Staying or going? Everyone assume he's going and why wouldn't he given that his QB is leaving and all the other factors thrown in; except that Crab is making some pretty big noise about staying. He told the RedRaidersports.com that he was "not at all considering entering the draft" and that he was "absolutely playing his junior year". His father says that that hasn't been communicated around the family and that he thought "they" were leaning towards coming out. Redraidersports says that he hasn't petitioned the league yet and there are what seem like a couple of pretty informed posters on that site saying that Crab is coming back for 2009. I know Mike Leach is very high on Taylor Potts to replace Harrell, but this would be a bigger shock than Roy Williams staying at UT. Can't see it myself, but it's interesting, especially coupled with the news that Jeremy Maclin is strongly considering return to Missouri, who have asimilarly very highly touted potential NFL QB in Blaine Gabbert.
I think its definitely a tough decision for him because I think that he may stay another year to improve his game but the question is, how high can he go this year compared to next? What about the cap? What about Mike Leach? If Leach leaves, does he stay with the new coach? I think he has a lot of thinking to do and if Leach leaves, I think Crabtree will bolt as well.
Only an injury can really affect his stock. He won't disprove anything connected to the spread until he gets to the pros. He can take the year to refine some of the minimal weak points in his game. As for others who might overtake him, it depends on what Heyward-Bey/Harvin/Eric Decker/Hakeem Nicks/Jeremy Maclin/Dez Bryant and Arrelious Benn do. I suppose the most likely to crack his dominance at the top would be Dez Bryant who is a brilliant player and will in all likelihood get Zac Robinson back. Heyward-Bey is raw, Maclin needs a lot of work, etc. I think Bryant would be the only threat, but Crab shouldn't fall unless injured.
I could look at that in two ways. Yes, he could bolt if all the pieces bolt. But I also think he could stay and prove he's not just a product of the system or QB if Leach leaves. Everyone already knows what he can do, barring injury, he's safe as a 1st rounder. If a new coach comes in and installs a pro-style offense, Crabtree could get a chance to disprove the spread stigma and make himself an even better prospect. This year, if he declares, I think he'd be a near lock for the top half of the 1st round. It's not a very enticing WR group unless a lot of non-seniors declare. If he doesn't declare, he does have those 2 outstanding years of experience in his corner and that could be enough to stay atop.
