Hardcourt or Gridiron?

Chris Crockett (Credit: Rivals.com)

A high school senior who was orginally listed as a Dartmouth running back recruit has switched to Columbia... to play basketball.

His name is Chris Crockett and I suppose it's possible, if not highly probable, that he could end up playing football. I don't think the Ivies truly allow students to play both basketball and football at the same time anymore, but it used to be somewhat common. I know former Columbia standout and eventual "Head Hog" George Starke played both for the Lions in the early 70's. If he ends up on the football field, it would probably be a 100% switch and not double-duty.

Crockett may be choosing basketball because of an injury he suffered in football last fall:

From This Week News:

Crockett played basketball and football at Academy. IN HIS JUNIOR SEASON, HE WAS FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE IN BOTH SPORTS.

IN FOOTBALL, HE RUSHED FOR 1,936 YARDS AND 34 TOUCHDOWNS ON 191 CARRIES AS A JUNIOR. As a senior, he dislocated his right kneecap during the Vikings’ third game of the season Sept. 7 against Centerburg. The injury required surgery and Crockett missed the remainder of the football season.

In basketball, he averaged 23.6 points per game and was the Division IV district and MSL-Ohio Player of the Year as a junior. As a senior, Crockett returned from his injury with five games remaining in the regular season and averaged 14.8 points in 11 games.