Michael Lancia is an ASU student at the Walter Cronkite School covering Camelback for AZPreps365

It all started with a bet. The revival of a misguided career can all be credited to one coach challenging a student to give the sport of football one last try.

Many know Kaleb Crawley as a gentle giant who is the “soul” of the Camelback football team.  

As a 6’7” son of two pastor parents, Crawley has displayed his size and depth both on and of the field with his strength as a person and as a player.  Facing a variety of challenges throughout his youth, Crawley has emerged as a secure young man ready to take on what hopes to be a successful football career at a Division 1 college. 

At the early age of 5, Crawley began to play football.  As a lot of kids that age, he was afraid to hit and play hard. “I got bullied a lot for being soft.  I was scared,” Crawley said.

As he continued to play over the years through junior high school, basketball became a sport that competed with football as he won an award as the best rebounder.  

After breaking his arm in sixth grade, football took a backseat.  Sports helped keep Crawley focused on school and working hard to achieve his goals.  During his time at prep school, there were no sports and life seemed to be a challenge. 

“I didn’t care about school and I was treated differently.  There were only about three black kids at my school and whenever something happened I always got blamed for it.  I felt like a criminal,” said Crawley.    

Entering Camelback High School was the turning point for Crawley. Here he flipped the page of his past and redefine Kaleb Crawley. During his freshman year, Crawley accepted a bet that would alter his life forever. One of his teachers proposed the tradeoff that if Crawley would give high school football a try, in return he would receive a pair of basketball shoes from the teacher. The rest is history. 

Prioritizing school, practicing after class, working at Little Caesars and attending church are just a few things Crawley juggles on a daily basis. The busy schedule helps keep Crawley on task.

Everything changed for Crawley his sophomore year.

“I don’t know what it was. I actually needed to hit. There was a lot of anger.  It was mostly anger that got me up there.  People kept on messing with me. When I finally started using my anger, people backed off.”

Following this defining moment, Crawley never looked back. He finally earned the respect he coveted for years and his expectations for himself are becoming a reality. A future playing Division 1 college football is within reach for the junior lineman. As this goal unfolds, so may history. Diagnosed with autism, Crawley strives to join the few college athletes with his condition. Although wanting to be a part of this select group in history, Crawley does not want his condition to define him.

“Autism,” said Crawley. “It’s crazy but I don’t want that to be my highlight. I don’t want to be known as that kid that has autism and got that scholarship.  I want to be known as that kid that beat everyone else to get that scholarship. I’m still a football player. I’m still strong, I’m still fast.” 

Crawley still remains the spark of energy that keeps Camelback football moving. He has taken on the role of team comedian and has embraced the opportunity to make people laugh.

“As big as he is, he’s a gentle giant,” said coach Brandon McNutt. “He makes everyone laugh and brings the team together, whenever the team needs a push he’s our guy.”

Teammates and coaches acknowledge the passion and love for the game Crawley displays, as his positive influence rubs off on anyone within reach.

“Kaleb Crawley is one of the best teammates I have ever had,” said defensive tackle Emilio Bernal. He is such a positive influence, always works hard, keeps everyone positive and working hard and tries to make us the best we can be.”