Interview: 2018 Green Oaks Standout Damien Crawford Working to be Next Great Louisiana Corner

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Twitter: @charlie_cds3

Cornerback Damien Crawford has been a leader on the defensive side of the ball for the Giants for the last three seasons. In 2016, Crawford finished with 24 total tackles and eight pass break-ups. Another key stat for the 6-3, 188 pound, corner was that only 3-of-15 passes that were thrown in his direction were completed.

Despite the play of Crawford, Green Oaks finished 1-9 with their only win coming in Week 3 of the season against Fair Park (14-6). After the season, the Giants made a coaching change and hired Coach Terrence Isaac Sr. from Dallas to lead their program going forward. Coach Isaac has already taken time to meet with his new players including Crawford. His message to Crawford was “to continue working hard and win a state championship.”

The Class of 2018 prospect is currently drawing interest from several in-state schools including Louisiana-Lafayette and LSU and other SEC schools like Ole Miss and Georgia. Crawford has also visited TCU and Georgia. He had good things to say about both schools and enjoyed both visits.

The senior playmaker looks to follow path of LSU cornerback Tre’Davious White, who also attended Green Oaks, and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne, who attended Fair Park, and become another great cornerback from Shreveport to achieve his dreams of playing college football.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Damien to talk about his career at Green Oaks, his new head coach and his recruiting process.

Interview

What are your thoughts on the 2016 season?

“It wasn’t really a good season for my team.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance?

“I think my performance was outstanding.”

What are your strengths on the football field?

“My strengths are playing man-to-man.”

Did you receive any individual honors?

“I made first team All-District.”

What were your stats this past season?

“Twenty-four total tackles and eight pass break-ups.”

What is your most memorable moment of your high school career?

“I haven’t allowed a touchdown reception my whole career.”

Do you have any college offers?

“No, sir.”

Are there any schools showing interest in you?

“Arkansas, TCU, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, LSU, Ole Miss, and Tulane.”

Have you been on college visits?

“I have visited TCU and Georgia.”

How did your visits to TCU and Georgia go?

“At TCU, it felt like home. It is close to home. The campus is nice and they have good coaches there. Georgia was also good. I like their new head coach and I like how their defense is set up.”

Have you talked to your new head coach?

“Yes, I’ve talk to my new head coach. He is a nice guy.”

What was his message to you?

“To work hard and win a state championship.”

How does Green Oaks look going into the 2017 season?

“We are looking pretty good but we have a young team.”

What is your favorite football team?

“Dallas cowboys.”

Who is your favorite football player?

“Morris Claiborne because he’s from the same city as me and he is an outstanding corner.”

Do you have any other hobbies besides school and football?

“I like to play basketball and workout.”

What is your GPA?

“3.3.”

Have you decided what you want to study in college?

“No, I haven’t decided yet.”

Thank you for your time.

“Thank you sir.”

Photo credit:  USA Today High School Sports; Green Oaks CB Damien Crawford goes for a tackle against C.E. Byrd