Pack gets 2 commitments; linebacker going to Duke

By: By Bill Cole | JOURNAL REPORTER
Published: October 04, 2008

One of North Carolina's top high-school seniors is headed to N.C. State to play football.

Sylvester Crawford, a 6-5, 230-pound defensive end from Charlotte Northside Christian, is one of two new commitments for Coach Tom O'Brien. He joins Anthony Talbert, a 6-5, 225-pound tight end from Cincinnati and Winton Woods High, to build N.C. State's class to 11 players.

Busy Duke added another commitment, landing linebacker Tyree Glover (6-3, 230) from Crescent City (Fla.) High, and could be finished with its class for 2009. Glover is Duke's 25th commitment, the maximum allowed in one class under NCAA rules.

All three players can sign binding national letters of intent in February.

Crawford was ranked as the No. 29 senior in the state in the preseason by SuperPrep magazine and also was offered scholarships by West Virginia and Western Carolina.

Crawford, who plays for Coach Brentson Bucker at Northside, had 18 sacks last season.

Talbert also had offers from Cincinnati, Ohio, Miami (Ohio), Akron and Buffalo.

Glover also had a scholarship offer from Coastal Carolina, and Coach Al Wisnoski of Crescent City said that other programs recruiting Glover indicated that they would probably make offers by signing day.

"A lot of his decision had to do with just the reputation that Duke has for a good education," Wisnoski said. "Also, it's an up-and-coming program."

Glover is a three-season starter and plays linebacker and tight end for Crescent City. He has 4.6-second speed over 40 yards, and Duke recruited him to play linebacker.

Glover had 52 tackles in three games this season, including 22 in one game, and six catches for 93 yards. He plays baseball and basketball and is on Crescent City's weight-lifting team.

■ Bill Cole can be reached at bcole@wsjournal.com.