Jacob Eason on Georgia’s new WR Ahkil Crumpton: ‘It’s like we never lost Isaiah’
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Jacob Eason lost his most explosive and trusted receiver when Isaiah McKenzie surprisingly declared early for the 2017 NFL Draft this offseason. While replacing a receiver who immediately found a home in the NFL is never easy, it appears Georgia has done a more than admirable job of doing just that this summer.
Leaving no stone unturned, the UGA coaching staff discovered a little-known junior college receiver at Los Angeles Valley College named Ahkil Crumpton. Based on his size, 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, it’s no wonder Crumpton drew immediate physical comparisons to McKenzie.
According to Eason, size isn’t the only attribute the receivers share.
“What I see in Ahkil is a lot what Isaiah was,” Eason said Wednesday. “Isaiah was a great receiver to throw to and I think Ahkil is going to be the same. They are both fast, both small and they even both wore #16, so it’s kinda crazy. It’s like we never lost Isaiah.”
That’s good news for Eason, as the Bulldogs are searching for answers at receiver following McKenzie’s departure. While Terry Godwin is expected to take another step in his development and young receivers Mecole Hardman and JJ Holloman will be looked upon to contribute this season, it should benefit Eason to have a weapon similar to the one he so often used last season.
That’s exciting to think about given the fact receiving may not even be Crumpton’s main contribution to the team this season.
Last year, he returned six combined kicks or punts for touchdowns, suggesting his main role with the Bulldogs may be on special teams. UGA lost its main returner last season. Wouldn’t you know it, that player was Isaiah McKenzie.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
