Keyron Crawford Excels on Auburn Tigers Defensive Line
In Auburn’s recent 24-10 victory over Kentucky, the Tigers’ defense was a standout, holding the Wildcats to just 224 total yards and preventing any points after the first quarter. Defensive lineman Keyron Crawford, a transfer from Arkansas State, had his strongest game yet for Auburn, earning praise from head coach Hugh Freeze.
“Best game,” Freeze remarked. “That’s the best game he’s had here by far. He seemed relaxed, and [defensive coordinator] DJ Durkin used him in different ways. Keldric Faulk, who earned player of the week, benefited from Crawford’s play, as Crawford’s pressure led directly to one of Faulk’s sacks.”
Faulk himself praised Crawford, noting his pre-game energy and playmaking ability on the field. “He played really good,” Faulk said. “I got my second sack because of him.”
Kentucky’s passing game gave Crawford ample opportunity to excel in his specialty: rushing the passer. “The pass game—that’s my bread and butter,” Crawford noted, though he’s also working on improving his run defense.
Reflecting on his performance, Crawford said, “I felt like I was under a rock for the past six games, second-guessing myself. This past game, I told myself, ‘I’m gonna play free,’ and I felt more like myself.”
