New Jersey running back Crawford commits to Central Michigan
Montclair High New Jersey running back Joshua Crawford carries the ball Friday, December 1, at MetLife Stadium against Union City in the 2017 NJSIAA football finals.
Central Michigan football had to wait just three weeks into spring practice before picking up its first commitment from the 2019 class.
Montclair (NJ) running back Joshua Crawford announced on Twitter his intentions on playing for the Chippewas at the next level. At 5-10, 190 pounds, he waited two months after earning the offer to decide.
"It’s finally over," Crawford said. "Now, I can go into my senior year and just play and focus on my team without worrying about anything."
Crawford never visited campus before hearing the news from head coach John Bonamego, whose known for having strong bonds with potential recruits during the process. It's why out-of-state interest continues to heightened under his regime.
"Our relationship is great, we have at least two conversations a week," Crawford said. "One thing that stood out the most was his loyalty to CMU. He talked about his time in the NFL and how it was great, but his heart lies with the Chippewas. He wants to be there for a long time."
Prior to his verbal commitment, CMU was the first NCAA FBS program to offer Crawford, who garnered attention from Towson, Lafayette, William and Mary, Harvard, Yale and Navy, among others.
Crawford took an unofficial visit for two of the spring practices on April 2 and 3, participating in William and Mary's Junior Day event as well.
"The atmosphere at Central Michigan is something I was very comfortable with during my visit," Crawford said. "I felt like I was apart of the family. I had a connection with the coaching staff and I feel I’ll be able to stay here for four years with no worries."
As a three-year varsity starter, Crawford is gunning for back-to-back-to-back second-team All-North Jersey Super-Liberty Blue honors, having rushed for 453 yards and two touchdowns on 83 carries last season.
He also caught 15 receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns, helping Montclair win the 2017 NJSIAA N1G5 finals over Union City (NJ) at MetLife Stadium on December 1.
"I want to help my team win a MAC championship and a bowl game championship," Crawford said.
The New Jersey pipeline is relatively fresh, thanks to the long-time connections of Central Michigan offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chris Ostrowsky, who over in March 2017 after spending the previous five seasons as head coach of DII Northern Michigan.
Of the 17 recruits that the Chippewas welcomed in last year's signing class, nine resided out of Michigan, including two from the Garden State in Paramus Catholic High running back Jonathan Clark and Mater Dei Prep two-star quarterback George Pearson.
