Crump commits to ECU

Fri. November 11, 2011 at 1:25 a.m. | By Mike Duprez

Quandarious Crump’s high school athletics career came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end on Oct. 14 when he suffered a serious knee injury while being tackled against Salisbury.
Not only was Crump’s football career finished, but there would also be no senior season for basketball, no more spectacular dunks in a sport the 6-foot-2, 215-pounder has excelled at since he was a freshman for the Lexington Yellow Jackets.
But it’s going to be okay for Crump, who announced Thursday that he has committed to East Carolina to play football.
“I think it turned out great,” Crump said. “I thank all the coaches for all the things they’ve done for me. They got me to work harder in practice.”
Crump, who also had an offer from N.C. State, was recruited as an athlete, meaning he could end up playing offense or defense for the Pirates, who are currently a member of Conference USA.
There had been concern that Crump, who incurred ACL and MCL tears, would still be offered a scholarship.
“That’s great news,” said Lexington coach Joe Gaddis. “I had hoped they were going to stick by him. I’m glad they did.”
Before he got hurt, Crump had rushed for 503 yards and six touchdowns and caught 16 passes for 184 yards and four touchdowns. Crump also started at linebacker for the Yellow Jackets.
Crump will undergo knee surgery on Nov. 18 and ECU will oversee his rehabilitation. He will attend prep school for one year in Mississippi before enrolling at East Carolina.
It’s a plan that has Gaddis’ enthusiasm.
“We were relieved that things were still going to happen for him,” Gaddis said. “I think East Carolina and Quan will both be better for it.”
Crump has no preference as to offense or defense. He just wants to play.
“I think I’ll be playing outside linebacker,” Crump said. “I’ll be fine wherever they put me.”

Mike Duprez can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 218 or mike.duprez@the-dispatch.com.