Crowder finds calling on defense

ATHENS — All indications are junior Tae Crowder’s transition from running back to inside linebacker is moving in the right direction.

When Crowder arrived on campus in 2015, he was a highly touted rusher from Harris County, but after a redshirt season, coach Kirby Smart convinced him to switch to defense, which probably wasn’t a hard sell, given the wealth of running backs on the roster.

“I would say that we had a bunch of good running backs,” Smart said. “At the time there was a good stable, I think. (Elijah) Holyfield and (Brian) Herrien were here. They were in that first class of ours, and we felt like they were going to be ahead of him. And we felt like here’s a guy that can help our team.

“I had him in camp at Alabama for three or four years, and I always thought he was a defensive player. … I didn’t know how long it would take him to learn the defense. It’s not easy to play linebacker if you’ve never played it. So he has made a long transition to get where he is, and that’s a credit to his patience, his work ethic, and he’s helped us on special teams along the way.”

Crowder has played in all five games this season and has 10 tackles, one tackle for loss and a 43-yard interception return against Missouri. Earlier this week Crowder assented that making the change didn’t come without a lot of labor.

“It took a lot of practice,” said Crowder, who added he played some defensive back during his formative football days. “I just had to learn how to be more physical and adjust to being a defensive player. It’s a different mindset from offense.”

“He’s big, he’s fast, he’s athletic,” Smart said. “He’s what you want a linebacker to be.”

Ward doubly honored: Former receiver/quarterback Hines Ward on Tuesday was picked for the 2018 SEC Football Legends class, the league office announced. It also was announced Monday that Ward was selected for induction into Georgia’s prestigious Circle of Honor.

The Class of 2018 will be recognized at the SEC Football Weekend of Champions Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Atlanta; the SEC Championship game is set for Dec. 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Also named to the Class of 2018 were Shaun Alexander (Alabama, 1996-99), Darren McFadden (Arkansas, 200507), Ronnie Brown (Auburn, 2001-04), Lawrence Wright (Florida, 1993-96), coach Rich Brooks (Kentucky, 200309), Ronnie Estay (LSU, 196871), Jim Miller (Ole Miss, 197679), Mardye McDole (Mississippi State, 1977-80), Devin West (Missouri, 1995-98), Eric Norwood (South Carolina, 2006-09), coach Phillip Fulmer (Tennessee, 19922008), Pat Thomas (Texas A&M, 1974-75) and Zac Stacy (Vanderbilt, 2009-12).

Ward, from Forest Park High, was an All-SEC firstteam selection in 1997, catching 55 passes for 715 yards and six touchdowns. He was a third-round NFL draft pick by Pittsburgh and was named to four Pro Bowls.