Following an unofficial visit to Charlottesville for last month’s Spring game, Kevin Crawford had been leaning towards UVa over offers from Syracuse, and Kent State and interest from Maryland, Clemson, and Virginia Tech. Crawford decided to commit last night to the ‘Hoos, in large part due to his feelings towards the Cavaliers coaching staff.

“One of the reasons I committed was because UVa is recruiting me the hardest of every school,” Crawford said. “And the coaches are not in it for themselves. I know they want to win, but they really care about you. They have a family atmosphere up there. Academically, the graduation rates are out of the roof. That also really attracted me to them.”

Crawford will become the second prospect from Gar-Field High School to sign with the Cavaliers in as many years when he signs in February of 2005. Outside linebacker prospect Clint Sintim signed with UVa in the 2004 class. While his former teammate’s decision was not a major influence, Crawford admits having Sintim at UVa is a positive.

“Clint was not a big factor because you can’t base your decision on one person, but he is a little bit of a factor,” Crawford said. “It will be good to know someone who is already there. Someone who can tell you what to expect before you get there.”

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