Jack Crawford Class: Sophomore Hometown: Longport, N.J. High School: St. Augustine Height / Weight: 6-5 / 256 Position: DE Experience: SO H.S. Coach: Dennis Scunderi

Barely two years after playing organized football for the first time, true freshman Jack Crawford found himself on the lush Beaver Stadium turf in front of 106,577 Penn State fans for the 2008 season-opener. With injuries and attrition impacting the defensive line, Crawford was inserted into the Coastal Carolina game at defensive end and he made his own impression, recording a season-high three tackles, two of which were solo stops. He joined Brandon Beachum and Michael Mauti as the only true freshmen to play in every game last season. Born in England, Crawford moved to the United States in 2005, intending to pursue basketball as his primary sport. As a junior at St. Augustine Prep in 2006, he joined the football team and found immediate success as a defensive end and tight end. During his senior season, the London native emerged as a standout, leading to his matriculation to Happy Valley. Crawford possesses outstanding physical attributes, athleticism and determination. He has made significant progress during his initial year as a Nittany Lion on the practice field and in the weight room and has a very promising future. He ended spring practice atop the depth chart at one of the defensive end spots and should have an opportunity to make a significant impact for the defense the next three seasons. Crawford is one of nine Nittany Lions returning from New Jersey.

2008 Freshman Season
Crawford joined Brandon Beachum and Michael Mauti as the only true freshmen to play in every game. He saw action at defensive tackle and tight end during the course of the season and made four tackles (three solo) with two pass breakups. Crawford was inserted into the season-opener with Coastal Carolina and he recorded a season-high three tackles, two of which were solo stops. He also made one solo hit in the win at Syracuse. He was on the field for 127 plays, led by 27 each against Coastal Carolina and Indiana.

High School
As a junior at St. Augustine Prep in 2006, Crawford joined the football team and found immediate success. During his senior season, he emerged as a standout, being rated the No. 15 defensive end in the nation by Scout.com, while also playing tight end. Playing for Coach Dennis Scuderi, Crawford earned all-area and All-Parochial honors. He made 12 touchdown receptions his senior season. Crawford also played basketball and soccer at St. Augustine.

Personal
Full name is Jack Justin Crawford. Crawford is the son of Janet and Lincoln Crawford. He has two older brothers, Douglas and Paul, a younger brother, Mostyn, and one younger sister, Ella. Crawford enjoys producing music and would like to pursue a career in business. Born September 7, 1988 in London, England.