The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Crawford Signs NLI to Play for the Blazers
11/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Nov. 10, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Nick Crawford of Evangelical Christian School in Cordova, Tenn. is the second player to sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play for the Blazers next year as announced by UAB head baseball coach Brian Shoop on Friday.
"Nick is a winner on the diamond," Shoop said. "I have always liked small middle infielders as I believe their quickness and soft hands are needed to defend the field. Often they can bunt and handle the bat and are willing to work a count - all attributes that help their team win. We are pleased that Nick Crawford will be joining our Blazer baseball family and are confident that he will help our program in every area."
The left-handed and hitting second baseman Crawford is a three-year letterwinner in both baseball and football at the Evangelical Christian School. Last season, Crawford hit .515, while batting lead off in his junior campaign.
He has collected numerous accolades during his high school career including being named to the All-Conference West Tennessee Region Division II Team in both 2005 and 2006. His all-conference selections come in addition to being named to the 2006 Best of Preps All-Metro Team and several all-tournament squads.
At 5'9 and 140 pounds, Crawford has excelled on the football field as well. Last year, he led his team in receiving with 27 catches for 515 yards and seven touchdowns. He and his teammates won the 2005 Tennessee State Football Championship and will be playing this week to return to the championship game in 2006.
"If you look at the size and stature of Nick Crawford you miss the essence of who he is," Shoop said. "Nick is a winner, which is why we are so excited that he will be attending UAB next fall."
In addition to his excellence on the diamond and on the field, Crawford has also established himself in the classroom. He is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and earlier this fall was selected to his schools' `Homecoming Court' by his fellow classmates and faculty.
"Nick is also a winner in the classroom as evidenced by his academic record," Shoop said. "He plans to prepare for medical school at UAB so he could not be attending a finer institution. He is a winner as a person, everyone who knows him talks about Nick as being one of the finest young men they have ever met."
The Blazers will resume announcing their signees on Monday.
