The 2016 recruiting class is really taking shape in the State of Washington, and one of the top defensive backs is Gavin Crow of Kamiakin (Kennewick) High School.
Crow was an All-MCC selection last season, helping Kamiakin to a 7-3 record last season. This was only his second year back in the United States, after living in Japan the previous four years.
“Last year I was new in town and no one knew my name at the beginning of the season,” Crow told NEI. “This year I’m just going to play the game as hard and as fast as I can. The rest will take care of itself.
“The one award I would love to win again is KHS Special Teams Player of the Year. I love playing all special teams and I felt some of my best plays came during kick coverage and kick returns.”
Crow has the ability to play any defensive back spot, and at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, could even be seen as a linebacker. For now, Crow is just focused on getting better each day as he moves towards his ultimate goal.
“I want to build on last year’s success,” Crow said. “I have a friend that goes to our church who played professional football. He told me, ‘Those that continue to improve, continue to play.’
“My goal is to continue to improve, play at the highest level, and be a leader. The one thing I really have been working hard on this off season is my speed. I believe my hard work and effort will translate into more tackles and touchdowns next season.”
Continuing to improve is exactly what Crow has done this offseason, starting with his performance in Las Vegas as part of the Barton Football Academy at the Pylon National 7-on-7 Tournament. Crow and his teammates would go all the way to the Elite Eight of the 101 team tournament, with Crow doing a lot of heavy lifting on defense.
“The level of competition in Vegas was intense,” Crow noted. “The Barton Football Academy squad was like a “best of the best” team. It was really an honor to be selected and play with such a great group of athletes.
“The opportunity to work extensively with BFA coaches like Dion Alexander made me a better football player. There is no doubt Barton Football Academy is helping me get ready for next season.”
Right now, Crow is running the 400m Relay, 100m, and 110m hurdles for the Kamiakin HS track team, and squeezing in collegiate visits along the way. He attended Montana’s Junior Day, and last weekend was in Fort Collins, Colorado at Colorado State’s Junior Day.
The rest of the offseason will be very busy as well. Crow will reunite with his Las Vegas teammates for the Barton Football Academy’s Battle in Seattle tournament on May 24th. He also plans on attending various camps and combines around the northwest, including one-day camps at Washington, Oregon, Oregon State and Eastern Washington.
Along with the previously mentioned schools, Crow is also hearing from the likes of Northern Illinois, Wyoming, Nevada, San Diego State and Northern Arizona.
We will be sure to keep you updated on the latest with Crow and his Kamiakin teammates, as they have the makings of another good season over in the Tri-Cities.