re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

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Recruitment takes a backseat to the season for many major prospects. That much is clear with 2019 Rivals100 running back Quavaris Crouch. The Charlotte (N.C.) Harding University star had an amazing season opener and, while he has de-emphasized recruitment a bit, he isn't completely shutting down for the season.

IN HIS OWN WORDS…

"I haven't been trying to stay in touch with many coaches right now," Crouch said. "I'm trying to stay together with my team right now. I still keep my eye open for systems I can run through. Teams that run pro-style, downhill offenses are where I really feel like I excel the most. I like schools like Georgia, Florida State, and other downhill teams. I keep N.C. State, Clemson, South Carolina, Alabama, and all those schools in mind because I still have two years to make my decision so you never know what could happen. I'm taking it really slow and allowing everything to hit me.

"I'm going to go to the Florida State and Alabama game that's coming up," he said. "That's going to be a big game. We play mostly Friday games so I'll be on the move on Saturday's trying to see some games. I want to see what fits and me and how they run their offense."

On his most recent visit: "I really enjoyed the visit to Michigan because I got to bond with the players and it let feel how it would be to be a real college athlete," said Crouch. "They were just showing me the day to day things they did. That was the best I've had so far because I just want people to tell me how to get better and prepare me for life.

"Quinn Nordin, Khaleke Hudson, and Chris Evans made a big impression on me," he said. "Chris Evans is a really great guy and he actually helped me a lot with trying to stay focused when things aren’t going right. I really liked the atmosphere and the players."

On playing defensive end this season: "It's a big difference playing defensive end," Crouch said. "You're playing with some bigger boys so I had to learn how to get their hands off me and how to make the quarterback get the ball out of his hands as fast as possible."

On fellow North Carolina running back and UGA commit Zamir White: "I saw what Zamir did the other night (over 300-yards on less than 20 touches and three touchdowns)," he said. "I knew they weren't going to shut him down. I was rooting for him. I like him a lot and I look up to him a little bit. I'll be trying to get in touch with him."

RIVALS' REACTION

Crouch is generally pretty open about what is happening in his recruitment so everybody should take him at his word when he says he is taking things slowly. Expect Crouch to continue taking visits throughout the season with the most likely destinations being Georgia, South Carolina, Clemson, and N.C. State after he checks out the upcoming Alabama and Florida State game. An early decision isn't in the cards here but Crouch may declare an early favorite and wait to announce a commitment.

As far as his performance on Friday night, Crouch was outstanding and could be a major prospect on the defensive side of the ball as well. A true workhorse running back, Crouch gets better as the game goes on and can break off big runs while pounding the interior of the defense. His multi-sack performance at defensive end along with a fumble recovery offers a level of confirmation that it isn't unreasonable to think Crouch could up listed as an athlete instead of a running back.

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