"Grinding Out Yards with Heart and Hustle"

Tanner Crane

@Tanne11723801

IG: @tanner_crane.d1

5’4, 132lbs | Class of 2027

Buna HS, TX

Tanner plays this game with grit that jumps off the field. He may not look imposing at first glance, but the way he runs makes defenders feel every bit of his presence. He’s quick and elusive, slipping out of reach with crafty cuts, and strong enough to keep his legs moving for extra yards after contact. He’s smart with his reads, taking time before the snap to study the defense, checking how linebackers and safeties are aligned, spotting space between ends and tackles, even watching the corners’ eyes. That sharp awareness sets him apart, allowing him to attack gaps with confidence and create opportunities where others might see none. What separates him from every other player at his position is his refusal to give in, no matter the size of the opponent or the score on the board. Tanner plays with heart and believes it’s how you respond to adversity that defines the game. Coaches can expect him to compete with full effort, stay locked in, and learn more with each snap.

Five games into this season, Tanner has already had 51 carries for 358 yards and four touchdowns, along with 13 tackles when given defensive snaps. He calls breaking tackles and fighting for extra yards his biggest improvement, something he’s worked on tirelessly since last season. Offseason training under Head Coach Mike Trahan made him stronger, tougher, and more confident in embracing contact. That growth shows in the way he finishes runs now, turning what might have been short gains into steady yardage. His motivation is deeply personal. After coming off a 1–9 season where his own school doubted his team, he used every word of criticism as fuel to become better. That underdog fire pushes him to bring more each week, to turn past struggles into present growth, and to show what belief and persistence can do.

He describes himself as fast, elusive, strong, hard-fighting, and smart, qualities that show up every time he steps on the field. But more than skill, he brings energy. When Tanner breaks a big play, lowers his shoulder, or punches in a touchdown, it excites his team and sets a tone that everyone feeds off. He embraces being the underdog, knowing that being looked down on only gives him a chance to prove people wrong. When facing adversity, he meets it head-on, practices through it, learns from it, and responds in ways that make him better.

His goals stretch beyond this season. Tanner believes he has the ability to play at the D2 or even D1 level, but he’s honest about what it will take. He knows his size is seen as a hurdle, but he’s willing to give sweat, tears, and everything he has to this game. Even if the opportunity comes at the smallest JUCO school, he says it would still bring him joy to know he’s been given a chance. Faith keeps him grounded, and he credits God for gifting him the ability to play and knows that nothing will stop him from using it fully.

For Tanner, what fuels him before a game is remembering the scores from last year and the trash talk that followed. It drives him to make it personal and to push harder for his team. His best advice to younger players chasing the same dream is to work harder than he does, harder than anyone in front of them, because nothing is guaranteed. The best coaching advice he’s ever received from Coach Trahan is, “Nothing is handed or given to you, work harder than you did yesterday.”

I assess that Tanner provides a program with toughness, vision, and relentless fight. He is a running back who makes the most of every carry, using quick feet, smart reads, and determination to gain steady yardage and keep drives alive. His energy lifts his teammates, and his commitment to never giving up makes him a reliable presence that coaches can count on to set a tone for effort and attitude.

As he continues to grow stronger and faster, Tanner has the potential to become a versatile back who adds consistency to any program. Expect him to develop further as a reliable offensive weapon who thrives in tough-yardage situations and plays with a chip on his shoulder. His underdog mentality, along with his faith and willingness to outwork everyone, make him a player who will keep improving and earning opportunities. With his hunger, toughness, and relentless drive, Tanner’s future will be defined by the work he’s already proven he’s willing to put in. Stay tuned.