Open Post | Sunday, May 21 By: The Brainiacs Posted on: May 21, 2017

Image via Jaqualyn Crawford twitter

– Jaqualyn Crawford: Before the 2018 Rockdale (TX) ever made it to Norman this weekend, there was already reports that he was going to commit on the spot. All along, I (Brandon) had been told that the Sooners staff wasn’t expecting that at all. As a matter of fact, on source told TFB that, “[OU] would rather not have a kid from another state commit on the spot, as most of the time that type of commitment is an emotional reaction and not well thought out.” That makes complete sense, as the Sooners staff has long been one that doesn’t pressure players while on visits. Rather, they allow the commitment to come about organically. When I caught up with Crawford, he completely concurred with that sentiment and mentioned it being something he respected, saying, “Coach Simmons and the OU staff don’t pressure you and just hang out and get to know you. I loved that. Other places I have visited have pressured and that’s not something I’m into.”

With all of that said, the Sooners staff definitely wants Crawford, with one source saying, “[OU] has to get him. Want him really, really bad.” Another source I spoke with said, “Sooners are selling him and Jaylen Waddle that they can play anybody, anywhere at the receiver position.” The source went on to say, “Look at the 2015 guys with Shep, Baxter and Westbrook. All three were six foot or shorter. OU will take the three guys at receiver that want to be there, regardless of size.”

Another thing that Crawford made clear to me was his commitment timeline. Though it could change (I firmly believe it probably will), his time of commitment is set for mid-August, with Crawford saying, “I have an idea on how I want to do it and that is at a school ceremony before the season begins.” Crawford is really high on OU, saying, “I love OU and the visit was amazing. Loved the facilities. Just everything about the visit was great.” Crawford did say he would like to visit Nebraska and Notre Dame before a decision is made. Don’t be surprised if Crawford is back to Norman sometime in July as well for the annual BBQ that the staff has for recruits.

Crawford also grew up right down the road in Cameron (TX) – the home of 2016 Biletnikoff Award winner Dede Westbrook. I spoke with Crawford’s uncle, Lewis Edmondson, who is also Rockdale’s track head coach; he spoke of the influence Westbrook has had on players in that area, specifically Crawford. Additionally, I am being told that Texas has now flipped their recruiting pitch to Crawford, from DB to WR, and that things are leaning more and more in OU’s favor.

TFB will continue to reach out to sources and see if things might be changing a little more than what is being let on as far as a commitment goes. If we catch wind that it is, we will update you all. Still, I feel this is OU’s to lose and, with Crawford being 7 on 7 teammates of Starrland Baldwin and Jaylen Waddle, OU landing another guy from Fast 7 would only help OU with Waddle. It will help even more once they both see how OU plays guys anywhere on the field, despite their size.  – (Brandon)