Longhorns DB Kitan Crawford 'Standing Out' in Spring Ball, Says Steve Sarkisian

Texas Longhorns safety Kitan Crawford seems primed for an increased role this fall based on the way coach Steve Sarkisian has been describing his recent performance in spring practice.

© Scott Wachter, USA TODAY

AUSTIN -- Whether it's Arch Manning or Jaylan Ford, the Texas Longhorns have a number of big names with the potential to show out as spring practice rolls on.

But Texas coach Steve Sarkisian only needed a moment Thursday to decide who's been catching his eye the most.

"One guy that stands out to me right now is Kitan Crawford," Sarkisian said. "Tremendous special teams player for us a year ago. I think he was Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, this guy was fantastic."

Crawford, who heads into his senior season as a defensive back, seems primed for an increased role this fall based on the way Sark has been describing his recent performance in practice. Doing his due diligence on special teams last season didn't exactly result in eye-popping stats, but it now has Crawford set for a key role in the secondary.

But last season was still by far Crawford's best as a safety, as he played in a career-best 13 games and logged his first-career start in a big 34-27 road win over the Kansas State Wildcats on Nov. 5.

He also added a career-high 25 total tackles, a pass breakup and blocked a field goal, which came in the 17-10 loss to the TCU Horned Frogs on Nov. 12. Despite the loss, Crawford's block was one of the better plays in an impressive performance by the Texas defense and special teams.

"He's playing really well for us at safety right now," Sarkisian said. "He's communicating at a high level, making plays on the ball, playing fast. He's definitely maturing. He's one guy that definitely stands out to me."

Sarkisian doesn't necessarily throw around compliments. It's also hard to remember on the spot every player that's been "standing out" in practice.

But the fact that Crawford was the first name out of Sark's mouth should speak volumes about what we can expect from the senior safety this fall.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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