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Notre Dame Football: Ranking 2020’s most impactful players – 20-16

By Andrew Hall

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Nick McCloud #4 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack warms up before their game against the East Carolina Pirates at Carter-Finley Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Nick McCloud #4 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack warms up before their game against the East Carolina Pirates at Carter-Finley Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Shaun Crawford #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action on defense during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Shaun Crawford #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action on defense during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

16. Shaun Crawford (Defensive Back)

Best Ranking: No. 7

Worst Ranking: Unranked

Shaun Crawford, a rare sixth year player, hopes to make it through 2020 unscathed. Crawford will begin the 2020 season at a new and somewhat surprising position, Safety. On occasion, at the end of the 2019 season, Crawford would play the position in certain situations. Now, Crawford will play aside phenom Kyle Hamilton on a regular basis.

Believe it or not, Crawford entered the University in the summer of 2015. He immediately demonstrated his play making ability in camp before suffering a season ending ACL injury. Crawford made his debut on Labor Day weekend in 2016 – flashing his playmaking ability with a 2-point conversion return on a blocked kick. Crawford ruptured his achilles the following week against Nevada. He suffered significant injuries in 2018 and 2019 with his only injury-free campaign in 2017.

In 2017, his only complete season, Crawford registered 32 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 5 passes broken up, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions. Clearly, when Crawford is healthy for an extended period, he can be a tremendous playmaker for the Notre Dame defense.

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Crawford simply is a great football player regardless of position. He will make plays for the Irish defense if he can stay healthy. No spring football contact may help Crawford enter the season fresher than ever.

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Playing safety is a big risk for Crawford. He will be counted on to fill the alley and make a lot of tackles. For prospective, Jalen Elliott tallied the second most tackles of any Notre Dame safety last year with 49 total stops – a significant amount of more contact than he is accustomed to.

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