The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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PREP PROFILES Michigan has traditionally re- cruited well in California, but the success in the Golden State has fallen off in recent years. Since landing offensive lineman Erik Magnuson out of San Diego in the 2012 class, the Wolverines have struck out on players from one of the na- tion's top hot- beds. However, that could change in the 2016 class, and La Cañada (Calif.) St. Fran- cis wide receiver Dylan Crawford is one player who could be part of that. The four-star prospect picked up an offer while on a summer visit to Ann Arbor. The Wolverines joined Miami, USC and Arizona State on the early offer list for the 6-1, 175-pounder. "Michigan was just the whole package," Crawford said. "Coaches, players, work ethic. Everything about Michigan was nice." Crawford plans to return to U-M before making a final decision, but that choice isn't one that will come soon. A postseason or summer return to the Great Lakes State is one step in narrowing his list. "Some teams are starting to emerge, but that could change a lot in the future," Crawford said. "I really like Michigan; I like USC and UCLA a lot, Arizona State is up there and Tennessee is really good, too. That's my five right now, but things could definitely change. I'm still a long way from my decision." Whenever he d o e s n a r r o w things down, one sch ool w ill b e getting an excep- tional talent. Ri- vals.com's No. 9 w i d e r e c e i v e r and No. 59 over- all player in the junior class will have plenty of options thanks to a fluid style of play that sees him get easy separation on opposing defenses. "He is a lean, smooth receiver who has no problems getting open against any cornerbacks and then shows off great hands," Rivals.com West Coast recruiting analyst Adam Gorney said. "When passes are thrown away from his body or to the left or right, but Crawford finds a way to make the catch. On the outside, Crawford has the speed to get by most cor- ners." For the Wolverines, the key will be convincing him to stick to the plan to make a trip back to Ann Arbor. The Wolverines impressed early and hope to have a chance to do so late, too. — Tim Sullivan California Wide Receiver Likes The Wolverines ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ St. Francis High School La Cañada, Calif. Class: 2016 Position: Wide Receiver Ht.: 6-1 • Wt.: 175 Rivals.com Rankings: No. 8 player in California, No. 9 wide receiver nationally and No. 59 overall player in the country Dylan Crawford