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Michigan Football: WR Kekoa Crawford has a golden opportunity in 2017

By Chris Peterson

Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Kekoa Crawford (1) celebrates his touchdown in the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Michigan 59-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Kekoa Crawford (1) celebrates his touchdown in the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Michigan 59-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan football is relying on a lot of youth at wide receiver. But one returner that could play a big role this season is Kekoa Crawford.

There many young players on the Michigan football roster ready to make a jump in 2017 and one of them is wide receiver Kekoa Crawford.

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Kekoa Crawford, who’s real first name is Dylan Crawford, is a big, fast target, that saw the field in every game as a freshman for UM. He caught just four passes, but he impressed the coaching staff with his blocking ability.

Blocking may not seem like a big thing for a wide receiver. But when you are stuck behind two venerable seniors such as Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh, blocking was one of the few ways Crawford was going to earn playing time.

At 6-2, 195 pounds, Crawford has ideal size and speed for the position. It’s probably why he was a top-20 wide receiver when he was recruited and a solid four star.

However, as much as his blocking will be utilized again this season, Michigan football needs more. They need Crawford to develop into a reliable pass catcher. He did have 47 yards receiving last season, but in 2017, UM will need much, much more.

While Crawford and Eddie McDoom are the top returners at wide receiver, there is a large freshman group ready to compete.

Donovan Peoples-Jones is the big name. Quarterback Wilton Speight was already gushing about him in spring ball. Tarik Black and Nico Collins are two others with big-time potential.

So it’s not like Michigan football has a shortage of talent at wide receiver, just experience. That’s why Crawford has a golden opportunity in 2017.

Michigan Wolverines Football
Michigan Wolverines Football /

Michigan Wolverines Football

It seems like McDoom already has the slot position locked down. He is the Wolverines leading returning receiver and is a big play waiting to happen. That leaves the outside receiver positions and that’s where Crawford can make an impact.

I expect Peoples-Jones to start outside from day one. He’s just too good not too. But on the other side, I can see Crawford getting significant playing time and not just because of his blocking, although it will help.

Currently, Crawford is wearing the No. 1 jersey and we all know what that means. Now he will get a chance to live up to it. But if he fails to seize that position outside, another youngster will certainly take his place.

That’s why 2017 is so important for Crawford. He can either establish himself as a starter or he can find himself relegated to the bench as a reserve.

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Hopefully for him, it’s the former, not the latter.

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