Greensburg Central Catholic’s Samir Crosby set to take control of offense

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Monday, July 22, 2024 | 11:06 AM

Samir Crosby could have a special season in store for the Greensburg Central Catholic football faithful.

The Centurions’ gamer has created enough exciting plays — in a myriad of ways — in two years to attract several NCAA Division I college programs and a half-dozen scholarship offers.

Harvard, Buffalo, Fordham, Kent State, Miami (Ohio) and UNLV have offered the 5-foot-9, 165-pound junior, mainly as a slot receiver.

But Crosby might have much more coming for the highlight reel — as a quarterback.

Crosby has played receiver and running back in the past but has seen limited time under center or in shotgun. That will change this fall as he takes the reins from standout Tyree Turner, a dependable and proven leader of the offense who graduated.

Yes, it looks to be Crosby’s team now.

“I am always ready to play quarterback,” Crosby said. “I have been playing quarterback my whole life. I am looking forward to it.”

Second-year coach JT Thompson’s system is taking root for a GCC team that had 27 players on a lighter summer roster.

GCC played in Thursday’s Westmoreland County Coaches Association 7-on-7 passing tournament at Latrobe.

“We have a young team,” Crosby said. “We’re confident that we can jell together. The offense was new last year. I think we’re going to be more comfortable running it now.”

Crosby was a QB in the Jeannette Midgets youth program, taking over full time when Isaiah Mallich went out with an injury.

If GCC can set the edge, Crosby might have a career season. Last year, he racked up 1,874 yards and accounted for 22 touchdowns while also leading the Centurions with 107 tackles and tying a team high with six interceptions.

He caught 35 passes for 690 yards and seven TDs, and ran for 634 yards and nine scores.

Crosby said one of his goals is to win Class A player of the year.

“I honestly wanted to get him in for more snaps (at QB) last year,” Thompson said. “With our situation, I wasn’t able to get him as many reps. When we practiced, he ran QB. That was valuable, but you can’t simulate game-speed reps.”

Those who attended GCC’s quarterfinal playoff game last year at Peters Township against South Side caught a glimpse of Crosby and his quietly strong arm.

Thompson flip-flopped Crosby and Turner in the second half, and Crosby responded by completing 5 of 9 passes for 152 yards and a TD to Turner.

In the 48-21 loss, Crosby threw a touchdown, ran for one and caught one. He made a one-handed grab over the middle — another clip for the film — while rushing for 50 yards and catching four balls for 67 yards.

Thompson has no worries putting the soft-spoken Crosby into a leadership role.

“He’s just a great kid,” Thompson said. “Yes, he’s a terrific football player, but he’s an even better person.”

Crosby, in turn, is ready to set the pace for GCC.

“I feel like I was a leader when I was a freshman,” Crosby said. “I am still leading.

“I just want to keep working hard and stay humble.”

Crosby did not play basketball in the winter so he could spend more time working out for football. He has a smidgen of regret but still feels like he made the right decision.

“I was able to lift and stay in shape,” said Crosby, who ran track again in the spring after helping GCC win a WPIAL title in the sport last year. “It would have been cool to be in that state playoff game (at GCC). I did miss playing with those guys.”

The GCC boys basketball team made the WPIAL Class 2A championship game.

Like many next-level prospects, Crosby is eyeing the summer before his senior season for a target commitment time. He said his dream offer would be from Pitt because he wants to stay somewhat close to home. With that being said, he also is willing to travel to play at a higher level.

“Pitt would be incredible,” Crosby said. “I’d love to stay home and play there.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Greensburg C.C.