last year (or at least on the tapes I saw) were made because he is a high-motor guy who can chase players down. Honestly, despite the fact that he's a very raw pass rusher, I'm surprised he wasn't recruited by more high-profile schools, because with the physical gifts this guy has, he has a chance to develop into an extraordinary player. Depending on depth, he surely will redshirt as he begins to refine his technique and get stronger. But his potential is enormous.

[Alaric]

Great to see another defensive player with potential...also great to know we have the likes of Marquis Frazier, Taylor Thompson, Margus Hunt & Kevin Grenier in front of him so we don't need his sevices immediately.

[mrydel]

It will probably be a lot more exciting if he actually chooses SMU.

[smupony94]

It will probably be a lot more exciting if he actually chooses SMU.

I bet you do not believe in the Easter Bunny

[NickSMU17]

over/under on blocked FGs/extra points with him and Hunt in the lineup....

I will say 7/season

[mrydel]

It will probably be a lot more exciting if he actually chooses SMU.

I bet you do not believe in the Easter Bunny

My graduate degree comes from Murphy's School of Law.

[cutter]

sounds like a great pick-up if it happens.

but, how is it that at this late date he is available? also, if he was committed to Mississippi State, with a presumed signed NLI, how is it that he is available? did he initially fail to qualify and they released him, and he somehow made up grades/credits over the early summer?
if so, does this then bode poorly for him in dealing with SMU's admission standards?

[ALEX LIFESON]

They oversigned, and wanted him to greyshirt, Crawford didn't want to. Miss St. released him at his request.

[cutter]

They oversigned, and wanted him to greyshirt, Crawford didn't want to. Miss St. released him at his request.

thanks. makes sense now.

[reddevil]

how about converting him to LT...perfect replacement for Jackson.

[Hal]

how about converting him to LT...perfect replacement for Jackson.

I'm hoping we're long past the days of signing skinny offensive tackles and hoping they grow into legitimate college players. This guy, at least on paper, looks like a great defensive end prospect. He's got to get stronger, I assume, but there's a reason schools offered him as a defensive end. Sounds like that's his best position.