Tennessee OL Jeremiah Crawford thanks fans, declares for NFL Draft

On3 imageby:Eric Cain•02/04/24•

_Cainer

Tennessee senior offensive lineman Jeremiah Crawford, who is out of collegiate eligibility, announced on social media Sunday afternoon that he’s declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. He also took the time to look back on his football journey to say many thanks along the way.  

Craford opened the statement with a bible verse, quoting from Jeremiah 29:11 that states, “for I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The offensive lineman continued by shelling out some praise.

“First off, I’d like to thank God and give all the praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, none of this is possible,” Crawford explained. “Vol Nation, I just want to say thank you for the support and love I have received while playing here. I would also like to thank my friends, coaches and teammates at Goddard, Butler and Tennessee who have been there with me along the way.”

Crawford first began his journey at Goddard High School before playing the 2019 and COVID-altered 2020 (played in the spring of 2021) seasons at Butler Community College. He started 10 games at the JUCO level and was considered the No. 3 overall offensive tackle prospects from the junior college ranks.

Josh Heupel made Crawford his first official signee as the lone February signature of the 2021 recruiting class.     

“I started off playing college football at Butler Community College, and if you told me I’d be writing this today, I wouldn’t believe you. I would like to thank my JUCO coaches, who really pushed me into my development, not only into the player but into the man I am today,” the tackle recalled. “Coach Haremza, thank you for always sticking with me and showing me what this is all about. You’re forever one of the greats.

“I would like to thank all my coaches I have here at Tennessee for taking a chance on me and helping me pursue this game at its highest level in college football. Without you, I don’t know where I’d be.”

Crawford went on to be a focal point of the Tennessee offensive line over the course of the past three football seasons, making 13 starts with 30 appearances as a Volunteer.     

“College football has given me teammates that turned into brothers. Our friendships will lats a lifetime, and I will forever cherish all the memories,” Crawford continued. “I would like to give a special thank you to my mom. You’ve show me how to persevere through tough times and how to fight in life. You have sacrificed so much to give me the opportunities I have today. I am forever grateful. I would also like to thank the rest of my family for their love and support along the way and constant prayers.”

In three seasons on Rocky Top, the 6-foot-5, 315-pound athlete played in over 950 snaps with a career-high 424 snaps logged in 2022. According to Pro Football Focus, Crawford allowed just five sacks in his career.

“Vol fans are the most amazing and passionate fans out there. I am amazed everyday with the love and support you have shown me since I arrived on campus, and I appreciate you more than you all know,” Crawford concluded. “With all that being said, I am excited to announce that I’ve entered into the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s BUCO and GBO forever.”

Tennessee is set to return some experience at offensive tackle for the 2024 campaign with John Campbell and Dayne Davis. The Vols also added former LSU signee Lance Heard from the transfer portal.

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