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Bristol, TN.- Lineman have got to be a top priority of coach Dooley and staff at Tennessee. And we’re talking both sides of the ball. It’s an important battle that any coach, especially an SEC coach knows you must win to compete. It’s wildly expected that the staff will pursue and attempt to sign a large class of offensive lineman. Tennessee has a few in it’s own borders to start with and have found one they want bad enough to offer. Mack Crowder from Tennessee high school was a recent recipient of an offer by coach Dooley. His older brothers are both playing at a pair of Ivy league schools, so he’s got the genetics to be a smart lineman. He offered Volnation his thoughts on the offer and some other details.
“Yes sir I was just down at Tennessee and they offered me a full ride. That’s a pretty big one. I got an offer in the mail today from Kansas and Louisiana Tech also. I was pretty surprised with all of the early attention I’ve gotten. My older brothers definitely helped I think, get my name out there early with their recruitments. I’ve been talking to Auburn a little, Mississippi State some as well.”
Currently the 6’4″ 275 pound offensive center holds offers from Maryland, Marshall, UCF, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, and Duke among others. He’s drawn some expertise from his older brothers who have both gone through the process. He discussed what he’s looking for and his plans.
“I’m looking to see if I can fit in for 5 years there. Make it a home away from home. I want a good relationship with the coaches and players. Education is important too of course, since my brothers are at Ivy league schools and all. A nice campus is a plus. I’m trying to decide before my senior season. I guess if a school that I like started to run out of spots I might make it sooner. I’m happy with the schools I’m hearing from now. My dad has helped me with a lot but he is in West Virginia right now, he’s a coal contractor. So we are trying to work around his schedule so we can take some visits.”
Mack has good footwork and solid power through his body. But one attribute stands out above the others to most coaches.
“My intensity. That’s what all the coaches say stand out is my intensity. They also like how I finish blocks and explode off the ball. I’m always working on stuff. Footwork and pass blocking in particular, but I’m trying to get better overall.”
Mack had some glowing remarks for his recent visit.
“The athletic facilities were outstanding. We toured the campus and I got a chance to look closer at the campus. I saw the student work out center, classrooms, freshman football dorms, it was all outstanding.The coaches are really upstanding. They are looking for high quality athletes, for guys with good character. They said they like what they saw in me, and they offered. I was blown away, I didn’t expect it.”
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