Kansas Defender Caden Crawford Discusses Hawkeye Offer

Caden Crawford only began hearing from Iowa Football in the last week or so. The Hawkeyes then moved forward with a scholarship offer for the Lansing (KS) High junior on Wednesday. He welcomed the development.

“It meant a lot coming from one of the best Big Ten schools of all time and a great program. I’ve just been hearing from them recently. It blew up really fast,” Crawford told HN.

Kansas State, Nebraska and Oklahoma State already had offered the versatile defender a scholarship. Iowa told him they see him as a defensive end.

Assistant Kelton Copeland recruits Kansas for Iowa. Kelvin Bell coaches the team’s defensive line.

“I’ve talked with coach Copeland a little bit and like him. I talked with coach Bell and like him a ton,” Crawford said.

He’s anxious to find out more about the Hawkeyes.

“I like the fan base from what I have seen so far. I just need to visit Iowa City to learn more.
I want to learn about their academic and weight programs. I want to see all the facilities and meet all the coaches,” Crawford said.

Rivals and 247 both see Crawford (6-4, 235) as a three-star recruit. The former rates him as the No. 5 player overall in Kansas for the 2022 Class. The latter has him at No. 3 in the state and as the 30th best strong-side defensive end nationally in the cycle.

The versatile Crawford, who plays quarterback, recorded 62 tackles (29 solo), 12 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles as a sophomore.

“I would say I’m a very fundamentally sound football player, a hard hitter and someone committed to film study,” he said.

Crawford just began his junior year of high school and has plenty of time to work through the recruiting process. He’s not in a rush.

“I’m approaching it one day at a time and just enjoying it. I’d like to commit before next fall, maybe early summer,” he said.

It gives Iowa a chance to build a relationship with Crawford.

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“Thus far I would say I have the best relationships with Nebraska and Kansas State as Iowa is still new and recent,” he said.

Here’s a look at Crawford’s sophomore highlights: