Louisiana Football: Interview with Lafayette 2021 LB Oliver Craddock
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
In 2019, Lafayette had their best season in seven years as the Lions finished 4-6. The players gelled through the up and down season and are already working hard to make an even bigger jump, record wise, in 2020 with the goal of making a run in the playoffs. One of the leaders of the team who is gearing up for another great campaign is linebacker Oliver Craddock.
This 6-0, 215-pound, play-maker used his athleticism, strength and speed to rack up 86 total tackles including 10 for a loss with three interceptions, which were all returned for touchdowns, three forced fumbles and chipped in two rushing scores on the offensive side of the ball.
This class of 2021 prospect is drawing interest from several in-state and Ivy League schools. Craddock, is not only a great leader on the football field but also in the classroom where he has 4.3 GPA and received a 35 on his ACT.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Oliver to discuss his career at Lafayette and his recruiting process.
Interview
Oliver, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“2019 was the most fun year I’ve had with football that I can remember. From spring to summer, to the season, I made bonds with guys I never thought I would be close with. We went 4-6 in the season, which obviously isn’t great. However, it was the best year our school had had in seven years. Although wins and losses do mean a lot, learning from my coaches and teammates, and having fun, made the year enjoyable.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance last year?
“Individually, I had my best year so far. However, I also know I have a long way to go. I led the team in tackles for the second straight year and started the season off with three consecutive games with interceptions returned for touchdowns. I also got to play some offense starting later in the season, which I feel helped my team more. I feel like I was one of the more reliable tacklers in the district but there are a lot of areas I need improvement in to maximize my impact next season.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I think my main strengths lie in my leadership abilities and my understanding of where everyone on our defense is supposed to be in all of our fronts, coverages, and packages.”
What was your most memorable moment in your junior season?
“Beating Sulphur High School for our homecoming game by coming back. We were down most of the game, but we scored a touchdown and two-point conversion in the last couple of minutes and sealed the win with a pick.
I remember Derezz Landry, our senior running back, fighting for the last yard to reach the goal line on the two-point conversion and Christian Vincent, our senior safety, catching the pick. It was awesome for Christian because he had been a guy that was on scout team for his first three years and worked really hard the whole time and then finally got to start his senior year. We were all running around the field and jumping up and down and I think it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Are there any schools showing you interest?
“Yes, several Ivy League schools, some Division III schools, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana Tech, Stanford and others.”
Have you been to any college camps?
“I went to a few last summer and have a full slate planned out this year. The camp at Trinity University in San Antonio was my favorite because it had reps from Ivy League schools, was well run and didn’t only focus on combine-type stuff.”
What are you working on the most this offseason?
“Nothing in particular. I feel that I need to get faster, stronger and smarter. Focusing on one thing specifically might hinder another.”
What do you like most about playing linebacker?
“The fact that each play can present a different challenge and that you get to play fast but smart. Also hitting is pretty fun.”
Is there a current football player that you try to model your game after?
“Not really NFL but I feel like if I played a little more of a strong safety type role I would really dive into film on JaCoby Stevens at LSU. I might be playing some more inside backer this year than I have previously so obviously I’ll study up on Devin White.”
What is your GPA?
“4.3.”
What is your ACT score?
“35.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“Math but history is interesting too and so is physics but I tend to do best in English; so really I don’t know.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career and why?
“My mom. I grew up going to LSU games and living and breathing football for half the year because of her. Since I started playing, she has done everything she can to help me succeed, whether it be organizing a non-profit for our program or half carrying me in the house after games and making sure the ice bags on various parts of my body were nice and cold all night.”
What do you like most about playing at Lafayette High School?
“Getting to know guys that I never would’ve known otherwise and trying to be a positive part of people’s lives that occasionally really need it.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
““It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lou Holtz. That quote basically helps me get through anything from workouts to times in life that get particularly rough”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: The Daily Advertiser; Lafayette Linebacker Oliver Craddock
Photo credit: The Daily Advertiser; Lafayette Linebacker Oliver Craddock