Interview: 3-Star 2020 CB Khary Crump Talks Pac-12 Offers and Tennessee Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Every player in every sport dreams of this moment, the moment when the call goes out from the coaches to go out on the field and help the team win. Khary Crump did not start his sophomore season out with the hype and promotion of some of his counterparts, but by the end of the season his play on the field brought the hype to him. The 5-10.5, 150-pound, corner worked his way into the starting lineup ending the year with 44 stops, three tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and 13 passes broken up. The hard work theme did not stop during Culver City’s season, Crump has kept his drive and motivation going competing in 7v7 tournaments and at college camps over the spring and summer months. The work has paid off yet again with two offers on the table from Arizona and Oregon.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s rising stars in the 2020 class to learn more about his game and his rapidly growing recruiting prospects.

Interview

Khary, the Centaurs had a deep run into the 2017 playoffs, how did those extra reps in the playoffs against top talent help push your game forward?

“It pushed me because, at the beginning of the year I did not play as much. I was behind Alex Smith, he signed with Wisconsin. I had to work my way up to get playing time.”

When your sophomore season ended, what were the strengths of your game on defense?

“Pressing. Working with my trainer, Coach Fig (Premium), he helped me work on getting my hands on the receivers. My man-to-man coverage was something else that improved a lot. I feel that I am a lockdown corner and that I can take away one side of the field.”

What have you been working on this offseason with your game?

“I have been working on my off coverage and working on my eyes. I am an aggressive DB, I have to be more patient with each route and not jump too soon. I’ve been working a lot on my off-man and working on my feet.”

How did spring practices with Culver City go?

“They were great. A lot of colleges came out here to watch us. I feel like I did well; I got on some scouting boards.”

Based on offseason practices, where all will you line up in 2018?

“I can go from right to left corner, it is not set. It all depends on the match up. Our coaches will line me up against a top receiver. This year I will also be on kick return and possibly punt return.”

Did you play 7v7 this offseason?

“Yes. I played with Premium.”

You talked a little bit about working with Coach Fig earlier, how did playing with Premium this spring help push your game forward?

“With Premium, we played against the best talent each week. I was always playing against a five- or four-star. Coach Fig has personally helped me with my game. He has helped me with my footwork and with my eye discipline. It has helped me to go against the best talent out there each week.”

Which camps have you attended this offseason?

“I attended the Nike Opening Regional in LA, Arizona, Oregon, Tennessee, and a USC camp.”

How did the USC camp go?

“It was alright. I wanted more reps; there were a lot of athletes there.”

How did the Tennessee camp go?

“It was a really good camp. I did what I usually do, press them out of bounds or lock the receiver down until the whistle is blown.”

Which camp was your best performance?

“Oregon. There was a lot of good talent there. I held my own in one-on-ones. We did not do much in 7v7. I think I lost only one or two reps. I felt like I locked up everybody.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“Tennessee, Ohio State, and there other coaches are talking to me but Tennessee and Ohio State are showing the most interest.”

You’ve already picked up a couple of offers, which schools have offered you?

“Arizona and Oregon.”

What was it like getting that first offer?

“It was special getting my first offer from Arizona. I spent my whole offseason working on my game and going to camps. That first offer was an accomplishment. That lets me know I am getting noticed for my work.”

When did Oregon offer you?

“When I went to their camp.”

Nice. Have you visited any schools in 2018?

“I visited Tennessee and with Premium we visited Arizona State, Arizona, Stanford, and USC. Some of the schools ended up offering me, they were good visits.”

How did the Tennessee visit go?

“It went well. I like their facilities.”

Turning away from recruiting, did you play any other sports for Culver City this year?

“I ran track.”

Which events?

“The 100, 200, and 4×1.”

Last couple of questions. What are you goals for the rest of the summer before the season begins?

“I am working on getting my grades up. My freshman year was a down year, but this summer is going towards grades and football.”

When the 2018 season kicks off, what goals have you set for yourself?

“My goal is to be a lockdown corner. That is my only personal goal. I want to help the team to a championship win.”

Khary, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Crump family; Khary Crump at Tennessee