BOOM News: 2018 WR Jaquayln Crawford Commits to Oklahoma

Image of Crawford via Crawford Twitter

The Sooners have landed themselves another stud for the 2018 class in Rockdale, TX WR Jaquayln Crawford.

Crawford and OU have been on each other’s radars for quite some time. Crawford released a top 10 in March that included OU and a host of other solid programs. He has a close relationship with OU WR commit Treveon Johnson, and they tried to schedule visits together. Crawford was able to make it to Norman for a visit in late May and loved it.

TFB caught up with him after the visit to get some thoughts (TFB: Open Post May 21). Although there were rumors of a commitment on that visit, Crawford never felt pressure from the OU staff to do so. He enjoyed the visit, the facilities, and his conversations with the staff. One thing that was a bonus for OU in the recruitment of Crawford is where he grew up: Cameron, Texas – the home of 2016 Biletnikoff Award winner Dede Westbrook. Family of Crawford mentioned that Westbrook has absolutely had an influence on players in the area. After his visit, it seemed that the Sooners were in a great spot with Crawford.

Crawford is yet another talented member of the 7 on 7 scene in Texas, being teammates with the likes of Starrland Baldwin and Jaylen Waddle. Jaquayln has great explosiveness and a is an incredibly versatile player. He has D1 talent at DB, although OU wants him for the offensive side of the ball. His film also shows his talents as a returner, at which he excels. No matter what position he is playing, he makes cuts look so fluid and effortless. Helping that is his vision: he knows where he wants to go and what to do to get there. His speed is no joke either – there are several instances on his film of him breaking away with ease. Crawford does a great job of going up for the ball too, defying his size to make grabs.

Crawford is listed at 5’10” and 160 pounds on 247. Many schools don’t know how to mesh receivers of all sizes: OU seems to thrive on them. As TFB has mentioned before, the Sooners do a great job of taking the most talented receivers they find and using them all over the field; Ryan Broyles, Sterling Shepard, and Dede Westbrook are living proof of that. For reference, Broyles left high school at 5’10” and 188, Shep at 5’11” and 189, and Westbrook at 5’11” and 175. All three had excellent careers at OU, as they combined for 2 consensus All-American seasons, 1 unanimous All-American season, and a Biletnikoff Award winner. The Sooners sold him on being able to play anybody, anywhere at the receiver position.

Needless to say, the Sooners have landed a great one at receiver.