One year ago, Jonathon Crawford didn’t know where he stood.
After logging just 3.2 innings as a freshman, he began 2012 alternating between spot starter and reliever. But as starters ahead of him battled injuries last season, Crawford eventually earned a spot in the weekend rotation.
Now, he is the Gators’ Friday starter.
“Anytime you have a guy like him at the front of your rotation, you have to feel good about it,” coach Kevin O’Sullivan said.
Crawford solidified his status as a dominant starter when he threw a no-hitter in the opening game of the NCAA Gainesville Regional against Bethune-Cookman on June 1. Crawford’s gem was the first complete game no-hitter by a Florida pitcher since 1991.
He finished his sophomore season with a 3.13 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 77.2 innings.
Crawford credited since-departed starter Hudson Randall for helping him with his demeanor and ability to keep an even keel during his breakout season.
“He had ice running through his veins,” Crawford said of Hudson. “He showed no emotion.”
After dominating at the end of last season, Crawford refined his changeup while pitching for the USA Collegiate National Team during the offseason. Crawford, who relies mostly on his fastball and his slider, plans to use the changeup more often this season.
“I didn’t even think about throwing it,” Crawford said. “It just never came in my head that ‘I want to throw this in this situation.’ Whereas this year, when I get behind in the count, I can use it to get a ground ball.”
Crawford said that improving his command of the changeup gives opposing batters more to think about.
He added that developing the pitch didn’t necessarily entail taking advice from anyone. Crawford simply had to practice throwing it.
In UF’s last scrimmage, O’Sullivan said Crawford threw his changeup for strikes about 85 percent of the time.
“Obviously, he’s always had the great fastball and the breaking ball,” O’Sullivan said. “But I think the changeup, the way that’s evolved, will take him to another level.”
The expectations are higher than ever for Crawford with another year of experience and an improved arsenal.
Despite the hype, O’Sullivan expects his No. 1 starter to stay grounded.
“I really think he’s a team guy,” O’Sullivan said. “He’s very much concerned about how the team is doing and how they’re progressing. He’s done a great job with the younger players. I think he’s really consumed about the team’s success.”
Contact Josh Jurnovoy at jjurnovoy@alligator.org.
Junior Jonathon Crawford throws a pitch during Florida’s 9-8 victory against NC State in Game 2 of the NCAA Gainesville Super Regional on June 10, 2012, at McKethan Stadium.
