Prior to the 2020 college football season, Harry Crider wasn’t sure if he could play in the NFL.
But as the season progressed, Crider and his Indiana University team enjoyed great success. Professional scouts took notice and began projecting him as a late-round draft pick.
Although the Columbus East graduate has a year of college eligibility remaining since the NCAA granted an extra year for fall sports athletes, Crider has decided to forego that fifth season and enter the NFL Draft.
“Going into this season, I didn’t know if the NFL was even an option,” Crider said. “But luckily, I had a really solid season as an individual, and the success as a team gave me some momentum, as well. It’s been four solid years at IU. I’ve been blessed to be a part of a great culture and a great team. I was just ready for the next step in my life.”
Crider was speaking by phone late Sunday afternoon from Indianapolis International Airport. He was about to board a plane for New Jersey, where he plans to spend the next three months working out for the draft.
Kevin Dunn runs Test Football Academy in Martinsville, New Jersey, where Crider will begin training this week.
“They’ve had a lot of draft picks come out of there,” Crider said. “They do combine training and position-specific training. They have some really experienced coaches there, and I’ll be ready to get after it.”
The 6-foot-4, 311-pound senior center earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in helping lead the Hoosiers to a 6-2 record and a runner-up finish in the Big Ten East Division. Their season ended Jan. 2 with a 26-20 loss to Ole Miss in the Outback Bowl.
The past week, Crider was back in Columbus and made the decision to enter the draft after talking with his parents Bob and Elizabeth.
“I’ve been thinking about it the past month or so, but I was preparing for a bowl game and wanted to put all my focus into that,” Crider said. “I had a good idea of what I wanted to do. I got to spend some time back at home with my parents, and we all agreed that’s what’s best for me right now.”
Crider earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in December 2019, after only 2 1/2 years at IU. He has been in graduate school the past year and is on track to earn a master’s in criminal justice and public safety in May.
Crider plans to take classes online this semester while working out in New Jersey.
“This was definitely the biggest life decision I’ve had to make so far,” Crider said. “I’m confident in it and excited to see what’s next.”
Scouts are projecting Crider as a fifth- through seventh-round pick in this year’s draft, which will be April 29 through May 1 in Cleveland.
“That definitely played into it,” Crider said. “About midway through the season, I didn’t know if it was an option. Agents started getting in contact with me, and we decided it was a possibility. You never really know until the day of, but what I’m hearing is mid-to-late rounds. That’s what we’re hoping for.”
Crider announced his decision early Sunday afternoon on Twitter. In his message, he thanked several people, including Indiana head coach Tom Allen, offensive line coach Darren Hiller and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and finished his tweet with an LEO hashtag, which is an acronym for “Love Each Other,” IU football’s motto:
“Growing up in Indiana and being able to play for this university is something I dreamt of as a kid. These past four years have been a blessing and the best four years of my life. Being a part of the culture that coach Allen developed has allowed me to grow into the man I am today. There is nothing better than going to battle with my brothers and creating relationships that will last a lifetime. It has been special building the foundation in the program and having such great seasons the past two years. Being elected captain for the 2020 season is an honor I am forever thankful for.
“I have decided I am ready for the next step in my life and have chosen to declare for the NFL Draft. I would not be in this position if not for the help of my family, coach Allen, coach Hiller, coach Sheridan, my teammates, the strength staff, the athletic training staff and everyone in the IU family. Thank you Hoosier Nation! #LEO”
