Coming off a Biletnikoff-award-winning season in which he racked up NCAA freshman records by totaling 134 catches, 1,962 yards and 22 TDs, Crabtree seems poised to defend his title as the best receiver in the nation.
The guy is the prototype NFL receiver, from the tall, well-muscled frame to the large, powerful hands. Crabtree is an excellent route runner and has shown a tremendous ability to high point balls in traffic, a skill that makes NFL scouts drool.
On the college level, the redshirt sophomore is a serious deep threat, capable of running the post, deep dig, and corner routes to perfection. His explosion off the line and ability to handle physical corners gives him an edge as soon as he lines up to go deep.
In the short passing game, Crabtree has proven equally dangerous with his ability to break the big one. He doesn't have the tremendous deceleration and acceleration of a Harvin, but he does have the vision to get yards in bunches.
The most impressive aspect of Crabtree's game is his proclivity to show up big in big games. Against divisional foes he averaged 9.4 catches and 163.4 yards a game. Even more importantly, against Oklahoma and Texas the freshman showed up for 12 catches for 154 yards and nine catches for 195 yards, respectively.
There are still some unknowns heading into 2008 following Crabtree's breakout freshman year. The most basic argument presented by Crabtree detractors is that Texas Tech passes more than 97 percent of DI-A, skewing the sophomore's numbers and the public opinion.
However, the biggest hurdle for Crabtree will be his ability to handle the pressure, both real and perceived, of being the returning Biletnikoff award winner.
Defenses will focus on using nickel, dime, and specialized schemes in an attempt to neutralize Crabtree. He will also face physical pressure at the line and downfield in an attempt to throw him off his game.
Jeremy Maclin (6'1", 200 pounds)
Crabtree set the receiving records last year, but Maclin dominated another freshman record—total yards. His 2,776 all-purpose yards loudly introduced the freshman to the Big XII and the nation.
Piling up 1,055 receiving yards, 375 rushing yards, 307 punt return yards, and 1,039 kick return yards was no small task as he ran to a total of 16 touchdowns.
As a return man Maclin is a true All-American, possessing the ability to break the big one from wherever he gets the ball in his hands. Though most of his accolades were gained in the return game, his receiving skills are nothing short of spectacular.
Maclin's receiving yards come in chunks as he punishes defenses with tunnel, bubble, and quick screen passes from Chase Daniel. He's got the best cut and go speed in the country, and if he gets a seam you can put six on the board.
Jeremy Maclin's biggest asset is his field vision. Gary Pinkel cuts him loose with short passes in space, returns, and reverses to allow Maclin to improvise and create as he sees fit.
The hangups for Maclin at this stage in his career are his deficiencies both in route running and against physical defenses. While great at running screens and short quick hitters, the crispness of his deep routes leaves much to be desired.
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