Welman Crooms Jr. of Mattawan High School is a dynamic athlete who leaves his mark in various facets of the game. Standing at 5’9” and weighing 160 pounds, Crooms showcases his versatility across multiple positions, making him a valuable asset to his team. Primarily known for his prowess as a wide receiver and running back, Crooms demonstrates exceptional speed and elusiveness, often leaving defenders in his wake. Whether receiving handoffs in the backfield or utilizing his speed to create separation as a wideout, he consistently finds ways to impact the game offensively.Crooms also showcases his skills on the defensive side of the ball as a cornerback. While he excels in coverage and has shown improvement in locating the football, he continues to refine his technique to become an even more formidable presence in the secondary.Furthermore, Crooms shines as a kick returner, possessing the ability to field punts and kicks cleanly while using his speed and agility to navigate through opposing coverage units and create scoring opportunities for his team.With offers from esteemed programs such as Pitt, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, and Boston College, Croom’s versatility has caught the attention of college recruiters, cementing his status as one of the most sought-after athletes in the 2026 class. As he continues to hone his skills and make strides in all areas of his game, Crooms is poised to leave a lasting impact on the field at the collegiate level and beyond.

Few freshmen make a big impact at the varsity level, let alone even play. However, Welman Crooms Welman Crooms 5'10" | 145 lbs | ATH Matawan | 2026 State NJ is an exception to that trend. Playing multiple roles for his team in 2022, Welman made his biggest impact as a pass catcher. He locates the ball in the air extremely well and is a target the QB can trust will come down with the 50/50 ball.

As a runner, Welman is a blur when he runs by defenders. He has the jets that allow him to change direction seamlessly and run the to the opposite side of the field. Welman caught 3 touchdowns, ran another, and totaled nearly 700 yards on offense last season. He recently received an offer from Syracuse, and with that, I’m sure more big things are heading his way.

The more and more I read up on and watch the Matawan Huskies, the more and more I am liking their future prospects. With rising sophomore QB Am’ir Martinez De Scott set to return, their signal caller is flanked by rising freshman ATH Welman Crooms Welman Crooms 5'10" | 145 lbs | ATH Matawan | 2026 State NJ . Crooms comes ready to play at 5’10” 145lbs and does a little bit of everything for the Huskies.

Crooms impacted the game several ways. He made 29 tackles and 1 Int on defense, while slashing, respectively on the ground and through the air 25/245/1 and 27/437/3. Crooms might have took ballet as a kid, because this young man stops, goes, and dances to set up defenders. It is as if he has them on a string the way he evades them and they miss him. Crooms is full speed ahead off the LOS and adjusts to the ball well in flight. He has an uncanny knack to come down victorious with jump balls thrown his way. Crooms has shown instances where he can absorb contact, bounce off, and keep running as well. Defensively he jams as if his name was “Smuckers.” He will not, however, get caught up in the one-on-one battle. He will shed his assignment and play run support.

At such a young age there is so much to like about Crooms game. For his sake, I pray that he does the right thing and walks a higher path the next four years. Should he, the admissions door at every university in the nation will be open for him.