The search for outside linebackers to add to Nebraska’s defense continues beyond the current 2021 recruiting class. One early target at the position for the 2022 class is Lansing, Kansas, native Caden Crawford. So far this season Crawford’s team is 2-0. His defense has only allowed 14 points so far, which has the team off to a hot start.
“I would say things are going pretty good,” Crawford told Hail Varsity. “This offseason, I just kind of worked on trying to move better out of my stance. I’d say I’ve improved on that a lot. I had 12 and a half tackles in my first game and 10 Friday night. I have like four or five tackles for loss in the first two games. Plus, a forced fumble so that’s good.
“I worked on my pass coverage too and dropping. We haven’t seen a whole lot of passes it’s been a lot of run but I’ve been working on that too. So, it’s been pretty good.
2-0 🦁 pic.twitter.com/tOwK4pgGcD
— Caden Crawford (@CadenCrawford0) September 13, 2020
Crawford started working on his pass coverage more this offseason. That was after talking with his coaches to assess where his game could get stronger. He’s also has focused on consistently setting the edge. The defender has been in contact with Nebraska since back in May when the team offered him a scholarship.
“Ever since they offered me I’ve talked to [area recruiter] Coach Held probably every week since,” Crawford said. We just talk about how I’m doing, how everything is going, how the team is doing and my family too. Then ever since recruiting opened up I’ve talked with [outside linebackers] Coach Dawson a little bit. The defensive coordinator Coach [Erik] Chinander too and it’s been really good.”
Crawford says the relationship has been good with the Nebraska coaching staff. He talks to Chinander every day via text. He has a connection with Held as well since they are from the same area. The pair are able to bond over some of the same places they enjoy eating, which Crawford said is cool.
Crawford is currently hearing the most from Nebraska and Kansas State. He also hears from Oklahoma State still a lot. Crawford does hold scholarship offers from all three schools. Virginia and Northwestern are also in contact. The Huskers and Wildcats are the teams most in contact. Those are also the two schools he says are standing out the most to him now. When it comes to Nebraska there are many things that stand out about the Huskers.
“The top-level facilities and Nebraska’s tradition,” Crawford said. “The fans with how much love they’ve shown me if I post something on Twitter. They’re always commenting or liking stuff and Coach Held always tells me how great Nebraska fans are. I actually I’ve been up there one time in person seen a game but I haven’t been in a while. Just seeing all their stuff that they sent me and seeing all the great facilities, the great coaches and the history they have there. I like that a lot about them.”
He was at a game about four years ago against Illinois, so he’d like to make it to Lincoln as soon as it’s possible for an updated look at Nebraska. His decision timeline has been on his mind some even though it’s early. A decision next summer prior to the season would be ideal so he can enjoy his senior season. As he continues to look at his options he knows what creieria he will be evaluating schools on.
“I’d say like my position coaches with the high level of coaching and high level of competition,” Crawford said. “I want to be able to play against really good competition where I go to college and get a great education as well. But I just want to be able to plan some primetime games against the best colleges in the country.”
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11138109/5f531ef2578d400ac85ef975
Greg is the Recruiting Analyst for Hail Varsity and has covered Husker athletics since 2013. He has always had a passion for sports while growing up in the Chicago area. As he got older and had to hang up his cleats and sneakers, he realized his passion for sports went beyond just watching and attending games. He has covered many events from the Rose Bowl to championship boxing matches. If he’s not talking sports, he’s hovering over his grill. He is married to an amazing woman, Kim, and they have a dog that barks when Greg yells at the TV during games.
