OL Greg Crippen Back on the Market, Mentions Michigan, USC, Alabama

One of the top center recruits in the class of 2021, Greg Crippen details his approach to recruiting after being committed to Notre Dame for nearly one year.

BRADENTON, Fla. -- SI All-American checked on some of the top college football prospects in the country while on campus at IMG Academy Wednesday, but just one of the Ascenders is fresh off of a decommitment. 

Rising senior offensive lineman Greg Crippen is back on the market after being committed to Notre Dame for nearly a year. 

"It was just relieving to look at my options more right now," he said. "I'm looking at schools, will be visiting schools, it's just exciting to me. 

"I committed a little early and things kind of got away. I guess I lost interest, too."

The 6-foot-3, 270-pound interior offensive line projection has picked up double digit offers throughout the recruiting process, including Indiana and South Florida since hitting the open market this month. 

"My plan is to look at other schools and make sure I get a better feel for them," Crippen said. "Have a better relationship with coaches and make sure I go in, really go in this time. I'll take my time." 

Friday's NCAA ruling to implement a new dead period through April 15 due to COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, will limit the immediate future on the trail for all prospects. 

Several trips were in the works for the IMG Academy standout.

"I'm planning to visit Michigan and USC this spring," he said. "Maybe Alabama some time in the future. I'm talking to other schools, too. 

"Michigan is a great school. Great academics, great offensive line, I like them right now. I'm really trying to branch out. It's Coach (Ed) Warriner who I talk to there. 

"USC is a very prestigious school, I know they had an off year but I know they're coming back. They're USC, out in California, I'm really excited about it. I talk to Coach (Tim) Drevno there. Alabama is Alabama. It's a great school. Great football and of course Nick Saban. I'm talking to Coach (Kyle) Flood."

The new approach to the process will allow Crippen to take his time with the pick. He'll delve into the potential coaching staffs and well beyond.

"It's just making sure I feel comfortable with everyone there," he said. "Just being there with the coaches, learning how they coach, how they are on and off the field."

Ohio State, Purdue, Pitt, Duke and several others sit on the offer list for one of the top center types in the class of 2021. Regardless of where he ends up, the Massachusetts native is expecting to compete for early playing time at his next stop. 

It's why he made the move to IMG Academy. 

"It's not as easy as people think it is," he said of the school "Every day is a grind. I'm here so when I get to college I can impact the team early." 

The 2020 season is likely to kick off before Crippen makes a final decision. The patience, plus the new dead period, will enable additional programs to make a play for the rising senior recruit. 

"I'm just taking my time," he said. 

Crippen is slated to graduate from IMG in December, sign during the Early Signing Period and enroll at his program of choice in January. 

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