Glasgow Receiver Rico Crowder Quickly Accepted Preferred Walk-On Offer From UK

Rico Crowder Jr. with UK coach Mark Stoops. (UK Athletics Photo)

Rico Crowder Jr. knew he needed to perform well at summer camps to enhance his college chances going into his senior season at Glasgow High School.

The 6-4, 200-pound receiver had only 11 catches for 213 yards last year but seven of his catches went for touchdowns. He also ran 34 times for 225 yards — almost seven yards per carry — and scored three more times for Glasgow during its 6-5 season in 2022.

He had offers from NAIA schools Bethel (Tenn.), Georgetown and Lindsey Wilson but felt he had the size and speed to play at a higher level.

Crowder went to a UK summer camp, ran the 40-yard dash and heard he finished in 4.42 seconds.

“I was confused. Like, that can’t be right,” said Crowder.

But it was and as he was leaving the camp, he heard someone say his game. Turns out it was UK recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow who wanted to give him a tour of the facilities.

“He started texting me and last week asked me to visit,” Crowder said Wednesday. “I went on the visit, took pictures and had a good time. Then he shut the door and said they were going to offer me a preferred walk-on position.”

Crowder liked what he heard. He liked the coaching staff. He loved the facilities/community.

“If they are willing to get me a chance to play in the SEC, I can make it. I don’t care if I play on kickoff return or whatever,” he said. “I just want to be on the team.”

That led to his commitment on Twitter Wednesday.

“Everybody is excited for me. I am excited even though I am not really sure it has settled in what a great opportunity I have,” Crowder, who turns 18 in September, said. “Coach Marrow told me my body was really good for my age and they could tell I put in the work it would take to get better.”