Signing Day capsule: DJ Crossen
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One of the early commitments in the class is one of the later to sign. Greensboro (N.C.) Dudley defensive back DJ Crossen is in.
The 6-2, 190-pounder could play cornerback or safety at Virginia Tech, and the former teammate of freshman quarterback Hendon Hooker plans to head to Blacksburg in just a couple weeks for the winter semester.
Rankings
Three-star, No. 17 player in North Carolina, No. 47 cornerback nationally.
Other suitors
Charlotte, Duke, East Carolina, Louisville, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Syracuse, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Wake Forest, Wisconsin
Recruitment story
Crossen was a high school teammate of freshman quarterback Hendon Hooker, but actually made his initial commitment to North Carolina prior to his junior year while playing alongside then-senior Hooker. Crossen pulled back from his Heel pledge in January, and was a consistent visitor to a few programs in the region, with a focus on UNC, Tennessee, and of course the Hokies. When he committed to VT in June, he started the Greensboro movement that also brought Tre Turner and Alan Tisdale, and could be VT's big hope in reeling in five-star defensive end KJ Henry.
Game breakdown
Crossen was a wide receiver early in his career, but settled into being primarily a defensive back as an upperclassman. He's a stoutly-built 6-2, 190, with similar measurements but a different shape than the likes of Jeremy Webb or Jermaine Waller. He's athletic and solid changing directions, and is at his bet coming up to lay a hit in zone coverage. That makes him a good fit for either the cornerback or safety position when he arrives in Blacksburg, and he'll tweak his development depending on which spot better suits him.
Statistically speaking
Dudley finished 10-3. Crossen had 52 tackles, two interceptions (returned for an average of 12.5 yards), six pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He also has two receptions for 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Plus this week's stats.