Michael Crabtree’s place among college football’s all-time greats just got another stamp of approval. As part of its 140th-anniversary celebration, Sporting News released its SN 140 All-America team for the 2000s. The former Texas Tech wide receiver earned a first-team spot alongside some of the biggest names of the era.
Crabtree lines up opposite Pitt’s Larry Fitzgerald at wide receiver on an offense that also features Tim Tebow at quarterback, LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren McFadden at running back, and USC’s Reggie Bush as the all-purpose player. It’s elite company for a Red Raider who redefined what a receiver could do in the Big 12 during his two seasons in Lubbock.
The numbers back it up. In his historic 2007 season, Crabtree hauled in 134 catches for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns. His production helped him become the first true freshman to ever win the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver.
That season alone put him in rarefied statistical territory with Fitzgerald’s own monster 2003 campaign of 92 catches, 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns, the two receivers representing the decade’s gold standard at the position. Crabtree would follow up his freshman season with just 97 catches, 1,165 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a second Biletnikoff Award. Those 2008 numbers allowed him to become the first-ever two-time recipient of the Biletnikoff Award.
For Texas Tech fans, Crabtree’s inclusion is a reminder of just how special his brief but explosive career was. Two seasons, two Biletnikoff Awards, and now a spot among the best players from an entire decade. It’s a distinction that further cements his status as a Red Raiders legend. It also confirms Crabtree as one of the defining players of 2000s college football.
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This article originally appeared on Red Raiders Wire: Michael Crabtree named to Sporting News’ All-Decade Team for the 2000s
Reporting by Andrew McCleary, Red Raiders Wire / Red Raiders Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Andrew McCleary, Red Raiders Wire | USA TODAY Network
