BCP, April 30, 2019- With the 84th annual meeting of NFL franchises known as the 2019 NFL draft, behind us, there are some special ballers at the talent table ready for their ‘big break’. Here are two undrafted signees repping the 727 and now-pro athletes that deservingly got scooped up in free-agency.
DB Jonathan Crawford, Indiana University – The 6’1″ 205-pound Largo native and safety was as dependable as they come in the open secondary; starting in every game of his college career (50), thanks to his intuitive and aggressive wrap-up skills and quick witts in a variety of coverages.
In Crawford’s four-year, action-packed Hoosier career, the three-time honorable mention and All-Big Ten selection is tied for eighth on the program’s career list with nine interceptions, recorded 275 tackles, 182 solo, two sacks, eight for loss, 19 takeaways, one pick-6, seven fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, 19 pass breakups and two blocked kicks.
In 27 games played as a Largo football Packer, the 2015 graduate put in work on the hardwood and on the gridiron; contributing any and everywhere. With the pigskin, Jonathan accumulated 122 total tackles, 101 being solo with 4.5 TPG, 2 TFLs, forced 3 fumbles and recovered 2, tallied 7 INTs, hauling in a 55-yard pick-six, had 801 All-purpose yards, including 450 receiving yards on 36 receptions and 3TDs, 1 rushing TD on 18 touched for 73 yards and 223 return yards as a star-studded high schooler.
WR Ryan Davis, Auburn University – Hailing from St. Petersburg, this shifty 5’10” 190-pound wide receiver has undoubtedly solidified his title rights as the most prolific pass-catcher in War Eagle history; fighting EVERY down for more and won the 2018 Shug Jordan award for Auburn’s most outstanding senior. Before any of his Tiger accolades though, the former class of 2015 first-team All-State quarterback had some deciding to do; visiting Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators before assuming his wideout role in the burnt orange and navy blue.
As far as his collegiate career goes, Davis got his first start as a sophomore, reeling in 25 catches for 194 yards and one score. The very next year, he set a school record racking up 84 receptions on 815 yards and 5 trips to the end zone. Ryan led the Auburn offense with 69 catches in his final season, posting 546 yards with a 7.9 average and one TD, bringing back 22 punts for 217 yards. He tied his career knot ranking 14th in career receiving yardage with 1,555 yards.
The Tiger’s career reception leader was also a basketball standout and is also Pinellas County’s all-time leading passer; amassing 6,760 passing yards on 459 completions of 741 attempts, collecting 59 TDs in the air, 2,808 yards rushing on 350 carries, tacking 31 TDs on the ground and a 101.9 overall QBR in 37 high school games played for Lakewood, according to MaxPreps.
Vaughan Sixbury, BCP Contributor