Crabtree says he’s staying; father wonders
BY DON WILLIAMS
AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
There’s more than one Mike that many Texas Tech football fans want to see doing their thing at Jones AT&T Stadium next season. Tech flanker Mike Crabtree, who is eligible to leave school early for the NFL draft, indicated in a news conference Thursday that he plans to return to Tech next season.
His father later said that was surprising to hear.
Asked if he was giving consideration to jumping to the NFL, Crabtree replied, “No. Not at all.’’
Asked in a followup question if he was coming back, Crabtree replied, “Uh, yeah.’’
Crabtree’s father, Michael Crabtree, later told The Dallas Morning News that he was surprised to hear that.
“He hasn’t told me that,’’ the elder Crabtree told the Dallas newspaper. “We’re pretty much leaning toward coming out. But it’s up to him. If he wants to come back and win championships, I won’t be mad at him.’’
Crabtree has two years of eligibility left.
During the Red Raiders’ 11-1 regular season, Crabtree caught 93 passes for 1,135 yards and 18 touchdowns. In the last regular-season game, a 35-28 victory over Baylor, Crabtree broke Wes Welker’s Tech career record for receiving yards. He already held the school career record for touchdown catches.
Crabtree missed the second half of the last game with what he described as a sprained ankle, but he said he’ll be fine by the time the team plays in a bowl game.
“I ice it two times a night,’’ he said. “It should be good in about a week.’’
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- Crabtree will not enter the draft - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Board - Where the Raider Nation lives!
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That’s great to hear I think Graham and Micheal are the best possible role models for any future Tech players, or any college players for that matter. It is always great to see a kid who wants to stay in school. That is what really matters, besides they are student athletes.
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If Michael Crabtree stays he will become a HERO. He will have shown millions of our youth that education does matter, not just the quick buck. Crab has been nothing but class since he came to Texas Tech, and if he stays and finishes his degree, he will not only be yet another great football player, but one who took commitment to his school, to his education, and to himself seriously. I hope that I am in the stands yelling, stomping, and clapping for Michael Crabtree has as TTU goes 12-0 next season. WRECK’EM TECH!
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Thank you Mr. Daddy Crabtree for saying the right thing – yes, it is Michael’s future and it is H I S decision. Thank’s for all the support, but he still does have some kid and college spirit in him! It’s like the Trace Adkins song, “You’re Gonna Miss This!” . Well, just maybe he wants another year as a Red Raider and another year in college to prepare for the NFL and, well, life.
Beat the hell out of Texas!
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I think he should go for the draft. I love what he did for Tech, but he shouldn’t risk a career ending injury in the NCAA when he could risk it in the Pro’s with a good contract.
Come back and finish your degree after you’re done with the NFL Mike. We love you for what you did, we understand if you think it’s time to move on.
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Hats off to Harrell for his honesty and character. Great role model for kids. He reminds me of Tom Brady in the pocket as if everything is in slow motion for him which allows him to make great decisions. As for Crabtree, he got to be one of the most dynamic receivers to watch. Great hands, great vision, great strength and has that extra gear when he needs it. Albeit he’s a sophomore, he’s already a man among boys when he plays. Good for Tech for him to come back. Just need somebody to throw him the ball next year, but coach Leach will handle that.
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He’s gone folks. The money is too good and the salary cap enactment the year after next for the NFL is making a lot of players leave early.
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that is just great and now the other mike [leach] will most likly be back next year to this is turning out to be a good day for the raider nation. btw i dont no if the recruiting scouts took any notice of larry walker. he would be a perfect fit at tech. he is from mgreger [ waco area] a 2a school and a qb. he played reciver last year and reminded me so much of micheal crabtree. a very elusive wide reciver but of course being from a 2a school if you have any talent you will be put a qb but he reminds me alot at crabman just the way he tears up defenses
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Michael, Once your college career is over you can never go back the NFL and money isnt going anywhere enjoy your journey to the ultimate success as a football player one play and one day at a time Come back for your heisman and help Texas Tech win the Big 12 and anational championship the nfl cant offer that you will be strapping on an NFL helmet soon enough Good Luck GOD Bless.
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