2021 RB Drapher Cribbs Impressed With First Notre Dame Experience

2021 East Kentwood (Mich.) running back Drapher Cribbs‍ is quickly gaining the attention of Midwest programs following an impressive sophomore season.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder played behind senior running back Kionte Blakely, who rushed for over 1,700 yards and 28 touchdowns, so it will be Cribbs’ show moving forward. 

Cribbs was at Notre Dame on Saturday and got to experience much more than he was expecting. 

“It’s a pretty good place,” stated Cribbs. “They told me about not just the sports but how I should want a career and a future. Football will end at a point, so I should worry about my education or what I’m trying to do better.

“They told us about what they believe in. We don’t have to be Catholic. When we come in, we can pray and have an open mind.” 

The Grand Rapids native was able to meet and speak with new running backs coach Lance Taylor, who impressed Cribbs with his personality and resumé. 

“I like him,” explained Cribbs. “He’s a cool dude and chill. He’s open-minded. He lets you know his opinion and he can teach you the game. 

“He went to Alabama and coached for the Panthers. He said when he was looking around, he only found one good college he liked for running backs because they could switch up their personnel and that was Notre Dame. He believed it would be a good place for a running back to go.”

Taylor’s history of developing top running backs gave Cribbs some added confidence as well.

“It makes me feel like I have some potential he sees in me,” Cribbs said. “I could do things those guys have done.” 

Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly also made time to speak to Cribbs during the visit. 

“He was cool,” stated Cribbs. “I loved it. He’s a great man and was nice to me. He liked me and my parents. He knew the weight trainer at my school very well.” 

Cribbs wasn’t the only one in his family who left South Bend impressed as his mother was extremely pleased with what she experienced. 

“She loved it,” said Cribbs. “She liked how they treated us. They opened the doors and did stuff no college has done when I’ve been on a visit.”