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No. 1 Recruit in the Country Reacts to Strong Push From SEC Power

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 12:13 PM ET

Huge Freeze and the Auburn Tigers made a pretty good impression on Ezavier Crowell this past weekend. A Class of 2026 running back, Crowell is regarded as the No. 2 player at his position, according to 247Sports.

“Auburn makes a compelling case to Rivals’ No. 1 Ezavier Crowell about his fit on the Plains this weekend,” Rivals national recruiting analyst Sam Siegelman wrote Monday on X.

“The staff made me feel like a top priority,” Crowell told Rivals. “A lot of things opened my eyes this weekend.”

Crowell reclassified from the Class of 2027 after his sophomore season at Jackson. 247Sports lists him behind only five-star Savion Hiter. Crowell has also visited Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns. He’s scheduled to take a trip to see Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide this weekend.

According to MaxPreps, Crowell ran for 1,964 yards and 31 touchdowns on 168 carries as a junior.

“Exhibits the ability to play in both a zone or power scheme at the next level as he possesses the short area speed and acceleration to consistently get to the edge on Friday nights,” 247Sports national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna said of Crowell in a scouting report in May. “A shifty mover with good short area quickness and change of direction ability … Projects as a high level impact starter at the Power Four level.”

Petagna added that Crowell will likely need a year to develop on the college scene, which is understandable for a young player who accelerated his recruiting process.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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