The Daily Toreador - Student Newspaper of Texas Tech

Issue date: 1/12/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: File photo Texas Tech coach Mike Leach said he hopes the best for Michael Crabtree

Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree is expected to announce his entry into the NFL Draft at a 3 p.m. news conference Tuesday, according to ESPN.

The report stated that two people close to Crabtree said he will run his own pro day and attend the NFL Combine Feb. 20-26.

He also had a specialist diagnose the high-ankle sprain he suffered against Baylor on Nov. 29 to make sure it has been treated well, according to the report.

Tech coach Mike Leach said he has no knowledge of Crabtree's news conference, stating "that's all his deal and I don't deal into that."

Leach declined to reveal if he tried to convince Crabtree to stay. He said he did talk to Crabtree after the Cotton Bowl and left the decision to stay or leave for the NFL up to the redshirt sophomore.

"I just told him to make the best decision he can," he said. "I think it strengthens his position by staying in school, but he needs to make his decision."

Tech defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill said either way Crabtree decides to go, it will be the best decision for the people closest to him.

"Mike's gotta do what's best for his family," he said. "Michael's a very intelligent, not just football player, but intelligent person. He'll make the best decision for his family."

Other Big 12 Conference underclassmen declaring for the 2009 NFL Draft include quarterback Josh Freeman from Kansas State and receiver Jeremy Maclin from Missouri.

As far as some of Tech's seniors are concerned, Graham Harrell, Eric Morris and Daniel Charbonnet are preparing for Pro Day and the NFL Combine by training with Competitive Edge Sports, based in Atlanta.

Former Tech receiver Danny Amendola trained with Chip Smith and Competitive Edge Sports when he was preparing for Pro Day and the NFL Combine last year.

On whether he believes his players can transition well to the next level, Leach said some draft prospects can surprise scouts no matter what criticisms come along with the players. He also said this is a time of year when he tries not to pay too much attention.

"I don't care about the NFL and I don't care about the draft," he said. "I never watch it. I read it in the newspaper, and I may not even do that if I don't have any particular interest."

Crabtree finished the 2008 season with 97 catches for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns. He won the Fred Biletnikoff Award in his redshirt freshman and sophomore seasons, becoming the first player to win the award twice.

Harrell led Tech to an 11-win season while throwing the most touchdown passes in a career with 134. He also was named the AT&T All-America Player of the Year, an award based on fans' votes.

Morris finished the season with 64 catches for 682 yards and eight touchdowns. Charbonnet was tied for third in the Big 12 with five interceptions on the year.

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