By Edward Henderson
What happens when an unstoppable force meets in immovable object? Football. These modern day gladiators give their all on every level of the sport to showcase and develop their skills for millions of fans. Overshadowed by the brute strength and blazing speed we witness when they take the field is a complex game full of strategy and nuance. When you see Southeast native Dorian Crawford, his imposing size is the first thing you notice. At 6’1, 230 pounds, the former Texas Tech football standout and graduate is a physical specimen to say the least. His passion after his football career was shortened by injury, however, has become developing the minds and skill of younger players so their equipped with the tools to take them to the next level of competition and beyond though his business DC Athletics.
Crawford’s football journey began in Pop Warner as a member of the Balboa Raiders. He went on to excel at the cornerback position for Scripps Ranch High School as he woke up at 4:30 in the morning to be on time for the bus. The long trek would foreshadow the route Crawford had to take to making his dream of playing at the next level come true.
“My story is different from others. I didn’t know much about the recruitment process. Because my grades weren’t where they needed to be, I wasn’t eligible for Division 1. I went to Humboldt State for a year then to Mount Sac in LA where we won the state championship. I left with 31 division 1 scholarships.”
Crawford accepted an offer to play safety at Texas Tech University. The transition from smaller division schools to packed arenas with 77 thousand screaming fans excited him and his game fit right in with the environment. Crawford was known for his size and hard hitting prowess on the field. He also read coverages well and showed a high IQ for the position. Ankle and Achilles injuries took a step from his game, however, and a severe concussion which rendered him unconscious for a few minutes on national television signaled the end of his playing days.
“I used to be the guy who said guys were soft because they couldn’t fight through an injury, but now I know,” Crawford said.
He moved back to San Diego but continued to work out daily wearing his Texas Tech gear. Young players would often come up to him and ask if they could train with him. Once Crawford noticed this was becoming a regular occurrence, DC Athletics was born.
The year round camp is less expensive than other camps in the city. Along with calisthenics, Crawford teaches players how to read coverages, footwork, and form tackling. The mental part of the game is his main focus, however, as he wants his clients to avoid the obstacles that forced him to Division 2 ball.
“I stress grades every day. Every time we work out I ask them what their grades were. I agree with parents that if their grades drop then they can’t train anymore. The one thing I have over most personal trainers is that I’ve been there before. I know what it takes to make it on the next level.”
Crawford remains a student of the game to this day as he often reaches out to NFL friends to add details to his workouts. His clients are the fuel for everything that he does and puts tremendous value on the relationships he creates with them.
“I don’t say I have clients, they’re my little brothers,” said Crawford. “I want to teach them everything I can.”
To schedule a training session with Crawford, you can contact him via e-mail at [email protected].
