According to Greg Biggins of Scout.com, Santa Margarita WR River Cracraft is now a Washington State Cougar.
Yet another Pac 12 commit, Rancho Santa Margarita (Calif.) Santa Margarita WR River Cracraft has committed to #WashingtonState
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) June 19, 2012
At 6'2 and 205 pounds, Cracraft profiles as an outside receiver in head coach Mike Leach's system. Scout currently has Cracraft ranked as the #164 WR in the nation, and a 2 star recruit. Like both Markell Sanders and Peyton Pelluer before him, I expect him to be rated much higher after the next evaluation period.
Cracraft is white, so ... the next Wes Welker! Woo!
Cracraft doesn't possess blazing speed, but he does run fantastic routes. Where a smaller guy like Rahmel Dockery might dance around a bit in order to make a defender miss, Cracraft is a one-cut-and-go type receiver. He also played defensive back, so he understands defensive schemes a little bit better than someone who only plays offense.
Cracraft is certainly impressive on film. I think what I was most impressed with, though, was his willingness to block. Most WRs (especially HS WRs) don't understand the intricacies of blocking as a wide receiver. Cracraft is not only willing, but he excels. In a Mike Leach offense, screens and slants are a vital part to what he does. If a WR can't block, he probably won't see the field much. Cracraft doesn't need to worry about learning how to block.
His highlight tape lists his 40 time at 4.68, so I think it's fair to say he's no Marquess Wilson. Jared Karstetter wasn't extremely fast, either, and he was a great receiver during his time in Pullman. Karstetter was bigger than Cracraft, but I think the comparison is still apt. Really solid receiver who doesn't do any one thing to blow you away, but always gets the job done. Perhaps someone who gets overlooked a little, and then catches three TDs in a game seemingly out of nowhere.
I really, really like what Leach is doing in terms of recruiting. He's landing a handful of really solid in-state guys, as well as going after Southern California and Texas. My money is on Cracraft to redshirt, but that's a good thing. We now have enough depth where true freshmen aren't forced to play. Leach hasn't coached a single game yet, and his impact can already be felt. Really nice pickup.
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