www.BLUEANDGOLD.com OCT. 9, 2017 21
circuit" of putting him in a position to
thrive, along with his teammates.
"He's putting me in a great posi-
tion right now to make plays, and
putting me around the ball," Craw-
ford said. "After that, I just always
tell myself to play fast and play free."
Earning the game ball at MSU was
his validation that all previous toil was
worthwhile, and the greatest gratifica-
tion was the knowledge of helping his
teammates and staff who supported
him in the darker days. Kelly received
a little extra acknowledgment.
"I told him, 'Thank you for just be-
lieving in me and even giving me this
opportunity to still be on this team
and play,'" Crawford said. "It's finally
happening the way I want it to. Coach
[Todd] Lyght gives me a hug and said,
'We got you through another one.' I
thank God for every game."
The Irish defense has given him its
own thanksgiving in return. ✦
In his first five full games of action at Notre Dame, Crawford has accounted for five turnovers.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
