Maurice Crum, OLB

The unquestioned leader of the Fighting Irish defense, Crum became the 17th player in school history to serve as squad captain in consecutive seasons (2007-08). He started 48 of 50 games during his career, tying safety Tom Zbikowski (2004-07) for the school all-time record. His 43-game consecutive start string was the seventh-longest among active major college players. He would go on to become the ninth player in Notre Dame annals to register more than 300 tackles in a career, as his 306 total stops places him eighth on the school's all-time record chart.

Along with his father, former All-American linebacker Maurice Crum, Sr. (Miami, 1987-90, 354 tackles), they became the only known father-son tandem in major college annals to register more than 300 tackles each in a career (father led the Hurricanes in tackles in each of his final three seasons). Their combined total of 660 tackles surpassed the previous best father-son tandem of Barrett Ruud (432, 2001-04) and Tom Ruud (202, 1972-74) of Nebraska, who had combined for a total of 634 tackles during their collegiate careers.

Crum was a graduated from Tampa Bay Technical High School, where he earned first-team Florida Class 3A All-State honors as a linebacker from the Florida Sports Writers Association. The All-Hillsborough County first-team pick (the Tampa Tribune) recorded 68 tackles as a senior in 2003.

As a junior, Crum registered 103 tackles (60 solos), adding three interceptions and two sacks. He served as team captain that season and was named All-Conference and All-County. He was also selected Defensive MVP of the 2003 Hillsborough County All-Star game.

Crum enrolled at Notre Dame in 2004, where the 215-pound linebacker spent the season performing on the scout team. He took over the "apache" (weak-side outside linebacker) position in 2005, going on to start all 12 games. He finished sixth on the team with 57 tackles (32 solos), including 3.5 stops for losses and four pressures. He also caused a pair of fumbles and broke up a pass.

Crum shifted to middle linebacker in the team's 4-3 defensive alignment in 2006. He led the team with a career-high 100 tackles (47 solos) and placed third on the squad with four sacks and 10 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He had his first career interception to go along with three pass breakups, five pressures and two more forced fumbles.

A leg contusion and turf toe injury limited Crum at midseason, but he still started all 12 games in 2007. He ranked fourth on the team, posting 84 tackles (35 solos) with a sack, 4.5 stops for losses and two pressures. He was named Walter Camp Foundation National Player of the Week, as he became the first Irish player to cause two fumbles, recover two fumbles (including one for a touchdown) and intercept two passes in the same game, accomplishing that feat vs. UCLA. He also deflected five passes while lining up at left inside linebacker in the team's 3-4 alignment, serving as squad captain.

Crum was again chosen team captain in 2008. He started 11 of 13 contests at the "jack" (weak-side inside linebacker) position and was named the team's MVP. He produced 65 tackles (33 solos), ranking third on the team. He added three sacks, four pressures and had 5.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage while causing two fumbles.

Positives: Versatile player who can line up at any of the three linebacker spots. … Leader on the field, handles the defensive calls. … Strong build in the upper body and legs. … Instinctual and reads his keys well to get to the play. … Has the hips to drop deep and cover backs in the flat. … Stays low in his stance to quickly change direction. … Comes hard on the blitz and attacks the line in run support. … Had back problems throughout his career but played through the pain.

Negatives: Shorter than scouts prefer at the LB position. … May be considered an inside-outside linebacker "tweener" by some teams, as he does not have elite speed on the outside and isn't the large run-stuffer some prefer in the middle. … Fails to get off blocks when rushing the passer and lets up even when a blocker -- even running backs -- steps in his path. … Looks to hit with his shoulder instead of wrapping up in the open field. … Is substituted out regularly, possibly due to his history of injuries, which mostly explains his declining production. … Medical report is crucial for his final draft grade.

Compares To: ALFRED FINCHER, Washington -- Like Fincher, Crum is an efficient player whose best attribute is getting everyone lined up properly. He might lack ideal size that teams look for, but his tenacity and ability to keep plays in front of him, along with his potential as a gunner on special teams, could make him a nice late-round/free-agent find. He could find himself in a Chicago uniform, thanks to his tenacity and ability to keep the action in front of him.

GENERAL REPORT: GRADE: 6.02

Body Structure: Crum has a thick frame with room for additional growth, but lacks ideal height you look for in a linebacker. He has good chest and shoulder muscle definition, lean waist, well-developed legs and thick thighs. He also has defined calves.

Athletic Ability: Crum is more of a downhill player whose closing burst is much better than his timed speed. He is not explosive and may be a bit stiff in space, but he shows good balance and low pad level to keep the action in front of him. He might get engulfed by larger blockers due to size issues, but he has a strong hand punch to shock and jolt. He shows decent acceleration and change of direction agility when trying to contain the outside run. He runs with a normal stride and shows good body control, getting to the ball quickly thanks to his hip snap. You might call him a classic overachiever, as he gets more out of his field savvy than athletic skills. He just seems to have that intuitive knack and feel to make plays in pursuit. GRADE: 5.5

Football Sense: Crum plays with good field awareness. He has the ability to see plays develop and make quick adjustments on the field. He takes the plays from the board to the field with no problems. He is a very low rep type who does a nice job of making adjustments and calls. He is best when locating the ball carrier on the outside or playing on the move to compensate for a lack of ideal height. He did get a bit overaggressive at times as a senior and is just adequate biting on play-action, but when playing in control, he can get into position to make the tackle. GRADE: 6.3

Character: Crum is a good character with no known off-field issues. He is a good student with a very positive attitude. He does the extras to improve his craft and is a quiet, respected team leader, becoming just the 17th player in school history to serve as team captain in consecutive years. He has solid bloodlines, as his father, Maurice, Sr., was an All-American linebacker at Miami (1990) and led that team in tackles in each of his last three years. GRADE: 6.3

Competitiveness: Crum plays with a good nasty streak and while he might get engulfed by bigger blockers, he does not hesitate taking on double teams. He uses his hands with force to play off blocks and there is no questioning his high motor, though he can get over-aggressive at times. He is the type that will play through injuries that would sideline others and outside of a leg injury in 2007, there are no concerns about his durability. He has that old school toughness taking on lead blockers, and showed in 2007 that there was no quit in him despite playing in some of the worst losses in school history. GRADE: 6.0

Work Habits: Crum is a good weight room worker who leads by example. He is self-motivated and very coachable. His power is evident by his ability to consistently stun and jolt lead blockers on impact. He is compliant and well-respected by teammates and the staff. He is an unselfish, unassuming type who has played four different positions during his career and takes pride in his team-first work ethic. GRADE: 6.0

ATHLETIC REPORT: GRADE: 5.07

Key and Diagnostic Skills: Crum has decent read-&-react skills, but needs to show more explosion off the snap (will sometimes hesitate and this lets blockers get him neutralized in the second level. When he sees block schemes, he will move quickly to close, but when he gets over-aggressive, he will run past plays. He is best playing on the move, as he seems more comfortable closing on plays when working downhill than giving chase along the sidelines. His lack of height is sometimes an advantage when sifting through trash, as he knows how to slip under blocks to shed at the point of attack. GRADE: 5.7

Playing Strength and Explosion: Crum is a solid hitter with good wrap-up technique. He has good hand strength to control and get off isolated blocks and uses his low center of gravity and natural leverage to make plays in front of him. He is a downhill player at the point of attack and will not hesitate to throw his body into blockers. He shows good hand usage on contact, delivering enough strike to stun and jolt the lead blocker. He is quick to shed working through trash and maintains balance, but must be more active using his hands to split double teams. He might get overpowered or struggle to get off offensive linemen at times, but he has the instincts to slip past and avoid when on the move. GRADE: 5.2

Lateral Pursuit/Range: Crum is better suited for an inside position, as he does well playing downhill. Despite decent change of direction agility, he lacks the explosive range to generate a long chase on the boundaries. He has enough acceleration needed to chase plays down the line, but you would like to see him more fluid when redirecting. He has good body control with the ability to sift through trash, but when he gets too reckless he will over-run the cutbacks. GRADE: 4.8

Use of Hands: Crum has decent hand placement taking on blocks and good strength to shock and jolt. He shows savvy moves getting his hands on to the tight end to reroute. He just needs to use those hands more effectively to protect his body and keep blockers off his feet and chest. He also has good hand softness to pluck and snatch the interception. GRADE: 5.0

Tackling Ability: Crum is a consistent downhill player who can generate above average power behind his hits. He has the low pad level and wrap-up skills, knowing how to attack the outside leg of the runner to impede the opponent's forward progress. He needs to be more assertive with his hands to avoid low blocks on the move, but if he keeps plays in front of him he does a nice job of locking on and dragging down the ball carrier. He has good open-field body control and adequate hip snap to impact into the opponent. On the outside, he will revert to grab and drag-down tackles at times, but is generally a solid wrap-up hitter when he plays in control. GRADE: 5.3

Run Defense: Against the inside run, Crum can get absorbed by the bigger blockers, but when he keeps his hands inside his framework he has the initial step to take on the lead blocker to push him back and stack. When he keeps his pads low, he can slip, avoid and spin off blocks to make plays. When he lets offensive linemen into his body, he will get washed out. Against the outside run, he needs to do a better job of taking proper angles and running under blocks, as he tends to get cut off more often vs. the outside running games. He knows how to use his strength effectively to plug holes and push back the lead blocker, but when he gets too high in his stance he is slow to get off blocks. GRADE: 5.0

Pass Defense: Crum is best when covering in the short area. He gets good depth dropping back in the zone, but lacks the explosion to recover when beaten on long routes. He is a bit stiff in his hips when needing to turn suddenly. While he has good short-area speed, he does not have the sudden burst or long speed to run with the receiver throughout the route. He has good mirror and shade ability in the short area, and better hip swivel coming out of his backpedal as a senior, but can not stay with his man in the deep area. He might be limited by a lack of top-end speed, but when he collisions, reroutes or mirrors tight ends and backs underneath, he is capable of making the play (teams completed 39.29 percent of passes targeted into his area, holding the opponents to an average of 3.58 yards per pass attempt). GRADE: 4.9

Zone Defense: Crum is an adequate zone player, but is better when taking drops inside the short area rather than playing deep in the zone. When he gets a proper read on play-action (will get fooled some there), he shows better anticipation of where the ball is going. He is still a work in progress making the switch-offs when working in the zone, but is still better playing in the short area due to a lack of sustained quickness. He sees the ball well and has good awareness, but is more of a trailer type due to deep speed issues. GRADE: 4.7

Pass Rush and Blitz: For some reason, the team did not use him much as a pass rusher. On the blitz, Crum has a good burst off the edge, but when he comes off the snap high he can be walled off. He lacks the girth to move out the offensive lineman, relying on his rip and swim moves to squeeze through traffic. On the rare times he was asked to blitz, he did show the ability to come hard with good timing. He has the low center of gravity to slip blockers or hit with leverage and power to knock down backfield blockers and disrupt runs, but you would have hoped the team would have used him more to collapse the pocket. GRADE: 5.0

Compares To: ALFRED FINCHER, Washington -- Like Fincher, Crum is an efficient player whose best attribute is getting everyone lined up properly. He might lack ideal size that teams look for, but his tenacity and ability to keep plays in front of him, along with his potential as a gunner on special teams, could make him a nice late-round/free-agent find. He could find himself in a Chicago uniform, thanks to his tenacity and ability to keep the action in front of him.

OVERALL GRADE: 5.2

--Report by Dave-Te' Thomas

Crum started 48 of 50 games that he played in for the Fighting Irish, tying the school career-record for starting assignments that was first set by safety Tom Zbikowski (2004-07) … Had a string of 43 consecutive starts snapped when he came off the bench in the seventh game vs. Washington in 2008 … His 43 consecutive starts was the seventh-longest streak of any active player in the Football Bowl Subdivision ranks … Became the ninth player in school history to record more than 300 tackles in a career, as his 306 tackles rank eighth in Notre Dame annals behind Bob Crable (521, 1978-81), Bob Golic (479, 1975-78), Steve Heimkreiter (398, 1975-78), Bob Olson (369, 1967-69), Tony Furjanic (361, 1982-85), Mike Kovaleski (353, 1983-86) and Ross Browner (340, 1973, 1975-77) … Along with his father, Maurice Crum, Sr. (Miami, 1987-90), they are the only known father-son tandem in college football to register more than 300 tackles each in a career (father produced 354 hits and led the Hurricanes in tackles in each of his final three seasons) … Their combined total of 660 tackles surpassed the previous best father-son tandem of Barrett Ruud (432, 2001-04) and Tom Ruud (202, 1972-74) of Nebraska, who had combined for a total of 634 tackles during their collegiate careers … Added eight sacks for minus 70 yards, 23.5 stops for losses of 117 yards and 15 quarterback pressures during his time at Notre Dame … Also caused nine fumbles and recovered two others, advancing one 34 yards for a touchdown … Added 10 pass deflections and three interceptions for 46 yards in returns (15.3 avg) … His 100 tackles in 2006 led the Irish and were the most by a Notre Dame defender since Courtney Watson totaled 117 in 2003 … Became the 17th player in school history to serve as team captain in consecutive seasons (2007-08) … Known for his drive-killing ability, Crum registered 78 plays on third-down snaps and eight more on fourth downs … Registered 36 of his hits inside the red zone, including 16 on goal-line plays … Took down ball carriers for no gain at the line of scrimmage on 25 rushing attempts … His 16 tackles vs. Michigan State in 2007 were the most by a Notre Dame linebacker in a game since Bob Crable posted 19 hits vs. Alabama in 1980 … In the 2007 UCLA game, Crum became the first Notre Dame player to force two fumbles, recover two fumbles and intercept two passes in the same game and his four turnovers forced were a school game-record … His two fumble recoveries in that UCLA clash tied the school single-game record that was first set by Tony Driver vs. Navy in 2000 and matched by Ray Herring vs. Michigan earlier in 2007 … His four turnovers vs. UCLA were the most by an ND player in a game, topping the old single-game record of three by Shane Walton (all interceptions) vs. Maryland in the 2002 season opener.

All-Major Independent first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report … Recipient of the 2008 Notre Dame Monogram Club Most Valuable Player Award … Shared the Nick Pietrosante Award with Mike Anello. The Pietrosante Award is given to the student-athlete who best exemplified the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and pride of the late Irish All-America fullback … Was also a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award … Became the 17th player in school history to serve as team captain in consecutive seasons … Started 10-of-12 games at the "Jack" (weak-side inside linebacker) position, coming off the bench vs. Washington and Boston College … By coming off the bench vs. Washington, it snapped his 43-game consecutive starts string … Did not record any tackles vs. Boston College, the only time in his 50 games at Notre Dame he failed to make a stop in a contest … Finished third on the team with 65 tackles (33 solos) and three sacks for minus 24 yards … Added 5.5 stops for losses of 36 yards and four quarterback pressures … Caused two fumbles and also deflected on pass … Was penalized four times … On 53 plays made vs. the ground game, the opposition managed 152 yards (2.87 ypc) and one touchdown vs. Crum, as the Irish defense gave up 142.67 yards per game and 4.17 yards per rushing attempt … Stopped opposing ball carriers at the line of scrimmage for no gain on seven carries and allowed just nine first downs rushing, as he killed ten scoring drives with third-down stops vs. the rushing attack … Opponents managed to complete just 12-of-34 passes thrown into his area (35.29 percent) for 85 yards, an average of 7.08 yards per reception and 2.5 yards per pass attempt … Allowed five first-down receptions, as he delivered eight third-down stops and one more on fourth-down vs. the aerial game … Added a solo tackle on fourth down for the punt coverage unit … Registered twelve of his tackles inside the red zone, including two on goal-line plays.

San Diego State … Crum opened the season with six tackles (3 solos) and a 7-yard sack, making three of his plays on third-down snaps … However, the Irish defense made its share of mistakes. Crum was called for a flagrant pass interference, then three plays later on a late hit on QB Ryan Lindley to keep a drive alive, although the Aztecs still didn't score early in the first quarter … Late in the second quarter, he sacked Lindley for a 7-yard loss and on the next play, he jammed Brandon Sullivan at the line, preventing Lindley from completing a third-&-10 pass, leading to an SDSU punt … Head to Head Competition: OC#50-Trask Iosefa (6:00-313) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#23-Brandon Sullivan (5:11-207)-10 carries for 66 yards, two catches for 7 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made three of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 10 yards (3.33 ypc), as his opponent completed 3-of-6 passes thrown (50.0 percent) into his area for 34 yards … Made three stops on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 71 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries (4.73 ypc), while the opposition completed 29-of-59 passes for 274 yards, one score and one interception, and generated 345 total yards on 74 plays (4.66 yards per attempt).

Michigan … A fiery locker room speech by Crum sparked the Irish to a 35-17 win, as the team captain delivered five tackles (3 solos), including one behind the line of scrimmage, as he killed two scoring drives with one third-down hit and another on fourth-down … Both of those plays came four minutes into the game, as Crum first tackled Sam McGuffie after a third-&-8 catch that netted 2 yards and then jammed Martavious Odoms, preventing the receiver from getting to QB Steven Threat's fourth-&-6 throw … Later in the first frame, Crum beat center David Molk to crush tailback Carlos Brown at the line of scrimmage for no gain on a rushing attempt at the UM 25 … Sniffing out the screen, he upended Odoms for a 9-yard loss on a throw from Threat to start the second quarter … Talking about the inspired performance of his team, head coach Charlie Weis stated in his post-game press conference, "Today it was those guys in that locker room stepping up and earn the respect that Mo Crum was talking about last night at the pep rally. We had a bunch of guys that stepped up and said we want to make a statement that Notre Dame's not just some garbage school out there." … Head to Head Competition: OC#50-David Molk (6:02-284) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#2-Sam McGuffie (5:11-188)-25 carries for 131 yards, four catches for 47 yards and one touchdown … Defensive Impact: Crum made three of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 13 yards (4.33 ypc), as his opponent completed 2-of-3 passes thrown (66.67 percent) into his area for minus 7 yards … Made one stop on third-down and one more on fourth-down plays, as the defense allowed 159 yards and one touchdown on 42 carries (3.79 ypc), while the opposition completed 19-of-28 passes for 229 yards, one score and two interceptions, and generated 388 total yards on 70 plays (5.60 yards per attempt).

Michigan State … Just one of eight active players in college to start 40 consecutive games, Crum marked the occasion by coming up with eight tackles (4 solos), including one for a 6-yard loss, delivering five of those hits inside the red zone and had a pair of third-down stops … On a mid second quarter goal-line stand, Crum took on Javon Ringer on three-straight carries, limiting the tailback to 2, 0 and 1-yard attempts … He stopped Ringer for no gain again in the third quarter, taking down the runner at the MSU 41 on a screen pass. On the next snap, third-&-20, he rerouted B.J. Cunningham on an incomplete toss from QB Brian Hoyer, forcing the Spartans to punt … Ringer was clobbered by Crum in the backfield for a 6-yard loss on the first play of the fourth quarter … Head to Head Competition: OC#65-Joel Nitchman (6:03-297) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#23-Javon Ringer (5:09-202)-39 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns … Defensive Impact: Crum made eight of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 11 yards (1.38 ypc) and one touchdown, as the opponent completed 1-of-3 passes thrown (33.33 percent) into his area for zero yards … Made two stops on third-down plays and had five hits inside the red zone, including two on goal-line snaps, as the defense allowed 203 yards and two touchdowns on 43 carries (4.72 ypc), while the opposition completed 12-of-26 passes for 143 yards, no scores and no interceptions, and generated 346 total yards on 69 plays (5.01 yards per attempt).

Purdue … Crum followed with six tackles, as he also had a pressure that caused an interception … He killed Purdue's game opening possession by preventing Greg Orton from getting to a third-&-9 pass from Curtis Painter, leading to a Boilermakers punt … He took down tailback Kory Sheets for no gain on a screen pass and on the next snap, his third-&-7 pressure on QB Curtis Painter caused an interception, as cornerback Robert Blanton picked off the toss and returned the ball 47 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter … Crum was charged with a personal foul for a hit on Sheets after a 9-yard catch in the third quarter … Head to Head Competition: OC#78-Cory Benton (6:03-287) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#24-Kory Sheets (6:00-206)-13 carries for 87 yards and one touchdown, five catches for 56 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made three of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 19 yards (6.33 ypc), as the opponent completed 3-of-6 passes thrown (50.0 percent) into his area for 23 yards … Made two stops on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 103 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries (6.06 ypc), while the opposition completed 29-of-55 passes for 359 yards, two scores and one interception, and generated 462 total yards on 72 plays (6.42 yards per attempt).

Stanford … The Irish won for the fourth time in five games, as Crum had four tackles (3 solos), including one for the punt coverage unit … After Notre Dame's first possession of the second half, he took down Doug Baldwin at the Stanford 34 after a 7-yard punt return …

Head to Head Competition: OC#60-Alex Fletcher (6:03-296) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#5-Anthony Kimble (6:01-217)-10 carries for 61 yards, one catch for 2 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made two of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 5 yards (2.50 ypc), as the opponent completed 1-of-1 passes thrown into his area for 6 yards … The defense allowed 161 yards and one touchdown on 37 carries (4.35 ypc), while the opposition completed 18-of-28 passes for 182 yards, two scores and three interceptions, and generated 343 total yards on 65 plays (5.28 yards per attempt).

North Carolina … In a tough 29-24 loss, Crum made his 43rd consecutive start, as he had five tackles (4 solos) with a pass deflection and two pressures … He registered a pressure and on the next snap, deflected a third-&-6 Cameron Sexton pass to force UNC to punt early in the first quarter … He chased down receiver Hakeem Nicks after an 18-yard catch and on the next snap, he prevented receiver Cooter Arnold from getting to Sexton's third-&-9 incomplete throw and with 0:09 left in the second quarter, Crum again pressured Sexton into throwing an incomplete pass intended for Arnold that ended the first half …

Crum was later charged with pass interference at the ND 18 with 3:13 remaining in the third stanza … Head to Head Competition: OC#69-Lowell Dyer (6:04-290) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#8-Greg Little (6:03-221)-Two carries for 7 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made four of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 21 yards (5.25 ypc), as the opponent completed 1-of-7 passes thrown (14.29 percent) into his area for 18 yards … Made three stops on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 121 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries (3.78 ypc), while the opposition completed 18-of-32 passes for 201 yards, no scores and no interceptions, and generated 322 total yards on 64 plays (5.03 yards per attempt).

Washington … Crum failed to start for the first time in his career, snapping a streak of 43 consecutive starts. It was the longest streak on the team and seventh-longest among current NCAA FBS players. He still managed to produce six tackles (3 solos), including one on a third-down snap … Midway through the first quarter, he prevented Devin Aguilar from catching a Ronnie Fouch screen pass and repeated that process by jamming tight end Michael Gottlieb on another Fouch pass attempt during that possession … Head to Head Competition: OC#58-Juan Garcia (6:03-307) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#27-Terrance Dailey (5:10-194)-Eight carries for 24 yards, one catch for 9 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made six of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 24 yards (4.00 ypc), as the opponent completed 0-of-2 passes thrown (00.00 percent) into his area for zero yards … Made one stop on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 26 yards and no touchdowns on 23 carries (1.13 ypc), while the opposition completed 11-of-25 passes for 98 yards, one score and no interceptions, and generated 124 total yards on 48 plays (2.58 yards per attempt).

Pittsburgh … The Panthers stunned the Irish in a 36-33 overtime loss, but Crum made his presence felt, delivering a season-high nine tackles (3 solos) that included two third-down hits, four stops inside the red zone and one tackle behind the line of scrimmage … His first tackle took down tailback LeSean McCoy for a 1-yard loss midway through the first quarter … McCoy's backup, LaRod Stephens, was taken down at the line of scrimmage for no gain by Crum on a late first quarter run near mid field … In the second overtime frame, Crum crashed into McCoy for no gain by the runner at the ND 16 on third-&-1, as Pitt settled for a 32-yard field goal … In the third overtime, he jammed Nate Byham on a third-&-6 incomplete pass from QB Pat Bostick, forcing Pitt to settle for a 26-yard field goal … In the post-game press conference, Crum was asked about helping the team move forward and said, "I'm a firm believer in the idea that where the leaders take the team, the team will follow. The leaders have to look at themselves and make sure they're the ones up front and who gets the team out of the slump." … On what he did to encourage the defense during the game, he stated, "I was basically telling them that when the game is on the line we've got to go and play. I was just trying to let them know that you've got to play." … On moving on after the disappointment of the loss, he replied, "Once Monday comes around, it's my job as a leader, and really everyone on the team, to forget about it. It's in the past." … Head to Head Competition: OC#55-C.J. Davis (6:03-310) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#24-LeSean McCoy (5:11-211)-32 carries for 169 yards and one touch-down, two catches for 23 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made nine of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 18 yards (2.00 ypc), as the opponent completed 0-of-2 passes thrown (00.00 percent) into his area for zero yards … Made two stops on third-down plays and had four hits inside the red zone, twice stopping ball carriers for no gain, as the defense allowed 178 yards and two touchdowns on 47 carries (3.79 ypc), while the opposition completed 15-of-30 passes for 168 yards, one score and three interceptions, and generated 346 total yards on 77 plays (4.49 yards per attempt).

Boston College … For the second time in his college career, Crum did not record any tackles in a game … Head to Head Competition: OC#65-Matt Tennant (6:04-294).

Navy … Crum started his 45th game for the Irish, as he was in on seven tackles (6 solos) and caused a fumble … He stopped Jarod Bryant for no gain on a second-&-6 run and on third-&-6, he chased down Greg Shinego on a 4-yard carry, forcing Navy to punt kick was blocked and returned for a touchdown by Notre Dame) midway through the first quarter …

Fullback Eric Kettani was stripped of the ball by Crum on a run to the ND 47, as the Irish recovered the loose pigskin, leading to a 28-yard Notre Dame field goal … Record Watch- Crum's 45th career start tied him with offensive tackle Ryan Harris (2003-06) for the third most on record in Notre Dame history. SS Tom Zbikowski (2004-07) heads the list with 48 career starts, followed by QB Brady Quinn (2003-06) with 46 … Crum's seven tackles gave him 297 for his career, tying Brandon Hoyte (2002-05) for ninth place on the Irish all-time tackles list … Head to Head Competition: OC#68-Ricky Moore (6:04-299) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#26-Shun White (5:09-191)-Five carries for 39 yards and one touchdown … Defensive Impact: Crum made seven of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 21 yards (3.00 ypc) … Made two stops on inside the red zone and another on a third-down snap, as the defense allowed 178 yards and three touchdowns on 45 carries (3.96 ypc), while the opposition completed 3-of-14 passes for 64 yards, no scores and no interceptions, and generated 242 total yards on 59 plays (4.10 yards per attempt).

Syracuse … Crum became the ninth player in school history to register 300 tackles in a career, as he posted six assisted hits, including two inside the red zone … In the post-game press conference, Crum talked about the tough loss to the Orange, saying, "Every loss hurts. This one has something added to it because of the situation. On the last two drives from Syracuse, I couldn't really see what was going on in the back end. Maybe some guys were missing the line but I don't know what the problem was. The bottom line is that they made the plays that allowed them to be successful. We just have to be more consistent. Throughout the game there are flashes where we are clicking on all cylinders but then there are times when other sides of the ball are down or up. We just have to be more consistent." … Record Watch- This marked Crum's 46th career start, tying quarterback Brady Quinn (2003-06) for the second most on record in Notre Dame history … With his third tackle this afternoon, Crum became the ninth player in Notre Dame history to reach 300 career tackles. He also moved into a tie with Tom Zbikowski (2004-07) for eighth on the Irish career tackles list at 303 … Head to Head Competition: OC#60-Jim McKenzie (6:04-286) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#22-Curtis Brinkley (5:09-203)-17 carries for 44 yards and one touchdown, one catch for one yard … Defensive Impact: Crum made six of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 27 yards (4.50 ypc), as the opponent completed 0-of-1 passes thrown (00.00 percent) into his area for zero yards … Made one stop on third-down plays and had two hits inside the red zone, as the defense allowed 170 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries (4.72 ypc), while the opposition completed 14-of-26 passes for 147 yards, one score and no interceptions, and generated 317 total yards on 62 plays (5.11 yards per attempt).

Southern California … Crum managed just one solo tackle, but he caused a fumble on that play, as he sacked QB Mark Sanchez for an 8-yard loss with 2:33 left in the first half … Record Watch-Crum's tackle gave him 304 for his career, good for eighth on the school's all-time record list … Head to Head Competition: OC#61-Kristofer O'Dowd (6:05-301) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#2-C.J. Gable (6:00-200)-Ten carries for 27 yards and one touch-down … Defensive Impact: Crum made one of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to minus 8 yards (-8.00 ypc), as the defense allowed 175 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries (5.30 ypc), while the opposition completed 23-of-33 passes for 274 yards, three scores and three interceptions, and generated 449 total yards on 66 plays (6.80 yards per attempt).

Hawaii (Hawaii Bowl) … Crum closed out his career with two solo tackles, a 9-yard sack and one pressure … QB Greg Alexander was forced to throw an incomplete pass after being chased out of the pocket by the middle linebacker and on the next snap, Crum sacked Alexander for a 9-yard loss on third-&-10, forcing Hawaii to punt late in the third quarter …

Record Watch-Crum's 48th career start tied the school all-time record that was first set by Tom Zbikowski (2004-07) … Head to Head Competition: OC#55John Estes (6:02-293) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#48-David Farmer (6:01-245)-One carry for one yard … Defensive Impact: Crum made one of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to minus 9 yards

(-9.00 ypc), as the defense allowed 32 yards and no touchdowns on 19 carries (1.68 ypc), while the opposition completed 28-of-44 passes for 326 yards, three scores and one interception, and generated 358 total yards on 63 plays (5.68 yards per attempt).

All-Major Independent first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report … Named Walter Camp Foundation National Player of the Week vs. UCLA … Started all twelve games at left inside linebacker, despite being bothered at midseason with a leg contusion and turf toe … Still managed to finish fourth on the team with 84 tackles (35 solos) that included an 8-yard sack, 4.5 stops for losses of 21 yards and two pressures … Caused three fumbles and recovered two others, returning one 34 yards for his first career touch-down … Deflected five passes and gained 46 yards on two interceptions … Logged 106 special teams snaps … On 68 plays made vs. the run, the opposition tallied 253 yards (3.72 ypc) with one touch-down and 15 first downs, as Crum totaled nine third-down stops and one more on fourth-down, in addition to stopping ball carriers at the line of scrimmage for no gain on three other carries … Only 13-of-34 passes thrown into his area were completed (38.23 percent) by the opposition, good for an average of 8.85 yards per pass completion and 3.38 yards per pass attempt, as two of those grabs resulted in first downs, as the junior team captain delivered 14 hits on third-down plays vs. the pass … Posted 13 of his tackles inside the red zone, including six on goal-line plays … Leader of a unit that ranked 39th in the nation, allowing 357.0 yards per game … The Irish also ranked second in the major college ranks, allowing 161.58 yards per game passing.

Georgia Tech … Crum opened the season with nine tackles (3 solos), including a stop behind the line of scrimmage, as he delivered four of those hits inside the red zone and three on third-down snaps … He sniffed out a screen pass, tackling tailback Tashard Choice for a 2-yard loss. On the next snap, a third-&-11 incompletion was the result as Crum jammed receiver Greg Smith at the line of scrimmage, forcing Tech to attempt a 29-yard field goal that was blocked, ending an 8-play, 56-yard series … He killed Tech's first possession of the second half, rerouting James Johnson away from a third-&-10 pass to force the Yellow Jackets to settle for a 39-yard field goal … Head to Head Competition: OC#60-Kevin Tuminello (6:04-292) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#22-Tashard Choice (6:01-205)-26 carries for 196 yards and two touchdowns, three catches for 22 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made seven of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 35 yards (5.00 ypc), as his opponent completed 2-of-4 passes thrown (50.00 percent) into his area for 13 yards … Made three stops on third-down plays and four more inside the red zone, as the defense allowed 259 yards and three touchdowns on 43 carries (6.02 ypc) and 380 total yards on 67 plays (5.67 yards per attempt).

Penn State … The junior team captain delivered six tackles (3 solos) with a pass deflection and caused an interception with a QB pressure … Crum's pressure on QB Anthony Morelli saw Irish cornerback Darrin Walls pick off the wobbly pass and return the ball 73 yards for a touchdown, thanks to Crum taking down receiver Derrick Williams to spring Walls on his scoring scamper … He took down tailback Austin Scott on a 1-yard run and on third-&-9, Crum jammed Williams, preventing the receiver from getting to Morelli's throw to force a PSU punt that was returned 47 yards by Tom Zbikowski, who used an up field block by Crum to pick up the final 33 yards on that runback … Midway through the third quarter, he batted down a Morelli pass targeted for Williams … Head to Head Competition: OC#57-A.Q. Shipley (6:01-293) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#33-Austin Scott (6:00-212)-28 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns, one catch for minus one yard … Defensive Impact: Crum made five of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 13 yards (2.60 ypc) and one touchdown, as his opponent completed 2-of-5 passes thrown (40.00 percent) into his area for 13 yards … Made three stops on third-down plays and one more inside the red zone, as the defense allowed 164 yards and two touchdowns on 46 carries (3.57 ypc) and 295 total yards on 68 plays (4.34 yards per attempt).

Michigan … Crum followed with a seven-tackle performance, all coming vs. the Wolverines' renowned rushing attack … He jammed Mario Manningham at the line of scrimmage that prevented the receiver from getting to a Ryan Mallett pass late in the first quarter … Head to Head Competition: OC#65-Justin Boren (6:03-308) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#20-Mike Hart (5:09-202)-35 carries for 187 yards and two touchdowns, two catches for 14 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made seven of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 36 yards (5.14 ypc), as his opponent completed 0-of-1 passes thrown (00.00 percent) into his area for zero yards … The defense allowed 289 yards and two touchdowns on 61 carries (4.74 ypc) and 379 total yards on 77 plays (4.92 yards per attempt).

Michigan State … Crum put on a tackling clinic, registering a career-high sixteen tackles (6 solos), as he assisted on a stop behind the line of scrimmage and added a pressure … In the second quarter, he tackled tailback Javon Ringer for a 2-yard loss and then stopped Jehuu Caulcrick on a third-&-7 reception that netted 6 yards, forcing MSU to punt … His pressure on QB Brian Hoyer resulted in safety David Bruton interception the MSU passer's errant throw in the end zone for a touchback … Twice in the third quarter, he rerouted MSU receivers on incomplete throws by Hoyer … He leveled Caulcrick on a third-&-2 1-yard run late in the fourth quarter that forced the Spartans to punt on the next play … In the post-game press conference, Crum was asked about him making tackles all over the field and replied, "I'm just trying to win. That's how I want to play every day. So, I mean, I come with that attitude and I'm just trying to do my part, that's it. I was not expecting this to be a flat game regardless of what happened last year. This game is always going to be like an emotional game for both sides of the football." … Record Watch-Crum's 16 tackles were the most by a Notre Dame linebacker in a game since Bob Crable posted 19 hits vs. Alabama in 1980 … Head to Head Competition: OC#65-Joel Nitchman (6:03-295) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#23-Javon Ringer (5:09-202)-26 carries for 144 yards and one catch for 8 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made 13 of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 45 yards (3.46 ypc), as his opponent completed 2-of-5 passes thrown (40.00 percent) into his area for 17 yards … Made five stops on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 219 yards and no touchdowns on 49 carries (4.47 ypc) and 354 total yards on 73 plays (4.85 yards per attempt).

Purdue … Crum had a quiet game, coming up with just two tackles and a pressure … His third-&-goal reroute of tight end Dustin Keller and subsequent pass deflection resulted in an incomplete pass by Curtis Painter, as Purdue would settle for a 27-yard field goal to salvage some points from that 10-play, 54-yard series … With 7:58 left in the game, he leveled Painter at the line of scrimmage on an option run … Head to Head Competition: OC#68-Robbie Powell (6:05-307) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#24-Kory Sheets (6:00-196)-27 carries for 141 yards and one touchdown, one catch for 8 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made two of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 5 yards (2.50 ypc), as his opponent completed 0-of-1 passes thrown (00.00 percent) into his area for zero yards … Made two stops inside the red zone, as the defense allowed 119 yards and one touchdown on 42 carries (2.83 ypc) and 371 total yards on 79 plays (4.70 yards per attempt).

UCLA … Crum was named Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week, as he was almost single handedly responsible for leading Notre Dame to its first win of the season, recording four turnovers, including one returned for a touchdown, in helping the Irish to the 20-6 victory. Crum forced and recovered two fumbles, returning one 34 yards for a touchdown, and also intercepted two passes which he returned for another 46 yards. He also made seven tackles (5 solos) with an 8-yard sack and a pair of deflected passes … In only the Irish's second time ever playing in Pasadena (first time was vs. Knute Rockne's "Four Horsemen," who defeated coach Pop Warner's Stanford team 27-10 in the 1925 Rose Bowl to give the Irish their first undisputed national championship), Crum wasted little time in making his presence felt, as he deflected two passes on the Bruins' first series of the game, including one on a third-&-4 play that forced UCLA to punt … Later in the first stanza, he jammed Dominique Johnson on a third-&-goal Ben Olson incomplete pass, as UCLA then settled for a 29-yard field goal … He sacked McLeod Bethel-Thompson for an 8-yard loss on a fourth-&-1 play to kill the Bruins' first possession of the second half … He stripped the ball from tailback Kahlil Bell, recovering it at the UCLA 31 to kill the Bruins' next drive … UCLA did not have much of an opportunity to get going in the third quarter, as on their next drive, Crum caused a fumble by Bethel-Thompson that he recovered and advanced 34 yards for the first touchdown of the linebacker's career … The fourth quarter saw Crum display his pass coverage skills, as he first intercepted a Bethel-Thompson pass three minutes into the final frame for a 13-yard return and then sealed the 20-6 win by picking off a third-&-1 Bethel-Thompson throw for a 33-yard runback to the UCLA 29 … Record Watch-Crum became the first Notre Dame player to force two fumbles, recover two fumbles and intercept two passes in the same game and his four turnovers forced were a single-game school record … Crum's fumble recovery for a 34-yard score was the first time an Irish defender scored in a game since Tom Zbikowski returned a fumble vs. Penn State in the second game of the 2006 season … His two fumble recoveries tied the school game-record that was first set by Tony Driver vs. Navy in 2000 and matched by Ray Herring vs. Michigan earlier in the 2007 campaign … His four turnovers were the most by an Irish player in a game, topping the previous game-record of three by Shane Walton (all interceptions) vs. Maryland in the 2002 season opener … Head to Head Competition: OC#60-Chris Joseph (6:05-287) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#36-Kahlil Bell (6:00-211)-18 carries for 64 yards, two catches for 6 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made seven of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 9 yards (1.29 ypc), as his opponent completed 1-of-6 passes thrown (16.67 percent) into his area for 16 yards … Made four stops on third-down and one more on fourth-down plays, and two hits inside the red zone, as the defense allowed 89 yards and no touchdowns on 37 carries (2.41 ypc) and 282 total yards on 75 plays (3.76 yards per attempt).

Boston College … For the first time in his career, Crum did not record any tackles in a game, leaving the contest early in the first quarter with a leg contusion.

Southern California … Crum was still sore from his leg injury, as he was limited to just three tackles … Talking to the media about the team's lack of emotion after the game, Crum said, "I think the guys know what it takes. Playing games like this and just playing for Notre Dame, period, is enough to get us going. To me, every loss feels the same." … Head to Head Competition: OC#69-Matt Spanos (6:05-307) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#23-Chauncey Washington (6:01-220)-12 carries for 64 yards, one catch for 5 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made three of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 19 yards (6.33 ypc), as his opponent completed 0-of-1 passes thrown (00.00 percent) into his area for zero yards … Made one stop on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 227 yards and one touchdown on 36 carries (6.31 ypc) and 462 total yards on 74 plays (6.24 yards per attempt).

Navy … Despite suffering from turf toe that limited him in practices prior to the game, Crum was all over the field, totaling thirteen tackles (7 solos) with a stop behind the line of scrimmage, as he forced a fumble for the third time this season and deflected a pass … He upended Zerb Singleton for a 1-yard loss on a rushing attempt and on the next snap, he stripped the ball from slot back Shun White that safety Tom Zbikowski recovered at the Navy 30 to kill the Midshipmen's game-opening drive … He chased down fullback Eric Kettani on an 18-yard reception in the first overtime frame and on Navy's next series, he had the Midshipmen settle for a 32-yard field goal after Crum deflected a third-&-10 pass …

Head to Head Competition: OC#63-Antron Harper (5:11-272) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#26-Shun White (5:09-186)-Ten carries for 56 yards and one touchdown … Defensive Impact: Crum made ten of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 33 yards (3.30 ypc), as his opponent completed 2-of-3 passes thrown (66.67 percent) into his area for 34 yards … Made two stops on third-down plays, and two hits on goal-line snaps, as the defense allowed 257 yards and four touchdowns on 66 carries (3.89 ypc) and 338 total yards on 75 plays (4.51 yards per attempt).

Air Force … The Irish lost for the ninth time in 2007, a dubious school season-record, as Crum registered double digit tackles (11) for the third time in ten contests during his junior campaign … He killed a late fourth quarter series after tackling Chad Hall on a third-&-6 run that netted 2 yards, leading to an Air Force punt … After the game, Crum said it's hard to believe how poorly this season has gone. "I really just don't know what happened," he said. "It's happening, but I just think it's a dream and I'm going to wake up some day. That (the losing streak) is what makes this whole situation so hard, is that you search and search and search, and guys are coming to work and you're just not finding the answers. It's rough. I just don't know what happened. I'm in disbelief, still. I just think it's a dream and that I'm going to wake up one day." … Asked about the the development of younger players on the Irish roster, he stated, "I'm not with each and every guy. I try to take my group (of linebackers), because those are the guys I spend the most time with, and I try to mentor them and teach them how to watch tape and do as much as possible for them. I'm kind of a tape junkie. I've always liked to watch tape. That's just what I was raised on." …

Head to Head Competition: OC#64-Blaine Guenther (6:02-270) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#1-Chad Hall (5:08-182)-32 carries for 142 yards, two catches for 31 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made eight of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 33 yards (4.13 ypc), as his opponent completed 1-of-2 passes thrown (50.00 percent) into his area for 6 yards … Made one stop on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 285 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries (4.52 ypc) and 405 total yards on 79 plays (5.13 yards per attempt).

Duke … Crum was limited to three assisted tackles, but two came on third-down snaps …

Early in the fourth quarter, he forced Duke to punt after tackling Jay Wright on a third-&-5 catch that netted just 4 yards … Head to Head Competition: OC#68-Matt Rumsey (6:04-288) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#21-Re'Quan Boyette (5:10-210)-Eight carries for 35 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made two of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 8 yards (4.00 ypc), as his opponent completed 1-of-2 passes thrown (50.00 percent) into his area for 4 yards … Made two stops on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 94 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries (3.48 ypc) and 232 total yards on 65 plays (3.57 yards per attempt).

Stanford … Crum closed out the season by delivering six tackles (2 solos), including one third-down stop … He forced the Cardinal to punt in the third quarter after stopping slot receiver Richard Sherman from getting to a third-&-3 toss from QB Tavita Pritchard … Head to Head Competition: OC#62-Tim Mattran (6:05-298) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#5-Anthony Kimble (6:01-202)-20 carries for 80 yards, one catch for 3 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made four of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 17 yards (4.25 ypc), as his opponent completed 2-of-4 passes thrown (50.00 percent) into his area for 12 yards … Made one stop on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 175 yards and two touchdowns on 44 carries (3.98 ypc) and 327 total yards on 78 plays (4.19 yards per attempt).

The All-Major Independent first-team selection started all thirteen games at middle line-backer, leading the team with a career-high 100 tackles (47 solos) and ranking third on the squad with four sacks for minus 38 yards and ten stops for losses of 55 yards … Added five quarterback pressures and caused two fumbles … Also deflected three passes and picked off another … Made 114 special team appearances … Made a total of 25 third-down stops, including 15 vs. the run, adding two more hits on fourth-down plays … Registered 18 of his stops inside the red zone, including four on goal-line plays … Did a solid job of clogging up the middle, as he stopped opposing ball carriers for no gain at the line of scrimmage on twelve rushing attempts … Also made a solo tackle on the kickoff coverage unit … His opponents completed just 11-of-34 passes (32.35 percent) thrown into his area, good for 78 yards (7.09 yards per completion/2.29 yards per pass attempt).

Georgia Tech … Crum opened the season in explosive fashion, delivering six tackles (4 solos) with a 14-yard sack, two stops behind the line of scrimmage and a pressure … On Tech's first possession of the second half, he pressured QB Reggie Ball into throwing an incomplete pass, tackled Ball for a 1-yard loss on a bootleg and then leveled Tashard Choice after the tailback caught a third-&-8 pass for a 1-yard gain, forcing the Yellow Jackets to punt … On Tech's next series, it came to an end when Crum stopped Choice for no gain on a third-&-1 run, leading to another Tech punt … A low snap was fielded by Ball, but the QB was instantly leveled by Crum for a 14-yard sack on third-&-15, resulting in another Tech punt, as the Irish then ran out the clock for a 14-10 decision … Head to Head Competition: OC#60-Kevin Tuminello (6:04-289) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#22-Tashard Choice (6:01-205)-14 carries for 56 yards, one catch for one yard … Defensive Impact: Crum made five of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 5 yards (1.00 ypc), as his opponent completed 1-of-3 passes thrown (33.33 percent) into his area for one yard … Made three stops on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 119 yards and no touchdowns on 28 carries (4.25 ypc) and 259 total yards on 52 plays (4.98 yards per attempt).

Penn State … Crum followed with a season-high fourteen tackles (10 solos) that included three stops for minus 10 yards, a pressure and a forced fumble … He took down tailback Tony Hunt for no gain on a mid first quarter run and chased down QB Anthony Morelli for a 1-yard loss on a second quarter option run … On Penn State's second offensive play of the second half, Morelli was hit by Crum and fumbled. The loose ball was scooped up by Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski and returned for a 25-yard touchdown that gave the Irish a 27-0 lead … Crum later chased down Morelli on a 28-yard bootleg and in the fourth quarter, he sniffed out the screen pass, tackling Rodney Kinlaw for a 7-yard loss. Two plays later, he captured A.J. Wallace for a 5-yard loss on a swing pass from Morelli and on second-&-goal, Morelli was stopped behind the line of scrimmage by Crum … Head to Head Competition: OC#57-A.Q, Shipley (6:01-297) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#26-Tony Hunt (6:02-230)-12 carries for 74 yards, three catches for 26 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made 11 of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 18 yards (1.64 ypc), as his opponent completed 2-of-6 passes thrown (33.33 percent) into his area for minus 2 yards … Made two stops on third-down plays and three tackles inside the red zone, as the defense allowed 158 yards and one touchdown on 33 carries (4.79 ypc) and 383 total yards on 74 plays (5.18 yards per attempt).

Michigan … The middle linebacker posted one stop behind the line of scrimmage among his six tackles … He stopped tailback Mike Hart for no gain on a pair of mid second quarter carries and again took down Hart at the line of scrimmage on a second-&-11 carry in the third quarter … He was penalized for grabbing the face mask of Steve Breaston on a third quarter 18-yard punt return but made up for that miscue when he leveled fullback Kevin Grady for a 1-yard loss on a rushing attempt during Michigan's next possession. Crum killed that 9-play, 51-yard series, forcing the Wolverines to settle for a 33-yard field goal after he stopped Breaston from getting to Chad Henne's third-&-11 pass … Head to Head Competition: OC#54-Mark Bihl (6:05-299) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#20-Mike Hart (5:09-196)-31 carries for 124 yards and one touchdown … Defensive Impact: Crum made five of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 11 yards (2.20 ypc), as his opponent completed 1-of-2 passes thrown (50.00 percent) into his area for 6 yards … Made one stop on third-down plays and two tackles inside the red zone, as the defense allowed 120 yards and one touchdown on 41 carries (2.93 ypc) and 340 total yards on 63 plays (5.40 yards per attempt).

Michigan State … On two of Crum's five tackles, he brought down Spartans running backs at the line of scrimmage and added two pressures … He came out of his area to chase down 260-pound tailback Jehuu Caulcrick on an 18-yard run in the third quarter and despite being held by center Kyle Cook on the play, Crum broke free to level tailback Javon Ringer on a 12-yard carry on third-&-42, resulting in an MSU fourth quarter punt … Ringer was taken down for no gain on a run with 8:12 left in the game and the middle linebacker then stopped QB Drew Stanton for no gain on a bootleg with 2:43 remaining in the contest … Head to Head Competition: OC#74-Kyle Cook (6:03-299) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#30-Jehuu Caulcrick (6:00-260)-Eight carries for 111 yards and one touch-down, one catch for 5 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made five of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 35 yards (7.00 ypc), as his opponent completed 0-of-1 passes thrown (00.00 percent) into his area for zero yards … Made one stop on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 248 yards and one touchdown on 43 carries (5.77 ypc) and 388 total yards on 66 plays (5.88 yards per attempt).

Purdue … Two of Crum's five tackles came on third-down plays and another was on a fourth-down snap … He stopped Boilermaker receivers from getting to two of QB Curtis Painter's passes, including one on a fourth-&-9 snap to kill a 10-play, 47-yard series in the third quarter … A late fourth quarter possession ended when Crum rerouted Kory Sheets from a third-&-1 incomplete toss from Painter with 2:46 left in the game … Head to Head Competition: OC#68-Robbie Powell (6:05-297) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#24-Kory Sheets (6:00-199)-Seven carries for 47 yards and one touchdown, two catches for 2 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made four of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 18 yards (4.50 ypc), as his opponent completed 1-of-4 passes thrown (25.00 percent) into his area for 14 yards … Made two stops on third-down and one on fourth-down plays, as the defense allowed 92 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries (5.11 ypc) and 490 total yards on 64 plays (7.66 yards per attempt).

Stanford … Crum registered his first career interception, as he deflected two other passes and collected seven tackles (3 solos), including three third-down stops … Kelton Lynn was jammed by Crum on a third-&-goal incomplete toss from QB Trent Edwards, as Stanford then settled for a 19-yard field goal to salvage some points from a 71-yard, 14-play first quarter series … After the linebacker was penalized 15 yards for a personal foul on Edwards in the fourth quarter, he made up for that miscue on Stanford's next drive, as he picked off an Edwards' pass at mid field with 1:58 left in the contest … Asked by reporters after the game in regards to the conversation the head coach had with Crum after his penalty, Charlie Weis responded, " Well, I very bluntly said to him, look, the quarterback is running over the side. He's throwing the ball 20 rows into the stands. He's not trying to complete the pass, he's just trying to throw the ball away. If you touch him, they're calling a foul. I don't know how hard he hit him, I couldn't tell from where I was. But the point is that's just not smart. You think about it, you're the official, the quarterback is just throwing the ball into the stands, the guy comes over and hits him, you're going to call a personal foul, too. We're getting off the field in that situation. I just wanted to let him know in no uncertain terms that that wasn't okay." … Head to Head Competition: OC#60-Alex Fletcher (6:04-299) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#26-Anthony Kimble (6:00-197)-15 carries for 63 yards, one catch for 19 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made six of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 43 yards (7.17 ypc), as his opponent completed 0-of-3 passes thrown (00.00 percent) into his area for zero yards … Made three stops on third-down plays and two tackles inside the red zone, as the defense allowed 72 yards and no touchdowns on 31 carries (2.32 ypc) and 226 total yards on 51 plays (4.43 yards per attempt).

UCLA … Crum posted a 7-yard sack and deflected a pass as he also came up with eight tackles (3 solos) that included three third-down stops … He chased down tailback Chris Markey on a third-&-11 reception that netted 9 yards, forcing UCLA to punt … In the fourth quarter, he sacked Patrick Cowan for a 7-yard loss, leading to another Bruins punt … Head to Head Competition: OC#54-Robert Chai (6:03-288) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#28-Chris Markey (5:11-203)-19 carries for 32 yards, two catches for 8 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made six of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 15 yards (2.50 ypc), as his opponent completed 2-of-5 passes thrown (40.00 percent) into his area for 22 yards … Made three stops on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 26 yards and no touchdowns on 28 carries (0.93 ypc) and 243 total yards on 60 plays (4.05 yards per attempt).

Navy … For the second time in 2006, Crum recorded double digits in tackles, totaling eleven hits (4 solos), including one on a third-down snap … He prevented a mid second quarter score when he stopped Adam Ballard for no gain at the ND 1-yard line on a second-&-goal rushing attempt … Head to Head Competition: OC#69-James Rossi (6:01-269) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#7-Reggie Campbell (5:06-166)-14 carries for 81 yards, one catch for 9 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made ten of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 68 yards (6.80 ypc), as the defense allowed 271 yards and two touchdowns on 56 carries (4.84 ypc) and 314 total yards on 63 plays (4.98 yards per attempt).

North Carolina … The sophomore middle linebacker collected nine tackles (3 solos) with a 9-yard sack and a pressure … He killed UNC's game-opening possession when he jammed Brooks Foster on a third-&-14 Joe Dailey incomplete pass, forcing the Tar Heels to punt …

He pressured Dailey into throwing an incomplete pass and then sacked the QB for a 9-yard loss on third-&-9, leading to another UNC punt, as Crum made a key block on safety Tom Zbikowski's punt return that resulted in a 52-yard touchdown … Hakeem Nicks was the next receiver to get rerouted by Crum, coming on a third-&-1 pass from Dailey, leading to another UNC punt in the second quarter … Head coach Charlie Weis praised Crum to the media in the post-game press conference, stating, "He was all over the place, and I think that what happened, especially early in the game, is we were bringing a lot of heat early in the game, and for that same reason we were in no huddle, we were bringing a lot of pressure in the game because we wanted to set the tempo in defense. We had gone out to some flat starts in a few games and we were not going to law that to happen today. I said we were going to try to do something different, and he was very active and involved in a bunch of plays." … Head to Head Competition: OC#64-Scott Lenahan (6:01-290) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#25-Ronnie McGill (5:11-220)-13 carries for 61 yards, three catches for 15 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made seven of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 11 yards (1.57 ypc), as his opponent completed 2-of-5 passes thrown (40.00 percent) into his area for 22 yards … Made three stops on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 26 yards and no touchdowns on 28 carries (0.93 ypc) and 243 total yards on 60 plays (4.05 yards per attempt).

Air Force … Crum assisted on six tackles … Head to Head Competition: OC#60-Stuart Perlow (6:04-305) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#1-Chad Hall (5:08-180)-20 carries for 67 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made six of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 24 yards (4.00 ypc) … Made two stops on third-down plays, as the defense allowed 200 yards and no touchdowns on 60 carries (3.33 ypc) and 405 total yards on 79 plays (5.13 yards per attempt).

Army … Crum followed with six tackles, an 8-yard sack and 1.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, as three of his hits came inside the red zone … Late in the first quarter, Army settled for a 27-yard field goal after Crum stopped Walter Hill from getting to a third-&-4 Carson Williams pass … In the third quarter, the Cadets had to punt after Crum sacked QB David Pevoto for an 8-yard loss on a third-&-15 snap … Later in the third stanza, he stopped slot back Wesley McMahand for a 1-yard loss on a rushing attempt at the ND 21 … Head to Head Competition: OC#64-Trey Miranne (6:01-272) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#23-Wesley McMahand (5:06-171)-11 carries for 61 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made five of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 4 yards (0.80 ypc), as his opponent completed 1-of-3 passes thrown (33.33 percent) into his area for 16 yards … Made two stops on third-down plays and three tackles inside the red zone, as the defense allowed 58 yards and no touchdowns on 36 carries (1.61 ypc) and 150 total yards on 57 plays (2.63 yards per attempt).

Southern California … In the regular season finale, Crum posted nine tackles (6 solos), 1.5 stops for minus 4 yards, a pass deflection and caused an interception with a pressure …

He stopped tailback Chauncey Washington for no gain on a first-&-goal run at the UND 1 midway through the first quarter … He tackled tailback C.J. Gable for an 8-yard loss and on the next snap, his pressure saw QB J.D. Booty throw a pass that was intercepted by defensive tackle Trevor Laws at the USC 38 with 3:37 left in the first half … Head to Head Competition: OC#67-Ryan Kalil (6:03-287) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#25-C.J. Gable (6:01-192)-20 carries for 107 yards, one catch for 21 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made seven of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 19 yards (2.71 ypc), as his opponent completed 1-of-1 passes thrown (100.00 percent) into his area for 11 yards … Made one stop on third-down plays and three tackles inside the red zone, as the defense allowed 139 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries (4.34 ypc) and 404 total yards on 60 plays (6.73 yards per attempt).

Louisiana State (Sugar Bowl) … Crum registered eight tackles (5 solos), including two hits inside the red zone and another for the kickoff coverage unit … He chased down receiver Craig Davis on an 8-yard reverse midway through the first quarter and forced the Tigers to punt after he stopped QB JaMarcus Russell on a third-&-10 run over right guard that netted 4 yards in the second stanza … Tailback Justin Vincent was leveled for no gain by Crum on a run at the ND 17 and he killed that 6-play, 44-yard drive when he rerouted Dwayne Bowe on Russell's third-&-7 incomplete slant pass with 5:04 left in the first half …

At the start of the third quarter, he tackled Early Doucet on a 17-yard kickoff return … Head to Head Competition: OC#74-Brett Helms (6:02-283) … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#25-Justin Vincent (5:10-223)-12 carries for 71 yards, two catches for 19 yards … Defensive Impact: Crum made six of his stops vs. the run, holding the opposition to 33 yards (5.50 ypc), as his opponent completed 0-of-1 passes thrown (00.00 percent) into his area for zero yards … Made one stop on third-down plays and two tackles inside the red zone, as the defense allowed 245 yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries (6.62 ypc) and 577 total yards on 71 plays (8.13 yards per attempt).

The red-shirt freshman started all twelve games at the "apache" (weak-side outside line-backer) position, finishing sixth on the team with 57 tackles (32 solos), including 3.5 stops for losses of 5 yards and four quarterback pressures … Caused two fumbles and deflected one pass … Also made 57 special team appearances, posting one tackle for the punt coverage unit … Delivered nine of his hits inside the red zone, including four on goal-line plays … Produced twelve third-down stops, including ten vs. the pass and added three more on fourth-down plays … Stopped opposing ball carriers at the line of scrimmage on three rushing attempts.

Pittsburgh … Crum made his collegiate debut by posting five tackles … His first career stop came on a 2-yard run by tailback Rashad Jennings … He later chased down Steve Buches on an 18-yard reception late in the fourth quarter … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#36-Rashad Jennings (6:01-235)-Seven carries for 29 yards.

Michigan … Crum was a disruptive force in the Michigan backfield, as he caused two fumbles and was in on five tackles (4 solos) … He stripped Kevin Grady of the ball on a 7-yard run at the ND 16, but Michigan recovered it on their first possession of the second half … He tackled Steve Breaston at the Michigan 15, not allowing the opponent to gain any yardage on that punt return … On a fourth quarter second-&-goal snap, he caused Grady to again fumble the ball, but the runner recovered it at the ND 5. Crum then jammed Jason Avant, preventing the receiver from getting to third-&-goal and fourth-&-goal passes by Chad Henne, killing that possession … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#20-Mike Hart (5:09-192)-Three carries for 4 yards.

Michigan State … Crum was in on seven tackles (5 solos) … He ran down Jerramy Scott on a first quarter 23-yard reception and stopped Scott on a third-&-9 catch that netted 6 yards, forcing MSU to punt in the third stanza … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#30-Jehuu Caulcrick (6:00-243)-Six carries for 17 yards.

Washington … Both of Crum's tackles came on 2-yard carries by both Louis Rankin and Kenny James early in the second quarter … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#9-Louis Rankin (6:00-193)-Eight carries for 27 yards, one catch for 29 yards.

Purdue … The outside linebacker made only one tackle, but it stopped Ray Williams for a 1-yard gain on a third-&-4 run, forcing the Boilermakers to punt early in the first quarter … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#32-Jerod Void (6:02-212)-Six carries for 23 yards.

Southern California … Crum assisted on four tackles … His block on fullback David Kirtman saw safety Tom Zbikowski return a punt 60 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter … In the fourth quarter, he jammed Dwayne Jarrett at the line of scrimmage on a pass attempt from Matt Leinart and also pressured Leinart on a third-&-13 incomplete pass that was intended for Chris McFoy, forcing a USC punt … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#5-Reggie Bush (6:00-200)-15 carries for 160 yards and three touchdowns, four catches for 35 yards.

Brigham Young … The red-shirt freshman delivered five tackles (4 solos) and a pair of third-down pressures … After jamming Todd Watkins on a pass attempt from John Beck, he pressured the QB on third-&-8, resulting in an incomplete throw and a BYU punt in the second stanza … With 1:09 left in the first half, he again pressured Beck on third-&-8, as BYU again failed to complete a pass and again punted the ball away … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#6-Curtis Brown (6:00-207)-12 carries for 23 yards, five catches for 52 yards.

Tennessee … Crum registered another five tackles (4 solos), including three stops behind the line of scrimmage and a pass deflection … He took down tailback Arian Foster for a 1-yard loss on a run at the UT 28 late in the first quarter and again tackled Foster for minus 2 yards at the ND 25, followed by taking the tailback down for another 2-yard loss on a second-&-goal handoff at the ND 6 late in the second quarter … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#27-Arian Foster (6:01-211)-28 carries for 125 yards and one touchdown, two catches for 21 yards.

Navy … The linebacker was in on seven tackles and caused an interception on a pressure, as he chased Eddie Martin out of the pocket and the QB's pass was intercepted by safety Tom Zbikowski at the ND 12 to kill a late third quarter possession … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#29-Marco Nelson (5:09-181)-Four carries for 26 yards.

Syracuse … Crum had just two tackles, but he assisted in tackling tailback Damien Rhodes for a 1-yard loss midway through the second quarter … He also tackled Rhodes on a third-&-17 run that netted 4 yards, forcing the Orange to punt on their next possession … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#1-Damien Rhodes (6:00-217)-22 carries for 122 yards, one catch for a 1-yard loss.

Stanford … Crum was credited with seven tackles (6 solos) that included one third-down stop and another on fourth down … His tackle of Matt Traverso on a third-&-11 catch that netted 2 yards forced Stanford to punt after their first possession … He took down Mark Bradford on a third-&-10 reception that gained 9 yards and on the next play, he stopped Bradford from getting to Trent Edwards' fourth-&-1 throw, killing the 11-play, 47-yard second quarter series … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#9-J.R. Lemon (6:01-227)-12 carries for 40 yards, three catches for 27 yards.

Ohio State (Fiesta Bowl) … Crum ended his first collegiate season with another seven-tackle performance, making two of his stops on third-down plays … He was charged with a personal foul on a third-&-8 play, keeping an early second quarter possession alive … In the third quarter, Crum was flagged for grabbing receiver Anthony Gonzalez' face mask, but he made up for that miscue by rerouting tailback Antonio Pittman on a third-&-6 pass attempt from Troy Smith, forcing OSU to attempt a 46-yard field goal that was blocked on the next play and recovered by Notre Dame for a touchback … Crum took down Pittman for no gain on a rushing attempt and on third-&-12, he jammed Gonzalez on an incomplete throw from Smith … Rush Coverage Assignment: HB#25-Antonio Pittman (5:11-190)-21 carries for 136 yards and one touchdown, two catches for 6 yards.

Crum red-shirted during his first season at Notre Dame.

2007: Suffered a leg contusion early in the first quarter, missing most of the Boston College game (10/13) … Aggravated a turf toe injury (10/26), but still played later in the week vs. Navy (11/03).

Campus: 4.85 in the 40-yard dash … 1.69 10-yard dash … 2.86 20-yard dash … 4.64 20-yard shuttle … 7.27 three-cone drill … 28.5-inch vertical jump … 8'9" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 18 times … 31 3/8-inch arm length … 8 3/4-inch hands.

Combine: Did not receive an invitation.

Attended Tampa Bay (Fla.) Technical High School … Earned first-team Florida Class 3A All-State honors as a linebacker from the Florida Sports Writers Association … All-Hillsborough County first-team pick (the Tampa Tribune), recording 68 tackles as a senior in 2003 … As a junior, Crum registered 103 tackles (60 solos), adding three interceptions and two sacks … Served as team captain that season and was named All-Conference and All-County … Also selected Defensive MVP of the 2003 Hillsborough County All-Star game.

Graduated in May, 2008, with a degree in Sociology from the College of Arts and Letters, and enrolled in the post-graduate studies program … Son of Tia Alexander and Maurice Crum, Sr. … Father was a Butkus Award finalist and 1990 All-American linebacker at the University of Miami (1987-90), leading the team in tackles in each of his last three seasons and registered 354 tackles for his college career … The Maurices are the only known father-son tandem to record more than 300 tackles each during their collegiate careers … His father also spent parts of two seasons playing for Miami's baseball team before signing as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers … Born Maurice Crum, Jr., on 5/29/86 in Tampa, Florida.