*Xavier Crawford – Noteworthy
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, Crawford ran the 40-yard dash at 4.48 seconds. Though the scouts’ reactions at CMU’s Pro Day were rather muted, they spoke volumes: Crawford had impressed the group immensely by shaving nearly two-tenths of a second off his time. Crawford attributed his improved time to the more comfortable environment of CMU’s Indoor Athletic Complex. “The combine got to me mentally, especially when I got to the drills,” Crawford said. “Today, it was more relaxing coming in.” The projected late-round draft pick also performed well in the defensive back position drills that followed the 40-yard dash. His footwork was clean and he showcased a nice burst when making sharp cuts.
Since declaring for the draft on Dec. 3, 2018, Crawford has been preparing for the NFL Draft by training in Calabasas, Calif. Over the course of the past three months, the 5-foot-11, 187-pound defensive back has bettered his strength and speed. That being said, Crawford is quick to point out that it takes more than physical tools to make it as a professional football player. “At the next level, everybody is going to be fast, strong, big,” Crawford said. “You gotta have an edge somewhere else.” According to Crawford, that extra edge is his mental strength, a trait which has come in handy before. – Central Michigan Life
