2008 Heisman Watch: Michael Crabtree

It’s the most prestigious individual award in all of sports, and Athlon's Heisman Watch spotlights the top 25 candidates to hoist the trophy. Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree is next on the 2008 list, which will be released in no particular order.

Going into the 2007 season, Texas Tech coach Mike Leach knew he had a potential star waiting in the wings. Michael Crabtree spent his 2006 season redshirting, but expectations were high for his first season of action. The 6-foot-3 weapon came to Lubbock as a four-star recruit and one of the top 100 prospects in Texas. 134 receptions later, it’s pretty clear the Dallas native didn’t disappoint once he got his shot on the field.

In addition to his 134 receptions, Crabtree totaled 1,962 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. He averaged 150.9 receiving yards per game, and was Texas Tech’s first unanimous All-American since Zach Thomas in 1995. Crabtree led the NCAA in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns and not only were those numbers the tops in the country, they were also freshman records in each category.

For his huge freshman year, Crabtree was awarded numerous honors to All-America, Freshman and All-Big 12 teams. The Biletnikoff Award also went to Crabtree, becoming the first freshman winner in the 14 year history of the trophy.

Crabtree’s lowest output of the year came in a 38-7 victory against Baylor, where the receiver caught four passes for 61 yards and no touchdowns. On the other end of the spectrum, Crabtree posted eight games of 10 or more catches, along with posting five games of three touchdowns. In a 34-27 upset over Oklahoma, Crabtree was a key cog in the victory, nabbing 12 receptions for 154 yards and one score.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: If Heisman voters look at the numbers, there is no question Crabtree will be one of the top Heisman contenders. The sophomore receiver should be near the top in terms of receptions, receiving touchdowns and yards per catch in 2008. The Red Raiders have a relatively manageable schedule, and if they can make a run at the Big 12 title it will boost his profile even higher.
 
Why he’ll be left out: As with any Texas Tech player gathering Heisman hype, Crabtree will have to dispel the notion he’s more than a product of a system. Although Crabtree is more than a product of the Red Raider system, no receiver under Leach has finished in the top 10 of Heisman voting and quarterback Graham Harrell is also a contender for votes. With two Red Raiders vying for votes, one will have to take the fall.

Final Analysis: Crabtree is the best receiver prospect to play under Leach and Red Raider fans may want to enjoy his 2008 season. With this receiver spending his first year on campus redshirting, Crabtree could exit to the NFL after this season. Entering the NFL Draft is a strong possibility, and this may be Crabtree’s only shot at seriously contending for the Heisman. Expect Crabtree to have another huge statistical year and a finish among the top 10 in Heisman voting is a strong possibility.

2007 STAT LINE

Other Links:

Athlon Sports' 2008 Heisman Watch
Read the Texas Tech team preview
Watch the Texas Tech preview video