Taurean Crawford, Elkins
The 6-foot-2, 290-pound Crawford has 37 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and three fumbles caused through seven games this season and is one of the premier defensive talents in Fort Bend ISD.
Beyond his obvious physicality, Crawford moves considerably well for his size. In fact, it's what Crawford takes the most pride in.
"I feel like my footwork and speed make me a special defensive lineman," he said. "While I do play with plenty of aggression, I can be very smooth on the field as well."
In past years, Crawford has been quiet and reserved on the field, trying to find his place and voice. Not anymore.
Now he is a seasoned veteran, more comfortable leading vocally. He also provides an admirable example for others with how much time he spends in the weight room and watching film.
"What motivates me most is that I can accomplish mine and every male in my family's dream of playing at the next level," Crawford said.
When he's not tending to his goals of college ball and championships, Crawford is spending time with the three horses his family owns.
"My family and I already had enough dogs, so we wanted to try something different," he said.
He also loves watching Netflix's Last Chance U and Lil Baby is his preferred listen before games.
And getting better, as a player and as a team, is the M.O.
"I expect us to improve tremendously, because we have a lot of important returners on offense and defense coming back," Crawford said. "Our motivation is to be better than last year. That pushed us every day during the off-season."
This story appeared in the Inaugural VYPE Fort Bend ISD Fall Edition, which is now available to pick up at your local Fort Bend ISD High Schools.
Jessica Smith
"I feel like we'll definitely be an underdog," Smith said. "Our seasons haven't been the greatest in the past two years, but this year I feel like we're a force to be reckoned with. I definitely expect to make the playoffs."
If the Broncos are to make the postseason, Smith will play a crucial role. She is smarter with her ball placement and has worked hard on defense and running a faster offense.
Smith said she expects her best self this season. That also means continuing to improve as a leader.
"My whole life, I've kind of been a leader, so it wasn't hard. But it was different," Smith said. "A good kind of different. I try and lead by example and do things right and be someone younger players can lean on and learn from. It means a lot to me to represent our team well."
Smith talked more with VYPE.
...
VYPE: What motivates or inspires you?
SMITH: Everybody always thinks we're not going to be successful. We're a bunch of coachable players who listen and train so hard. We're up at the school a lot and spend hours training and working really hard.
VYPE: What is something that people may not know about Jessica Smith?
SMITH: I'm a very passionate person. The game is bigger than winning or losing to me. It's about us getting better and seeing improvement in ourselves. It's really about the mindset. It's about, hey, was that your best game and did you give your all and do you have any regrets or anything you could've done better? The game is a mindset.
VYPE: What have you learned about yourself through volleyball?
SMITH: My mindset is tougher than what I think. People think that just because you're good, or just because you're skilled and talented, that things aren't tough. But people don't see that I've cried after games. The game can hurt. But I've stayed mentally strong. I know I won't give up. I know things will always get better.
This story appeared in the Inaugural VYPE Fort Bend ISD Fall Edition, which is now available to pick up at your local Fort Bend ISD High Schools.
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