The Illinois Fighting Illini signed their seventh commit on National Signing Day, James Crawford. Crawford is a three-star recruit and is ranked as the No. 58 safety nationally by 247 Sports.

Crawford committed to the Fighting Illini on January 20th, 2013. He officially visited Illinois on January 18th. He chose the Illini over Boise State, Buffalo, and Florida International. It was assistant coach Steven Clinkscale that earned Crawford’s pledge.

James Crawford played his high school ball at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders made it to the state championship of the Class 7A Florida State Playoffs. In the championship game, St. Thomas Aquinas defeated Lincoln High School, 41-25. Crawford recorded five interceptions and had 65 tackles this past season. He also earned all-state and all-county honors in 2012.

Out of all fifteen signees for Illinois, Crawford was the seventh commit to fax in his Letter of Intent. He is one of six defensive backs to sign with the Illini on NSD.

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September 1, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Buffalo Bulls head coach Jeff Quinn during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Crawford committed to Illinois on January 20th, 2013, but has not signed his letter of intent. He has offers from eight teams. Besides Illinois, the other teams to offer at him include: Boise State, Buffalo, Florida International, Georgia State, Houston, Massachusetts, and Northwestern.

Crawford is a 6’2″, 190 pound safety from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

He played this past season at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders made it to the state championship of the Class 7A Florida State Playoffs. In the championship game, St. Thomas Aquinas defeated Lincoln High School, 41-25.

The three-star recruit is currently ranked 144th in the state of Florida and 78th among safeties by 247Sports.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @RickyWidmer.

Like the us on Facebook at Writing_Illini.

Sep 24, 2011; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Western Michigan Broncos at Memorial Stadium. Illinois defeated Western Michigan 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports

He had offers from five other schools. The other teams to have offered at Crawford include: Boise State, Georgia State, Houston, Massachusetts, and Northwestern.

Crawford is a 6’2″, 190 pound safety from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

He played this past season at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders made it to the state championship of the Class 7A Florida State Playoffs. In the championship game, St. Thomas Aquinas defeated Lincoln High School, 41-25.

The three-star recruit is currently ranked 144th in the state of Florida and 78th among safeties by 247Sports.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @RickyWidmer.

Like the us on Facebook at Writing_Illini.