Plant's Crawford drops Georgia Tech for Miami

Following his official visit to the University of Miami this past weekend, Plant High defensive back Antonio Crawford has decided to drop his commitment to Georgia Tech in order to play his college football for the Hurricanes.

"I feel good about my decision," said Crawford, a starter on the Panthers' Class 8A state championship team. "I talked it over with my parents and (Plant head football coach Robert Weiner) and they all thought it was a good decision, too."

So why the switch? Crawford said it wasn't anything Georgia Tech did or didn't do for him. And Crawford said reports about Tech coach Paul Johnson threatening to pull his offer if he took the visit to Miami were not true. Crawford said whether he took the trip to Coral Gables this weekend or not, Johnson still wanted him.

In the end, Crawford said he made the decision to attend UM because of the feeling he got during his talks with Hurricanes coach Al Golden and his staff, as well as the Miami players. Crawford said he also loved the look of the UM campus and as a kid growing up in Florida, he said Miami has always been one of his "dream schools."

"I really bonded with the players and coaches down there and had a good time," Crawford said. "It felt right. I just needed to talk it over with my family and coach Weiner before I made my final decision."

Crawford made his commtment to Georgia Tech last summer. Since then, multiple allegations of NCAA violations have hit the Hurricanes' program and there's a chance the football team could face some stiff penalties. Crawford said he is aware of the situation but it didn't deter him from turning to "The U."

"Nobody knows what's going to happen and that really didn't play a big part in my decision," Crawford said. "All I know is that coach Golden is taking the program in the right direction."

Crawford becomes only the second Panthers player during Weiner’s tenure at the school to commit to Miami, joining 2006 state champion quarterback Robert Marve, now at Purdue.

Weiner says he’s glad Crawford is heading to college, no matter where that might be.

“Any time a kid can get a college scholarship and get four years of school paid for at a major program like Miami, I’m happy,” Weiner said. “From what I understand, they (Miami) have a pretty big need at the position and will sign six or seven DBs.”

Crawford was a first team all-Hillsborough County selection by the Tampa Tribune at defensive back. He recorded 61 tackles, 26 passes defended and four interceptions, He was also a big contributor on offense as a running back, rolling up 599 yards rushing and five touchdowns, and also hauling in 11 passes for 139 yards and another score.

Crawford is the third Hillsborough County football athlete to commit to Miami, joining highly-recruited Jefferson defensive end Tyriq McCord and Hillsborough defensive lineman Earl Moore, who committed to the Hurricanes last summer.