PROVO — BYU football coach Gary Crowton is known for his innovative offense. Apparently, the guy can recruit, too.
The national letter-of-intent signing period begins Wednesday, and at least one expert is impressed with Crowton's first group of recruits.
"I'm amazed at how well this class has come together," said Brentt Eads, vice president of content and information for Student Sports, a publication that tracks West Coast recruiting. "BYU has done better than I thought it would do. This is the smallest class of LDS kids out there in five to 10 years — there aren't many great LDS players out there this year. But the best ones, BYU got. They've gotten all they were supposed to get and a little more."
Asked what letter grade he would give Crowton and his staff for their efforts, Eads replied, "an A."
Because he wasn't hired until early December, Crowton got off to a relatively late start — but he made up ground fast. "BYU has closed strongly," Eads said. "Crowton's been all over the map. He's been from Florida to Hawaii."
His frequent-flier efforts paid dividends. Crowton and his assistants have re-opened an all-important recruiting pipeline to the islands. The Cougars will sign two, safety Aaron Francisco and wide receiver Saia Hafoka, from the Aloha State. BYU also will haul in cornerback O'Neil Howell from Florida.
Crowton has been able to keep at least one who committed to Edwards, fleet-footed prep wide receiver Breyon Jones from Texas, in the fold. Jones originally committed to the Cougars last summer but had second thoughts once coaching changes took place — until he got to know Crowton and offensive coordinator Mike Borich.
Crowton also proved he can close deals with prospects. He even managed to convince one recruit, Dixie State College All-America lineman Quinn Christensen, to switch his commitment from Oregon to BYU.
Among the other top LDS recruits who will sign with the Cougars are linebacker Bryant Atkinson (Timpview High), defensive lineman Victor Felipe (Highland High) and offensive lineman Travis Bright (Highland High in Arizona). Former Ricks College star tight end Spencer Nead already is enrolled at BYU, having signed in December.
Of course, Crowton hasn't pulled this class together by himself. He retained the majority of the staff that served under LaVell Edwards, and those assistants laid the groundwork for a successful class. "His staff has been planting seeds for nine months," Eads said.
Still, Crowton's personality and enthusiasm have turned potential recruits' heads, Eads said. "He is young, energetic and personable. It's like when (Steve) Cleveland came in with the BYU basketball program. He deals so well with these kids."
Crowton's National Football League experience has been a selling point, too. He and Borich have a reputation for developing players, which they did at Louisiana Tech and with the Chicago Bears.
"When they sit down with recruits, Crowton and Borich can bring up names like Tim Rattay, Troy Edwards and Marcus Robinson," Eads said. "He can tell them, 'You can be part of that kind of system at BYU.' That makes a huge impression on 17-year-old kids."
The player who will likely have the most immediate impact in 2001 is Junior Mahe, who starred for the Cougars in 1998. Mahe played at Dixie last season.
"He's played at BYU before, and he can play running back or receiver," Eads said. "He's a multi-threat. He can do a lot of things in Crowton's offense."
E-MAIL: jeffc@desnews.com