Instant Reaction | Shaun Crawford Returning for 6th Year

It wasn’t unexpected that Shaun Crawford would be returning to Notre Dame for a sixth year, but he made it official today. It’s something the secondary absolutely needed to happen in 2020.

The most important thing Crawford brings is versatility. He could start at field corner, safety, or the nickel. The nickel spot is pretty much a given if he’s healthy, but safety is something that gives the Clark Lea and Terry Joseph insurance if something doesn’t work out with graduate transfer Isaiah Pryor, Houston Griffith, or DJ Brown.

It’s doubtful that Crawford and TaRiq Bracy would start together at corner and more likely they will compete against each other to play the field corner spot for the Irish, but Crawford is capable of playing the boundary because he’s a good tackler. The issue would be more of how he would matchup with bigger receivers that most programs would put out there against him.

Although the secondary returns Kyle Hamilton as a rising star (a ridiculous 11 Havoc plays as a true freshman), they need more playmakers in the secondary. Crawford has been one when he’s plays with with 13.5 Havoc plays in only 25 career games.

Notre Dame needs his versatility to add depth. They need his work ethic to help mentor all of the young corners on the roster next season. They need his playmaking to help offset the loss of Troy Pride, Alohi Gilman, and Jalen Elliott. They need him to be a part of the 2020 defense before some of the young players can transition to greater roles.

He is capable of being that player and leader for them this fall. Others may have a greater overall impact than Crawford this upcoming season, but he should be one of the most valuable members of the defense.

It’s great news for the Irish that he’ll be back for one last year.