By Chris Cox 

Coming off an impressive season that saw Cushing go 9-1 and make the 4A playoffs, VYPE Top 100 athlete Camden Crooks says the Tigers have even higher goals this year. 

“Losing in the first-round last year was heart breaking,” Crooks admits. “This year, we want to go undefeated and ultimately make the finals and win the gold ball.” 

Being a senior, Crooks and his fellow seniors are pushing their teammates to get them ready to make a run at that state title. 

“We’ve been working harder,” he says. “I can tell a difference with these guys, and they really want to win. It’s become the culture. Get better every day.” 

It’s hard to imagine Crooks being much better than he was a year ago. As a junior Crooks caught 93 passes for 1,624 yards, and 20 touchdowns on offense and totaled 81 tackles and five interceptions on defense. 

“I feel like I can exceed those numbers,” he says. “As an offense, we can go faster and score more. Our offensive coordinator (Scott Chisholm) sets a really good pace and does well with the guys we have.” 

Another reason Crooks feels he can have an even bigger year, is the chemistry he has with his QB, Blaze Berlowitz. 

“We’ve been friends since pre-k, have grown up together, and played football since fourth grade,” Crooks says. “We’ve just had a really close relationship. He’s been my best friend all my life and it’s really neat to play with him.” 

While Crooks currently holds one Division I offer (Air Force), he knows a big year by the Tiger could not only bring more offers his way but more and bigger offers to his teammates as well. 

“That’s what I’m hoping for,” he says. “I want our quarterback and other guys to get more looks.” 

Along with being an outstanding football player, Crooks is also a state champion in the 300 hurdles and in power lifting. After high school, he plans on continuing his football career.