Plant’s Crawford drops Georgia Tech commitment, switches to Miami

Posted Jan 29, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Jan 30, 2012 at 02:00 AM

Following his official visit to the University of Miami this weekend, Plant defensive back Antonio Crawford has decided to drop his commitment to Georgia Tech and instead will play his college football for the Hurricanes, Plant coach Robert Weiner confirmed Sunday.

Crawford made the announcement on his Facebook page, saying “I am proud to say that for the next four years, I will be going to the University of Miami.”

Crawford made his commtment to Georgia Tech last summer. There were recent reports that Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson would pull Crawford’s offer if he took his visit to Miami and Tech landed the commitment of another recruit the same weekend, but Weiner says that was not the case. Weiner said Johnson called Friday to reaffirm Crawford would still have an offer even if he took the visit to Coral Gables.

But with Crawford’s decision to join “The U,” it doesn’t matter. He becomes the second Panthers player during Weiner’s tenure at the school to commit to Miami, joining 2006 state champion quarterback Robert Marve, now at Purdue.

Weiner says he’s glad Crawford is heading to college, no matter where that might be.

“Any time a kid can get a college scholarship and get four years of school paid for at a major program like Miami, I’m happy,” Weiner said. “From what I understand, they (Miami) have a pretty big need at the position and will sign six or seven DBs.”

Crawford was a first team all-Hillsborough County selection by the Tampa Tribune at defensive back. He recorded 61 tackles, 26 passes defended and four interceptions, He was also a big contributor on offense as a running back, rolling up 599 yards rushing and five touchdowns, and also hauling in 11 passes for 139 yards and another score.

Crawford is the third Hillsborough County football athlete to commit to Miami, joining highly-recruited Jefferson defensive end Tyriq McCord and Hillsborough defensive lineman Earl Moore, who committed to the Hurricanes last summer.