Indiana OL Harry Crider reveals decision on 2021 season
Indiana Hoosiers senior starting offensive lineman Harry Crider today announced via Twitter that he’d opted to decline the NCAA’s 2020 COVID eligibility-freeze and declare himself available for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Crider, who grew up in nearby Columbus, Indiana before playing for the home-state U, wrote a short note of thanks to go with the announcement. He hash-tagged his post #LEO after head coach Tom Allen’s now-famous expression for the mystic powers inherent in a true team: Love Each Other.
“Growing up in Indiana and being able to play for this university is something I dreamt of as kid,” read Crider’s statement in part. “These past four years have been a blessing and the best years of my life. Being part of the culture coach Allen developed has allowed me to grow into the man I am today. There is nothing better than going to battle with my brothers and creating relationships that will last a lifetime.
Forever thankful! #LEO pic.twitter.com/G4jwhttkKI
— Harry Crider (@HarryCrider) January 10, 2021
The Hoosiers went 14-7 over Crider’s final two seasons, excellent numbers for a program with an established history of losing and finishing at or near the bottom of the Big Ten. Indiana opened up this season at 6-1, with the lone loss coming in a tight game against Ohio State, before finishing 6-2 after a disappointing Outback Bowl loss to Ole Miss.
Crider certainly left the program in better shape than he found out and now he’s going to test himself in the shark-infested waters of the NFL. No doubt the lads back home will be watching to see how he fares.