Michael Craven Hometown: La Quinta, CA High School: La Quinta HS Height / Weight: 6-1 / 235 Position: OLB Seasons At Stanford: 2001-05

Pronunciation: CRAY-ven

At Stanford: Now in his fifth year on The Farm, Michael has spent time in the starting lineup and shown the ability to be a productive player ... Played outside linebacker his first three years, but was moved to inside linebacker prior to the 2004 campaign ... Has started nine games in his Cardinal career ... Came to Stanford as one of the nation's top prep players ... Very athletic ... Could play a more significant role for Stanford in 2005 and be an effective force in the middle of the Cardinal defense.
Career Statistics

The 2005 Season: Game-By-Game Statistics

The 2004 Season: Played in seven games as a reserve inside linebacker and member of special teams ... Earned his third straight varsity letter.
Game-By-Game Statistics

The 2003 Season: Started the final five games of the year at outside linebacker and played in 10 of the team's 11 games ... Finished the season with 38 total tackles, four tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks ... Also had one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles ... Named the Pacific-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Week after his performance in Stanford's 21-14 win over UCLA ... In his first start of the season, he had seven unassisted tackles, including two sacks and three tackles for loss against the Bruins ... Recorded six tackles in each of the final two games vs. Cal and Notre Dame

The 2002 Season: Began the year in the starting lineup at outside linebacker ... Wound up starting the first four games of the season, then played a reserve role the remainder of the year ... In the season opener, and his first collegiate game and start at Boston College, he had six tackles, one tackle for loss and returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown ... Also had six tackles at Notre Dame ... Wound up with 28 total tackles for the season, 3.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble, which occurred in game No. 5 vs. Washington State.

The 2001 Season: Redshirted the season as a true freshman outside linebacker.

In High School: A consensus First-Team All-American who was on every list of the nation's top recruits ... Winner of the prestigious 2000 Watkins Award, which is given annually to the nation's top African-American high school football player ... PrepStar rated him as the No. 1 linebacker in the country, in addition to being a member of its "Dream Team" and among its list of the Super 30 recruits in the United States ... Parade Magazine All-American ... Ranked No. 14 on SuperPrep's Elite 50 list of the nation's top prospects ... SuperPrep also ranked him as the second best linebacker in the nation and the third best recruit in the Far West ... Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West selection ... Led La Quinta High School to a 13-1 record and the CIF Division 8 Championship a year ago ... Started at both linebacker and tight end ... Recorded 180 tackles, 13 quarterback sacks and four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) as a senior.

Personal Information: Public Policy major.

Getting To Know: Michael Craven
Nickname: M-J, Crave
I would describe myself as a person as: determined, confident
The reason I love football is: the thrill in making plays!!
I pattern my play after: Ray Lewis
For me to improve as a person, I need to: respond well to adversity and never accept failure.
My favorite pre-game ritual is: prayer to God with teammates and stretching on the 42-yard line during pre-game
My greatest athletic moment is: leading my high school football team to our first CIF championship.
The teammate I admire the most is: The Senior Class
My favorite stadium in which to play is: the Rose Bowl by far!
A friend from another college football team is: Jeff Webb (SDSU)
The reason I chose Stanford University is: because I believed it would challenge me academically as well as athletically, and prepare me to achieve my best in all endeavors of my future.
Since coming to Stanford, I have learned: That success only comes through hard work, and I can't accept not trying!
The best thing about Stanford is: The wonderful relationships I've made with each and every person associated with the university and football program.
My favorite class at Stanford is: Italian
My least favorite class at Stanford is: IHUM
What sets Stanford apart from other college football programs? Every player at Stanford is committed to doing their very best athletically as well as academically, separating himself from the average student-athlete.
The sports team I followed when I was younger: LA Dodgers and LA Lakers
When I played football as a kid, I pretended to be: Barry Sanders
The athlete I admire most is: Jackie Robinson
If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be: Jesus Christ
Two people in history I admire most are: Jackie Robinson & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Favorite food: Monte Cristo and Lobster
If I had to cook all of my meals, I'd probably survive on: Anything and Everything...My mama taught me how to cook!
Favorite TV show: Chappelle's Show & In Living Color
Favorite actor: Jamie Foxx
Favorite actress: Halle Berry
If a movie were made of my life, I would have the following actor play me: Shemar Moore
Favorite performer: Ginuwine
If I were not playing college football, I would be: Playing college baseball
After my Stanford career, I'd like to be remembered as: a Stanford Linebacker Great
The best advice I ever received was: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. -James 4:10
The person who had the greatest influence on my life: My father, Robert Craven
One moment in history I wish I could have seen: 1968 Olympics
The place I'd most like to visit: Italy
Ten years from now, I'd like to: own a Bentley and a villa in Italy

Last Updated: February 28, 2006