He is the product of a pass-oriented offense, but so too have been a multitude of college players before him. Few though have had the immediate impact or success that Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) is having this year. Crabtree a red-shirt freshman has been setting a slew of receiving records in his first college season, and the end is not in sight.

After just six games, Michael has caught an amazing 17 touchdown passes for the Red Raiders. The prolific Cabtree has only failed to reach the three touchdown mark in a game once this season. With his 15th touchdown of the season against Iowa State, he shattered the NCAA freshman mark held in tandem by Jabar Gaffney (Florida), Mike Williams (USC) and Davone Bess (Hawaii). By season's end he might be adding the single season Big 12 record as well. For the year Crabtree has gathered in an impressive 70 passes for 1074 yards in just the first six games of the season. Four times this season he has had more than 10 receptions in a game and twice he has gained over 200 yards in a game. He has also been over the 100 yard mark in each of his outings.

The record breaking statistics that he has complied thus far, make Crabtree the early front-runner for "best receiver available" in the 2011 NFL Draft. Still, it remains to be seen if such success at the NCAA level translates well to the NFL. At 6-3, 220 lbs, Crabtree does have the big frame that NFL teams crave these days. His speed (4.5 in the 40) is far less impressive, though the combination of the two conjures up visions of a young Dwayne Bowe type of receiver. Crabtree also seems to have a great understanding of the offense, having spent his prep career as a highly mobile quarterback, and a point guard on his high school's basketball team. Both position required that he have a complete understanding of the game, as well as, a good accounting of each player on the field or court. Coming out of high school, the athletic receiver was also courted by such schools at Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas A&M, before settling on Texas Tech.

Yet for all his accomplishments this season, his coaches at Texas Tech still believe that he has not yet played the perfect game or come close to reaching his potential. They also point to Crabtree's love for the game, and non-stop enthusiasm, as part of the reason for the freshman's success. Still, for all his impressive pedigree and ability, Michael Crabtree has not received much national notoriety, unless you count those who play fantasy college football who revere him as a fantasy god. It's a shame, because this freshman receiver is already posting up Heisman type numbers

Learn more about this author, Rolando Cruz.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about The best wide receiver in the NFL??
We want to hear your view. Write now!