Freshman Defensive Back Shaun Crawford Out For Season
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame lost another potential difference-maker in Shaun Crawford on Wednesday
The injury woes continue to plague Notre Dame’s young season. Following a season ending injury to Defensive Tackle Jarron Jones, the Irish suffered another loss with an ACL tear to Freshman Defensive Back Shaun Crawford. Notre Dame announced the news late on Wednesday.
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Crawford was vying to be the starter at the Nickel position in Notre Dame’s sub package. However, with his injury, 5th-year Senior Matthias Farley will likely return to the spot he primarily played in 2014. Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder may also choose to use Freshman Nick Coleman depending on the situation.
It is hard to say that Notre Dame is lucky. But, this injury comes at a position of great depth.
Before Crawford’s injury, the Cornerback position featured (in order): Senior KeiVarae Russell, Junior Cole Luke, Sophomore Nick Watkins, Freshman Shaun Crawford, Freshman Nick Coleman and Junior Devin Butler. Now, instead of six quality and college-ready Cornerbacks, the Irish now likely have five. Add Freshman Ashton White to the mix and Notre Dame could possibly return to six-deep at the position.
This injury is no where near as devastating as the injury to Jarron Jones. Although Notre Dame has players with experience at Jones’ position, these players do not have the same ability as Jones. At Cornerback, the Fighting Irish have several players with as much or more experience than Crawford. Additionally, Crawford was going to play only a portion of the time as Notre Dame’s first Defensive Back off the bench in the Nickel package.
Crawford hails from Lakewood, Ohio and played for high powerhouse Lakewood St. Edward’s. Highly recruited, he received offers from 16 schools including Florida State, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State. The 247Sports Composite ranking listed Crawford as the 113th best player as well as the 14th best Cornerback in the 2015 class.
Notre Dame fans will have to wait another year to see Crawford make an impact on Defensive and Special Teams. Crawford was slated to be one of the kick and punt returners for the Irish in 2015.