Columbus East (Columbus, IN) center/defensive lineman Harry Crider has verbally committed to the University of Virginia, giving the Hoos commitment no. 10 in the class of 2017. The two-way standout is being recruited by UVA as an interior offensive lineman… he and Georgia native Tyler Fannin are the only two offensive line recruits in the class so far.
“UVA is the perfect fit for me in all areas,” Crider wrote in a Twitter direct message. “The coaching staff is phenomenal and they believe in me. UVA has outstanding academics and I have the opportunity to get a great degree in a beautiful place. I loved my visit and the staff made my parents and I feel like part of the family. My primary position is center but I could play any of the interior three on the OL.”
The Virginia staff initiated the recruitment by first contacting Columbus East head coach Bob Gaddis. Offensive line coach Garett Tujague then traveled to Columbus to see Crider in person, beginning what is now a strong relationship.
“We starting communicating frequently after that, and they offered me at the end of May,” Crider recalled. “I attended their camp on June 11th, and got to tour the campus and meet with the coaching staff during that visit.”
Crider describes the Virginia coaches as “outstanding people. What strikes me most is they care about more than just coaching football. They want to develop men who will excel in the world and be great individuals. They are very family driven and emphasize strong academics and the importance of family. They truly care about their players.”
Indiana Preps described the future Hoo in depth in this article posted June 1. The 6’4″, 250-pound prospect earned Class 5A Junior All-State honors last season.
Fast forward to the 2016 football team and you will find several prospects on the Columbus East roster. Starting with versatile 2017 lineman Harry Crider. Crider who looks more like a tight end or defensive end with his 6’4 250 pound frame, is a 3 year starter at center for the Columbus East team. His athleticism has allowed the Columbus East staff to line Crider up all over the field and on both sides of the ball. College coaches are recruiting him at the offensive and defensive line position.
“I know my weight isn’t quite what most programs want on the OL, but I am steadily gaining and I know when it comes time to play I will be ready,” Crider answered when asked if he felt he was underrated. Besides UVA, the only FBS offer he received was from Buffalo. “Getting to play on that high of a level is an experience few people get and I am extremely excited to make my mark.”
Crider plays three sports — football, baseball and wrestling — at Columbus East while also carrying over a 4.02 GPA.
“I enjoy staying busy and I think it helps me in all aspects of life,” Crider noted. “I think my work ethic comes from my outstanding high school coaches who motivate me to do great in all I do. Also, it comes from my supportive parents who are there for me every step of the way.”
In addition to Crider (whose highlights are below) and the aforementioned Fannin, the rest of UVA’s 2017 Class looks like this…
The rest of the class is as follows…
– Lindell Stone, QB, Woodberry Forest (VA)
– Lamont Atkins, RB, Lake Braddock (Burke, VA)
– PK Kier, RB, Millbrook (Winchester, VA)
– Tommy Christ, DL, Dominion (Sterling, VA)
– Matt Gahm, LB, Highland Park (Dallas, TX)
– Joey Blount, FS, Landmark Christian (Fairburn, GA)
– Zachariah Burton, DB, Penn (New Castle, DE)
– Germane Crowell, DB, Carver (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
