Sports Radio Interviews

Michael Crabtree Hopes To Fill Jerry Rice’s Shoes

Michael Crabtree was expected to be off the board by the time the San Francisco 49ers selected at #10 in the 1st Round of this past weekend’s NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.  Some draftniks had him going as high as #2 to the St. Louis Rams, who recently parted ways with long time playmaker Torry Holt. And when Crabtree was still available when Oakland picked at #7, most thought he would surely be drafted by Al Davis. Nope, the Raiders took a WR all right, only it was Maryland speedster Darrius Heyward-Bey.

So there Crabtree was at #10 and the 49ers wasted no time selecting the two time All-American, who set all sorts of records in just his two years of dressing for Texas Tech. Crabtree, who on Saturday told the media he’d like to be as great as Jerry Rice one day, joined WFAN in New York after being drafted by the storied franchise.

If he felt like he ‘fell’ at all by slipping to #10:

“Not at all. I felt whoever wanted me, that’s who I was going to feel comfortable with.”

Or was he surprised that Heyward-Bey was selected ahead of him?

“Like I said, man – it’s all proven on the field.  I’m not the one to really talk, but I like to play and prove my point so I mean I’m looking forward to playing.”

On what his impressions of the organization and Coach Mike Singletary were when he visited the 49ers prior to the draft:

“Mike Singletary’s a good guy, man. He really motivates you if you take it the right way. I feel like I can play under him and we created a good relationship when I visited. And overall, the visit went good so I’m headed to the Bay.”

On if he’ll add his name to the long list of WRs who are just as well known for their celebrations in the endzone as they are for their abilities as WRs:

“Oh man, it’s a big song and dance but it’s not going to be by myself. I’m going to bring something different to the game. I might even have my offensive line up there with me, man. Hey I got to, that’s what I do.”

Listen here to newly drafted San Francisco 49ers WR Michael Crabtree on WFAN in New York

Tags: Michael Crabtree, NFL Draft 2009, NFL Draft Grades, San Francisco 49ers, Texas Tech Red Raiders, WFAN