Senior Feature - Carloss Crawford - Troy University Athletics

This story originally appeared in GAMEDAY, Troy's official gameday program

Carloss Crawford's college football experience tells a story of a determined man from Memphis, Tenn., whose love for the game and God carried him through his tribulations. With his 2022 Sun Belt Conference Championship ring at home, Crawford begins his senior year at this week's game against SFA. It is a bittersweet moment, not only because it is his last year eligible for college football but also because of the testament it is to the Division I college dream he has never once given up on.

Since age four, the 6-foot-2 safety has always aimed to play college football. His high school career showcased skills of college-level potential, graduating after three years of starting as both a receiver and defensive back with 74 receptions and 16 touchdowns to Crawford's name. After a season at Golden West College in 2018, Crawford transferred to Coffeyville Community College, where he would sit the season out due to a devastating torn pectoral muscle injury.

In the spring of 2020, he transferred to Texas Tech with hopes of getting back to the game, but his hopes were short-lived when he received the news that he was not eligible to play for the season.

During a time when others would have given up, Crawford never lost faith in himself and his abilities. While working his 2020 summer job at Lowe's, he was given what he and his family call an act from God.

"Luckily, Coach Ray Brown reached out to me out of nowhere and gave me an opportunity to come to Troy," Crawford said. "It was such a blessing."

Since that moment, Crawford has crossed off many firsts. During his three years at Troy, he has played in his first D-I football game, been on his first-ever winning football team, and received his first college football championship ring. To be present for every first, Crawford's family would travel 12 hours from Texas to cheer him on.

Crawford attributes much of his perseverance to his close relationship with his grandmother, mother, and father. Every week, he does a Zoom bible study with his grandma and siblings, which he took the initiative to start after seeing the impact Christianity had on him during his challenging college career.

"Reading and studying the Bible helped," Crawford said. "I talked to my grandma, and I was confused about why this was happening to me. She told me to stay focused on God. So, I started reading the bible every day. After that, everything fell into place, and I came to Troy. I am so thankful for that, and I think everything happens for a reason."

Crawford is described by his grandmother as someone who 'has always been really special.'  That there was just something about him that drew people to him and his heart. Both his mother and father characterized him as having an infectious, social personality that 'sees the best in everyone.'

With the knowledge that this season will be his last, Crawford mentioned a few words he would say to his freshman-self.

"Be where your feet are. I was always worried about where I was going to end up," Crawford said. "Enjoy every day, whether it is good or bad. You learn something from every hardship, so you can't take anything for granted."

"Reading and studying the Bible helped," Crawford said. "I talked to my grandma, and I was confused about why this was happening to me. She told me to stay focused on God. So, I started reading the bible every day. After that, everything fell into place, and I came to Troy. I am so thankful for that, and I think everything happens for a reason."

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Senior Feature - Carloss Crawford

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