Carthage 2026 LB Carson Crawford (6'3, 207) had an eye-opening performance in Carthage's 28-14 win over Waco La Vega in Friday's 4A Division 2 state title game.

Crawford collected nine tackles, 2.5 sacks, and four TFLs in a dominant defensive performance. DCTF's Matt Stepp gave him the "You Got That Dawg in Him" award in a postgame interview. 

"It was a party on the ball," Crawford said. "We came out intense. That is the biggest thing for us: everybody getting to that ball."

Crawford played offense and defense and could line up at any position in any given play. Still, because of his passion for physicality, he feels comfortable with the idea of being a linebacker in college.

"I like to hit," Crawford said. "That is my biggest thing. I love hitting. I like to play my own game."

On the recruiting front, it was not a surprise to hear that Crawford already has some recruiting attention.  

"I have been hearing from ULL and Baylor," said Crawford who also reported that Ole Miss would be a school of interest as well. "They have been talking to me a little bit, but no offers yet. I am still waiting on the first one to come in."

"I went to ULL (for a gameday visit) and it was fun. It is hot down there, and I like the heat. It was close to home, only three and a half hours from home. Baylor is a really good school with a good program over there."

This season, Crawford collected 91 total tackles, 22 TFls and 9.5 sacks.