25 Players in 25 Days: #1 Mario Craver

Position: Wide Receiver
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Listed Height: 5-9
Listed Weight: 165 lbs.

Key notes of Liucci’s thoughts on Craver

• I don't think it's worth getting upset about Marcel Reed being No. 2 and not No. 1, but it's also generated discussion. Debate it, that's fine, but if it actually bothers you, I wouldn't worry about it. It's literally No. 2 vs. No. 1.
   
• I actually had Reed at No. 1 on my list, but I think Mario Craver, out of the upperclassmen, is your best NFL prospect. I think Craver is the closest to the top when you talk about players at his position in the country on this roster. I think Craver was pretty special last year. There, you see him setting the tone against Florida. He had the play of the game against Notre Dame. It was one of the best games by a wide receiver in college football last year, given the production, the dynamic play to highlight it, the victory and the magnitude of the game.
   
• Craver had a massive play against Miami. He had a huge play against Florida that you just saw. This guy was really, really good from start to finish. He got overshadowed a little bit by KC Concepcion, but honestly, if Craver didn't get banged up, he probably would have led the team in receiving yards last year.
   
• Craver can take a short play and turn it into a touchdown, not just a long run. He can certainly, as he showed, have game-changing, over-the-top speed. He showed that at Mississippi State, too. He did it to Georgia and Texas as a true freshman. He's an absolute beast.
   
• Craver is noticeably better than he was at this time a year ago. The route running is good. He's got that alpha mentality. I think he's an absolute stud.
   
• The good thing about Craver and Reed is they've got chemistry with each other, but you can also get him the ball quickly and easily because he's so quick at getting behind the line of scrimmage, catching that pass and making things happen. We see him take handoffs when he's going in motion, reverses and things like that.
   
• Holmon Wiggins can often get Craver the ball, no matter what another team tries to do. That's what you love about a weapon like Craver. He's special. Period.