Transmenu powered by JoomlArt.com - Mambo Joomla Professional Templates Club

Pros: This Michigan man will be among the longest, heaviest and fastest linebackers in the 2008 draft.  He possesses a strong upper body.  Crable excels when moving towards the line of scrimmage and can even put his hand down in pass rushing situations.  He’s an outstanding blitzer with the instincts to get to the quarterback, as well as excellent closing speed.  He is a potential playmaker whose physical abilities may be better suited for pro ball.  During his time in Ann Arbor, Crable also displayed the ability to cover--both within a zone scheme and in man coverage--as he can get physical with tight ends at the line of scrimmage and use his athleticism down the field.  Physically he is an impressive package with tons of potential.  He grew as a person while at Michigan, stepping up as a leader during his senior campaign.  Can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme.

Cons: Crable is not a proven or consistent performer and needs to work on his technique if he is to fulfill his vast potential.  In particular, he needs to improve on his ability to take on blockers, as well as his footwork and fluidity in coverage.  He is somewhat raw, basically a one-dimensional player who can pressure the quarterback; his overall game needs some smoothing out.  While his upper body is impressive, his leg strength is not ideal, which may cause him to be overpowered by offensive linemen.  At this point Crable relies too much on his physical ability and needs to develop moves.

Overall: He is an outside linebacker, who has the size and athleticism to play in either a 4-3 alignment or a 3-4 scheme, where his passing rushing abilities can be put to good use.  His potential as an impact player who can get to the quarterback–an invaluable skill in the NFL–secures Crable’s status as a day one pick.  A late bloomer, Crable really turned some heads with his spectacular senior campaign for the Maize and Blue.

Mogollon’s View: Love his upside.  He could be a real find for a team looking for a pass rushing force from outside linebacker, either as a strongside linebacker in the 4-3, or more ideally as a 3-4 rush linebacker.  His vast physical potential has yet to be completely tapped and it would not be a surprise to see him take off as pro.

Murphy’s View: Tough to get a read on when breaking down his film.  He does not always show up every week and makes a few poor reads/decisions.  If he is paired with the right coach and football becomes a top priority, his career could take off.

Factoid:  Crable infamously missed a block on Appalachian State’s Corey Lynch this year, leading to a blocked field goal as time expired in one of the biggest upsets in the history of college football.

Medical Examiner:  Injured his shoulder during fall camp in 2003, which caused him to miss the entire season.  However he has showed good durability since then, having never missed a game due to injury.

Highlights of Accomplishments:
•    2006 & 2007 Second Team All-Big 10
•    Big 10 Defensive Player of the Week (9/29/07)

High School:  Was a three-year varsity linebacker for Washington High School in Massillon, OH, where he recorded 200 tackles, 23 sacks and four interceptions his final two seasons.  Crable was a first team All-State selection his senior year.  He also lettered four years in basketball and three in track, running the 100-meter dash in 10.7 seconds and anchoring the 4x100 relay team.

Major:  General Studies