INDIANAPOLIS — Kent State Quarterback Dustin Crum has a lot to prove at the NFL Scouting Combine — most importantly if he can play quarterback in the NFL. 

What You Need To Know

  • Dustin Crum is looking to become the first Kent State quarterback drafted since Greg Kokal in 1976

  • Crum is confident heading into the Combine

  • He views being invited to the Combine as a high honor

  • During QB drills, Crum ran the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash at 4.75 seconds
​​Crum accounted for 32 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards for the Golden Flashes in 2021. Now he’s taking on the challenge of impressing coaches and general managers at the NFL Scouting Combine — a big stage for a guy from a small school.  

“Just kind of soaking it in, taking it all in,” Crum said. “I’ve really enjoyed it so far.”

This offseason, Crum has been training with Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett, one of the top-rated prospects at the position. Crum said that is allowing him to compete with the best and push himself in his training. 

Crum has big dreams, and for him, it’s all about believing in his abilities.  

“I’d say as a quarterback, you have to come in with high confidence. That’s kind of where you have to be at, in that mental state where you feel like you can go toe-to-toe with anybody. 

But Kent State isn’t known for producing quarterbacks in the NFL, well at least not at that positions. Former Browns return specialist Josh Cribbs and legendary Patriots receiver Julian Edelman both played QB for the Golden Flashes, but switched positions in order to make it to the NFL. 

“I feel like probably my spot in the NFL will be quarterback,” Crum said. "I might not be quite as athletic as those guys. I mean, if teams want me to do that, I'm open to it, I'm a ball guy. So, whatever gets me on the field, kind of gives me those opportunities, I'll take for sure.”

Dustin Crum drops back for a pass while playing for Kent State University. (Courtesy of Kent State Athletics).

If drafted at quarterback, Crum would be the first Kent State product selected at QB since Greg Kokal in 1976 to the New Orleans Saints. 

Crum said the interview sessions with NFL teams have been one of his biggest opportunities to get his name out there. 

“I mean, obviously not being as big a school guy, teams might not have known me quite as well,” Crum said. “So just getting the chance for them to get to know me as a person and as a football player, I think was big for me.”

He said being invited to the combine itself is a high honor, but being selected in the NFL Draft would mean so much more. 

“Being able to have that, kind of almost within reach now, it’s kind of surreal at times, but it's really cool,” Crum said.

At the Combine Crum posted the fourth-fastest time in the 40-yard dash, finishing the drill in 4.75 seconds.