The future stars of Ohio State football officially begin their college careers, as standouts from all over the country put pens to their National Letters of Intent.
Marcus Crowley wasn’t initially slated to be one of Ohio State’s running backs for the recruiting class of 2019.
The Crowley File
- Class: 2019
- Size: 6-foot-1, 200 pounds
- Pos: RB
- School: Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL)
- Composite Rating: ★★★
- Composite Rank: 26 (RB)
Going into the month of October, the Buckeyes had commitments from Steele Chambers and Sampson James, and Crowley hadn’t received an offer from Ohio State.
After James flipped to Indiana on Oct. 7, however, Ohio State moved quickly in making Crowley a priority, offering him just four days later and landing his commitment less than a month later, on Nov. 4.
Less than two weeks after extending an offer to Crowley, Alford traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to visit Crowley on Oct. 22, during the Buckeyes’ bye week. When the Buckeyes returned to the field for their Nov. 3 home game against Nebraska, Crowley was in attendance, and he wrapped up his visit to Columbus by pledging to play for Alford and the Buckeyes.
Went down to Florida...
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 19, 2018
Came back with a baller @marcus_2334 is officially a #Buckeye!#GoBucks #Dynasty19 #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/jxEaL9L5aF
Currently ranked as the 410th-best prospect in the 2019 class, Crowley isn’t as highly ranked as some of Ohio State’s other signees. But he had as impressive a senior season as anyone.
By rushing for 2,325 yards and 28 touchdowns on 222 carries while also catching 11 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns in his final year at Trinity Christian Academy – the same high school as current Ohio State cornerbacks Shaun Wade and Tyreke Johnson – Crowley earned Gatorade State Player of the Year honors for the state of Florida.
It’s that performance that made the former Miami commit a midseason priority for the Buckeyes, and his tape is impressive, too. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Crowley is a physical runner who looks to finish through contact, while also demonstrating impressive acceleration and agility for a back of his size.
Crowley might only be rated as a three-star recruit, but he looks as though he could quickly prove he was underrated.
With Mike Weber’s recent announcement that he will declare for the 2019 NFL draft, Crowley will have a chance to compete for immediate playing time upon his arrival in Columbus, as J.K. Dobbins will be Ohio State’s only returning running back with significant playing experience.
