“Crank that Crabtree” is a spoof on Soulja Boy’s “Crank That” remade by Lubbock, Texas rapper, RyZe. It is widely popular among Texas Tech fans and college football fans in general. It’s become somewhat of a YouTube sensation. You can view more info about Crank That Crabtree on their official website. Apparently they have a new video, but I couldn’t find it on youtube, so if anyone has a link please drop a comment and let me know. Otherwise, watch Michael Crabtree in action.

With Big 12 Media Days just wrapping up, there was a lot of news coming out about Texas Tech and other Big 12 teams. Even though Michael Crabtree wasn’t in Kansas City for the Media Days (Leach thinks Crabtree already gets enough attention), USA Today posted an article article in their sports section all about Crabtree. It’s a tremendous read and I recommend everyone take a few minutes to check it out. Here’s the link.

But for those of you looking for some quick excerpts, here you go:

“He doesn’t know ESPN from WKRP,” Leach says. “I think he’s so focused on what he does on the field and has devoted so much time, energy and emotion to what he does on field, when he gets off the field, it’s uncharted territory (dealing with the media). That’s what makes him kind of mysterious. He’s so quiet. He had a lot of success early. Is he big-headed, cocky? He’s kind of a quiet, introverted guy. He hangs out with younger, unsure guys on the team. On the field, everything he does is elevated.”

Crabtree says he is an astute observer of the game. He learns from watching players at any level and says, “I can watch on my team and take a little bit from them. I can watch my running back and how he cuts and use it when I catch the ball.

“I look at everything and take notes and create my own style. I learned from watching a whole bunch of people — Jerry Rice, Chad Johnson, Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald. I really watched and learned from Michael Irvin.”

Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree was the lone player to receive a unanimous selection to the All-Big 12 Preseason Team. Crabtree, the 2007 Biletnikoff Award winner, set NCAA freshman records in receptions (134), receiving yards (1,962) and receiving touchdowns (22) last season and led the country in each. The sophomore was a unanimous consensus All-American in 2007 and was one of eight players such honored across the country. Already a preseason Playboy All-American, Crabtree has been named to several first teams during the summer.

This just proves that Michael Crabtree will be watched by everyone this season. His entire future will be riding on his 2008 performance. He can’t help all the media hype, but if he’s smart and plays well he can parlay it into a very high draft position in the NFL Draft.

Texas Tech standout wide receiver, Michael Crabtree, has been named to the Maxwell Award official Watchlist by Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski. The Maxwell Award is given to the most outstanding collegiate football player. Last year’s winner was Florida Gator quarterback Tim Tebow.

Crabtree, who pulled in 134 catches for 22 touchdowns and 1,962 yards, all NCAA freshman records, last season is one of 75 players listed on the watchlist. Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced in early November and three finalists will be announced November 25th. The winner of the 2008 Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December.

Michael Crabtree has his work cut out for him if he wants to win the Maxwell Award. A wide receiver hasn’t won it since Desmond Howard in 1991.