Most Intriguing Players of 2019 | No. 3 | CB Shaun Crawford
We are looking at 10 players who hold the most intrigue on the roster as fall camp is just under a month away. They might not be the star of the team, but they could be a younger prospect oozing with potential or an older guy who has patiently waited for their time to come.
These are 10 players who I will be paying close attention to as camp starts, but also the first few games of the season to see if they break into the rotation or what Brian Kelly’s plan of attack for them is in 2019.
Most Intriguing Players of 2019 | No. 10 | OL Aaron Banks
Most Intriguing Players of 2019 | No. 9 | S Jalen Elliott
Most Intriguing Players of 2019 | No. 8 | LB Jordan Genmark Heath
Most Intriguing Players of 2019 | No. 7 | DL Jayson & Justin Ademilola
Most Intriguing Players of 2019 | No. 6 | WR Javon McKinley
Most Intriguing Players of 2019 | No. 5 | WR Michael Young Jr.
Most Intriguing Players of 2019 | No. 4 | Asmar Bilal
Jamie stole my thunder for this spot in his 6 Thoughts on a Thursday piece yesterday, so I’ll keep it a little briefer.
Fifth-year senior Shaun Crawford is back and healthy as Notre Dame starts fall camp on Sunday morning. The 5-foot-9, 186-pounder has been through it all at Notre Dame with two ACL tears and an Achilles injury.
It’s never been about talent or production for Crawford as he’s been a playmaker when he’s been able to play. In just 13 games, Crawford has recorded 32 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, five passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Notre Dame fans remember Crawford forcing a fumble at the goal line at Michigan State. Notre Dame fans remember Crawford’s two interceptions against Boston College and the blocked extra point return at Texas.
But it’s much more than that as the Ohio native has managed to find a way to make plays. Crawford not only makes plays on the ball, but as you can see in the clips below, he can come off the edge and get to the quarterback.
Defensive coordinator needs to find a nickel and Crawford is more than capable of playing the position at a high level. Crawford can also play opposite Troy Pride Jr., which is a position Lea still needs to figure out as Crawford, Houston Griffith, TaRiq Bracy and Donte Vaughn will fight for playing time over the next month.
A healthy Crawford will give Lea options and the second-year defensive coordinator needs options, but he’ll also bring competition. It’s a young cornerback group and the more competition the better.
Now, Crawford did get worn down a little bit in 2017, but the good news is there is depth at cornerback. Crawford doesn’t have to play as much as he did in 2017 and a healthy rotation at cornerback would be an extremely welcome sight for Lea.
I don’t know what the future holds for Crawford, but as a fan of college football, you’d love to see the kid get the chance to show what he can bring to the table. Drue Tranquill came back from two ACL injuries and Crawford will look to do the same.
If Crawford can make an impact in 2019, I imagine it would be a great sign for Notre Dame in the win column as he’d be playing over some quality talent.