North Lenoir's Crawford, Jenkins: Bound for College Ball
LA GRANGE— Yesterday afternoon, North Lenoir fans, parents, and athletes witnessed two Hawks make significant commitments. Outfielder Blake Crawford has chosen to showcase his talents at the University of Wilmington, while pitcher Jackson Jenkins will be taking the mound for the University of Mount Olive.
Both players were standouts for the Hawks last season. Crawford, standing at 6’2” and weighing 185 pounds, has been a starting force since his freshman year. In his 67-game career, Crawford boasts a .338 batting average, with 69 hits, 61 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, and 21 home runs.
“It feels great to make it official, going to a good program in Wilmington, and just getting my journey started,” Crawford said. “My family is here, my teammates, some old friends. I grew up with all these people, so having everyone here means a lot to me.”
Jenkins, known for his versatility but most notably his prowess on the mound, is a solid 5’9”, 175-pound athlete. Known as a grinder, Jenkins has been a varsity starter since his freshman year. He has amassed an impressive 11-7 career record with a 2.40 ERA, striking out 111 batters in 101 innings, and walking only 40 out of 470 batters faced.
“I am really excited; this is what kids think about when they are younger. All kids want to play college baseball. To me, I just wanted a place to play anywhere I could. It's a great opportunity, and I am really happy,” Jenkins said. “There were a lot of people here. I was thinking about it all day. Seeing all these people really shows you who is in your corner. It feels really good.”
These signings not only mark a new chapter for Crawford and Jenkins but also underscore the rich talent and dedication nurtured at North Lenoir. As they embark on their collegiate journeys, the legacy they leave behind will continue to inspire future Hawks.
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