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Mario Crawford became a student assistant in the spring after two high successful seasons on the Monarchs.
Prior to injury sidelining Crawford, he led the Monarchs in rushing with 505 yards and averaging 45.9 yards per game as a sophomore in 2010. He posted six touchdowns including a pair against VMI and for a season-high 91 yards against future Georgia State that season also making 24 receptions for 216 yards. Crawford was also a member of the Phil Steele Preseason All-Independent Team and FCS College Football Performance Award Watch List.
In his first season with ODU in 2009, Crawford was the second leading Monarch rusher averaging 60 yards per game and 6.1 yards per carry. He recorded six rushing touchdowns including a pair against Virginia Union and at Jacksonville in the Monarchs' FCS debut. He also captured the longest run of the year in a 52-yard carry at Fordham and tore downfield for a season-high 102 yards at Savannah State.
Crawford was a two-time all-state selection and all-conference honoree at Romulus High School in Michigan before enrolling at Fork Union Military Academy prior to his joining the Monarchs.
The son of Sam and Deitra Crawford, he is majoring in criminal justice.