Crawford gaining national attention

HUNTINGTON -- C.J. Crawford's performances as the Huntington High quarterback and at some prep football camps thrust him into the national spotlight.

Crawford was No. 72 on a list of top 2009 college prospects compiled by Rivals.com. The list includes 250 players in the nation. Being named to the select list didn't completely shock Crawford, a junior who has worked to improve his game.

"I'm really happy to make the list and that's what I work so hard for is to gain recognition," Crawford said. "I felt like I was underrated in the state of West Virginia because I didn't receive any honors."

Crawford said he attended the Schuman National Underclass Combine in Columbus, Ohio, and the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio, Texas. He was named as a top prospect in Atlanta and received an invitation to the Schuman premier camp in New Jersey.

He will be attending the Nike Football Training Camp coming up May 10 in State College, Pa.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound player said he has scholarship offers from Marshall and Wake Forest, Crawford said. Virginia, Penn State and West Virginia have also shown interest.

Although Crawford wants to play quarterback, some schools might recruit him for other positions.

"I would like to get my shot at playing quarterback in college, but I will play anywhere they put me," Crawford said. "I'm working on my mechanics and trying to be a better all-around quarterback."

Off the wall athleticism combined with a dedicated work ethic makes Crawford a dangerous player with tremendous potential. Crawford said he has 4.38-second speed in the 40-yard dash. The Rivals.com report said he has a 33-inch vertical leap.

Being overlooked and underestimated gives Crawford more reason to prove doubters wrong. His junior season might have been just the tip of the iceberg. Crawford passed for 1,611 yards and 13 touchdowns. He proved just as lethal with his feet, running for 500 yards and seven scores.

"We are tickled to death for him," Huntington High coach Zach Wilson said. "It's a big deal when a kid is offered a Division I-A scholarship because that hasn't happened at our school in a while."

Crawford has the complete package at the quarterback position, displaying fancy footwork and a strong arm. Running the option with his speed is his specialty, but locating the open man downfield and launching the ball deep makes him extremely versatile.

Traveling to showcase his talent with the best college players in the nation put him on the map. And, now one lucky school is going to get one talented athlete.