Crowder's been 'a pleasant surprise' since move to inside linebacker

Tae Crowder may not be in Georgia’s immediate plans on defense.

But head coach Kirby Smart has been impressed with what he’s seen since the former running back made a position switch to inside linebacker.

Crowder was moved to his new spot during the bye week, which was made due to try and utilize his athleticism since running back depth is deep. Crowder had been working behind Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Brian Herrien, Elijah Holyfield and Brendan Douglas this year, and would have to compete for playing time with D’Andre Swift and Toneil Carter’s arrivals next season.

At inside linebacker, Crowder is still working behind veterans Natrez Patrick, Roquan Smith and Reggie Carter but has a much better chance of playing time in the future. For now, Crowder still has to learn his new position.

“He’s not a starter, he can’t walk over and learn all the stuff we do,” Smart said. “But he has been a pleasant surprise I would say with the physicality part and work ethic.”

Crowder has yet to log any game action in his career thus far. Earlier after the position move, Smart said there’s a chance Crowder could get in on special teams.

Now that he’s on the defensive side of the ball, there is a chance that Crowder could push for some playing time down the road.

“I think he’s got a shot,” Smart said. “Not in this game, I don’t think that’s the case, but for a 230-pound, 6-foot-2 guy, shoot, he’s a pretty good athlete.”

This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 3:08 PM with the headline "Crowder's been 'a pleasant surprise' since move to inside linebacker ."