Photo by rick walter
THE FOSS FIVE. From left, clockwise, Jamal Shakoor, Jamal Byrd, Scott Crichton, Julian Cruell and Folauga Perosi.
Scott Crichton, the Tacoma Weekly’s 2009 high school football player of the year, and Jamal Byrd, the defensive player of the year, were among five Foss High School players to make official declarations to colleges this week.
Crichton, a 6 foot 4 inch, 245-pounder who played tight end and defensive line, will attend Oregon State University. Crichton, who was widely recruited, said he liked the atmosphere at Oregon State and was excited about playing in the Pac-10.
“It was just a really good fit for me. I am not sure if I will be playing offense or defense. I’m just excited to be playing at that level and getting a chance to do whatever they need for me to do.”
Byrd chose the Air Force Academy. The all-league cornerback, who has a 3.6 grade point average, was also recruited by West Point, but preferred the location near Colorado Springs where he has family. He said he is looking forward to the style of aggressive defense the Falcons play under coach Troy Calhoun.
“It’s a successful program – they’ve been to three bowls in the past three years – and I will get a good education,” Byrd said earlier this week, after visiting the campus and making up his mind last weekend.
Julian Cruell will be attending Central Washington University, where he was recruited as a running back and slot receiver.
“They have had a winning tradition and they are planning to go to Division I AA. They are building something and I wanted to be part of that. They also have a good communications program,” said Cruell, who plans to major in business and minor in communications.
Jamal Shakoor, a defensive back with Foss, decided on Eastern Oregon, and Folauga Perosi, a linebacker and defensive lineman, was expected to sign a letter of intent with either Portland State or Eastern Oregon.
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