Keyron Crawford enjoying first Auburn spring camp, focused on 'finishing' at higher rate
AUBURN — Keyron Crawford didn’t go through spring last year with Auburn. He didn’t even commit until April during the spring transfer portal window.
So, this spring is a new experience, but one the 6-foot-4, 245-pound Buck defender is enjoying.
“It’s pretty different coming just because of the mindset I was in, like just the process of in the portal and then actually finding my home and then developing over the course of that last season and this season coming up,” Crawford said this week.
“It’s just a different approach because I know the defense a little better. I know the things I have to improve on and the things like I have to do to become a leader in this team. We’re a young team right now. I know the guys that’s looking up to me, I gotta be a better role model than that. So this is a pretty big role for me.”
Crawford finished last season with 24 tackles and just one sack. With Jalen McLeod off to the NFL, Crawford feels like the combination of more responsibility and more experience has prepared him for a step forward in 2025.
“One out of 10, I’d say a 10,” Crawford said about how much more comfortable he is this spring versus last summer. “I’m pretty comfortable where I’m at. I’m comfortable with the things that I know I have to get better at.”
Crawford credits McLeod, Keldric Faulk, and of course, defensive coordinator DJ Durkin for aiding greatly in his development so far. But Crawford will be the first to tell you there is a long way to go. Most importantly, finishing plays.
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Crawford tallied 21 quarterback hurries in 12 games, but as mentioned before, just one sack. He believes plenty of production was left on the table.
“First and foremost, I have to finish because there were a lot of plays that I had the opportunity to make and put myself out there even more. Finishing is definitely one of the things I need to improve,” Crawford said.
“Then getting off blocks, improving in the run game, strike level, getting stronger and faster, all of that. I have to improve my technique as far as pass rush, bending the angles, using my hips, all the little things. It’s going to correlate into one big happy ending.”
However, 12 of Crawford’s hurries came in his last five games he played. Progress was evident, but now it’s time for next steps, saying, “there was a different approach in the last six games and I feel like the approach has gotten even better over the course of the spring.”
