Carolina Flood: DJ Crossen commits to the Hokies

Okay, so when I warned you guys to look out for DJ committing once Tre Turner committed? That’s come true, and the North Carolina 336 pipeline has officially opened up. Crossen, a former UNC commitment, announced today for the Hokies. He’s the third North Carolina commitment, following Tre Turner and Joe Kane. He’s also the fourth defensive back commitment, joining Braxton Clark at cornerback. His primary recruiter is Charley Wiles, as is typical of these North Carolina commitments. He’s rated out, generally, as a high three/low four star recruit (Scout, 247, and Rivals have him at three stars, ESPN has him as a four star). He’s also going to graduate from Dudley High School, and was a teammate of current Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker.

Either way, it seems like this commitment has been a while in coming, and so, without adieu, let’s get to the tape.

Dwayne ‘DJ’ Crossen (Greensboro, NC. 6’-2”, 180lbs. Cornerback)

Crossen has ball skills. That’s the selling point. He’s always in a good position to go get the ball. I’d say that he’s pretty fast by scale, and has elusiveness and maneuverability as a runner. He’s pretty good at man-on coverage, with make-up speed and quick hands to compensate for when he misplays things. I’d say he’s a fair tackler- he’ll get in and tackle but I don’t think it’s a highlight skill of his. He interests me some as a punt and kick returner, but his real value will be on defense. He’s got, much like Clark, a frame that lends itself to covering the larger-bodied wide receivers that have become common these days. So when you mix a corner with natural ball skills with a Bud Foster Defense? Great things happen.

Nice to see you aboard, DJ. Let’s go Hokies.