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http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2008/07/29/a1c_fins_0730.html

Crowder steps into Zach's old spotlight

By CARLOS FRÍAS
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

DAVIE — Check your playbill: Tonight, the role of Zach Thomas will be played by Channing Crowder.

Cue the spotlight.

For three seasons, Crowder apprenticed alongside one of the best linebackers in Dolphins history. But when Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, was released in February, Crowder went from plucky understudy to leading man.

New management clearly thinks he's up to the job. Even though he is at inside linebacker next to Akin Ayodele, a seventh-year pro who played in Dallas last year and was brought in largely for his experience, Crowder is calling the defensive signals.

"It's encouraging to know they trust me enough to put the whole defense and leadership role on me," Crowder said Tuesday after practice. "I've done my job for the last three years to make them build that trust in me. So I'm trying not to let them down."

When he was drafted out of Florida in 2005, the Dolphins saw an immediate payoff. Crowder was aggressive and full of energy. But he also was prone to mistakes. Sometimes he was satisfied with making an occasional big play while Thomas handled the grunt work.

Crowder said he understands more than ever that he has to get every play right. He said he wants to diagnose every mistake as soon as possible by reviewing it in the film room.

"Honestly, I wasn't like that my first couple of years," Crowder said. "If I messed up, I'd say, 'OK, the coaches will tell me and we'll change it.'

"Now, with the role they've thrust upon me, I'm trying to get everything perfect and be that Zach Thomas. I'm never going to replace him. But I just want to be the best ... that the Miami Dolphins can put in that position."

He always has gotten the attention of the opposition. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano remembers getting his offensive line in Dallas ready to face the Dolphins last season, and specifically scheming for Crowder.

"We felt going into the game we had to get this guy blocked," Sparano recalled. "Because if you don't, he's going to be around the ball a bunch and make a lot of tackles. I see a lot of that. He's around the ball; it's what he does well."

Sparano and his staff now are preparing Crowder for the Dolphins' new, four-linebacker system. Ayodele played that system in Dallas and will help his new teammate.

"Guy loves to play football, you can tell," Ayodele said of Crowder. "Great energy. Outspoken. You always respect that. At the same time, he's young and he's always learning."

Crowder conceded that once or twice in practice, he has been slow on the call after breaking the defensive huddle. That is when Ayodele will say a word or two to jog his memory.

"He'll shoot me a little hint, and I'll yell it like I knew it," Crowder joked. "He's very helpful."

Crowder, never short of bravado, said he will not let any uncertainty show.

"If you're in front of the huddle and you're looking tired and distressed and worried, they're going to feed off that," Crowder said. Instead, he wants teammates to take energy from his "boisterous attitude and personality."

As it stands, Crowder and Ayodele are the inside linebackers with Joey Porter and Charlie Anderson the likely starters on the outside. Crowder, 24, is the youngest of the group - not that many fans will notice. The apprentice appears to be ready for his starring role.

"On a daily basis, you see his knowledge of football," Ayodele said. "He played with Zach so you know he understands the game. He plays at an elite level without feeling the pressure. He understands it's his turn to fill that role."

He'd better step up! I bought one of the first Crowder jerseys!  ;D

If he does, I'd think of myself as a visionary.  ;)

I like Crowder, he has good instinct.  With a little more refinement, he'll step in.

I remember watching him light people up when he played for the gators...he has shown signs of greatness, but has also shown lackluster play at times...I think his upside is too great and he'll fill his role nicely as a leader of our defense...after all he did have one of the best mentors in the game. :)