The Oklahoma State fullback, a short yardage specialist, could still wind up playing on Sundays.
According to an NFL scout, Crosslin most likely will be what teams label a "priority free agent.”
Former OSU coach Pat Jones, who worked 10 years as an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders, said "priority free agents” often have several offers they can mull over.
"He could sneak into that last round, simply because he's a big fullback, but he'll probably be a free agent,” Jones said. "You have to have a fullback, just for jumbo packages. If he could play special teams, that would help.”
That's the primary reason Crosslin might earn an NFL paycheck. At OSU, Crosslin played on three of the four special teams units – kickoff coverage, punt returns and kickoff returns.
"That could be huge for him,” said OSU running backs coach Curtis Luper. "He's big, he's fast and he's tough. NFL teams like guys like that can help you in a lot of areas, guys who contribute on special teams.”
Fullbacks are being used less in college, where spread offenses are all the rage. But in the NFL, fullbacks are still an integral part of most offenses.
Most teams use a fullback at least 10 to 20 plays a game. Some use a fullback more than that.
Crosslin essentially was a battering ram for the Cowboys, the lead blocker. His stats are nothing special. On 145 career carries at OSU, Crosslin averaged only 3.0 yards. But he was effective, scoring 23 touchdowns, averaging a touchdown nearly every six carries.
At OSU's Pro Day last month, Crosslin lifted 225 pounds 29 times, recorded a 35-inch vertical leap and ran a 4.72 in the 40-yard dash.
"There aren't many guys who are 5-11, 245-pound guys that can run like he does, or is as strong as he is,” Luper said. "He has ball skills and can run with the football. There are a limited number of guys who can do what he does.”
NFL rosters are limited to 53 players. That's barely enough for a two-deep chart. Former OSU star Keith Burns enjoyed a lengthy career as a backup linebacker and special teams stalwart.
You won't hear any NFL draftniks talk Crosslin up this weekend on ESPN but it would be a mistake to prematurely cross Crosslin off OSU's list of players in the NFL.
"He runs pretty well but has to prove he can catch the football, which he can,” Luper said. "If he gets in the right situation I think he can make it. I think he'll have a decent chance because of what he can do on special teams.”
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Kurt, thanks for making my point. Sure Crosslin had 23 touchdowns. Just think what he could have done if he had been used for more than a battering ram. There were some games when he was conspicuously absent from the field. I think Coach Gundy did not utilize Juice to the max. But, hey, he is the one making the big bucks, not me.
My gosh, Roy, I am sure OU has no one that smokes marijuana! Gosh you are amazing with your comments. Now, hurry go steal some coats or gas, or maybe just cheat to win like the Sooners love to do.
Juice is a quality guy. For anyone that met him, he's incredibly nice. Definitely the type of guy, like John Lucas, that you hope does really well with the little talent and hard work that they have. I don't mean that Juice isn't talented, but he's no Bobby Reid and he just works himself to the bone to be as good as he can.
Glad to see the story on Crosslin. The Gundy-era offense pretty well put an end to his opportunity to be a standout on offense. But I do not recall any comments about Crosslin griping and complaining about his fate. He just went about his business and did the jobs he was asked to do. Sounds like a quality guy. Good luck to him in the NFL.
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