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Notre Dame Football Recruiting

2018 Utah DT Hearing from Notre Dame

February 28, 2017
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Notre Dame’s new staff is leaving no stone unturned in the 2018 recruiting class and Timpview (Utah) defensive tackle Jackson Cravens is one of the latest to hear from the Irish. The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder heard from area recruiter Brian Polian last week and is hopeful an offer is in his future.

“It went really well,” Cravens said of the conversation with Polian. “He had nothing but good things to say. He told me they were looking forward to recruiting me.

“I would be definitely be fired up if Notre Dame offered. I have watched Notre Dame ever since I was little. It would be a huge offer.”

Academics is an area Notre Dame takes pride in but it’s also something the three-star prospect prides himself on.  

“Since I was little, my parents have been hard on me with school,” said Cravens. “A high academic school would be great for me. I know Notre Dame is a great place to get a good degree from.”

I did go to a Notre Dame game in fourth grade when they played Utah. I remember the atmosphere even though I was little. - 2018 DE Jackson Cravens
The Provo native hasn’t been on too many recruiting trips but he has been to South Bend for a game. In fact, it was a very important game in the Brian Kelly’s tenure.  

“I have been to local games at BYU and Utah,” Cravens stated. “Other than those, I have never really visited any schools. I did go to a Notre Dame game in fourth grade when they played Utah. I remember the atmosphere even though I was little.”

When he does go on his visits, Cravens will be paying close attention to how the team interacts with each other as he wants a family environment at the school he chooses.

“I am looking at atmosphere and tradition. I like close teams. Teams that have a bond and are close to each other. Those seem like the teams that are successful.”

Growing up, Cravens was a football fan. He didn’t have a favorite school but he watched football every weekend regardless of who was playing.  

“I wouldn’t say I have a dream school, but I have always loved football,” explained Cravens. “I’ve watched football ever since I can remember. I have grown up around the game and I have always been interested in all the games on TV.”

The fact Cravens didn’t have a favorite school growing up is somewhat shocking as some family members played big roles for Notre Dame’s biggest rival.

“My cousin Su’a Cravens played at USC,” said Cravens. “He’s my first cousin. Jordan Cameron is my first cousin too. Football definitely runs in our family.

“Jordan has told me to enjoy the process. Su’a has never talked to me about it, but I know he has talked to my bad about the recruiting process. He said the same things as Jordan but also to take your time with the process.”

As a junior, Cravens recorded 160 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Yes, you read that right. That’s high production from a defensive tackle.  

“I feel like my pass rush and my hand work are my strengths,” explained Cravens. “I have really worked hard on my hands over the years. I can stay low and that allows me to be explosive. I got better at staying low, but I would love to stay even lower when I play. I feel pretty comfortable with my game but I know I have to keep working on my whole game.”

At this point in his recruitment, Cravens holds offers from Nevada, Utah, and Vanderbilt. Cravens is excited for his future as he has put in the work for the recognition.

“It’s been a dream come true,” he stated. “Ever since I was little, I have been working for this and it’s what I wanted. It’s very exciting.”


 
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