Ron Crook Position: Tight Ends/Offensive Tackles Experience: Third Season Alma Mater: West Libery State '91

Coaching Career

A 23-year coaching veteran, Ron Crook enters his second season as Stanford's tight ends and offensive tackles coach after being appointed to his position on March 28, 2011.

Stanford's tight end trio of Coby Fleener, Zach Ertz and Levine Toilolo was widely considered the best unit in the nation in 2011, as the three players combined to catch 86 passes for 1,356 yards and 20 touchdowns. The trio accounted for more than half of Stanford's touchdown receptions (38) during an 11-2 campaign.

Fleener, who led the Cardinal with 10 touchdown grabs, was named a Sporting News All-American in addition to earning first team all-conference honors, while Toilolo was an honorable mention all-conference selection.

Crook's work with offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren helped shape the Cardinal's front five into one of the nation's top units in 2011. The line's pass protection ability aided quarterback Andrew Luck pass for a school-record 37 touchdowns while it's blocking ability helped a Cardinal ground attack amass the third-highest rushing total in school history.

Prior to his arrival at Stanford, Crook spent eight seasons (2003-10) as offensive line coach at Harvard. He also had tenures at Illinois, West Liberty State, Glenville State, Clarion, West Virginia Tech and Cincinnati.

While at Harvard, Crook's offensive line helped pave the way for Clifton Dawson (2003-06) to set the Ivy League's all-time career rushing record with 4,841 yards, breaking the former mark held by Cornell's Ed Marinaro. Eight of Crook's players earned first team All-Ivy honors a combined 11 times, including tackle James Williams, who was a three-time All-America and first team All-Ivy selection.

In 2009, four of Harvard's linemen earned all-league honors while Treavor Scales was named the Ivy League's Rookie of the Year. In addition, Crook tutored Frank Fernandez, who was selected to play in the 2007 Hula Bowl.

Prior to his appointment at Harvard, Crook served on the coaching staff at Illinois from 2002, where he assisted with the offensive line. He worked closely with All-Big Ten players Dave Diehl and 2001 All-America Tony Pashos, who were both selected in the 2003 NFL Draft.

As a graduate assistant coach at Cincinnati in 1993, Crook helped the Bearcats to an 8-3 finish.

Crook also served as the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator at West Liberty State, helping the Hilltoppers to the 2000 WVIAC title. A decade earlier, Crook broke into the collegiate coaching ranks at West Liberty, where he served as a student assistant, working primarily with the tight ends. He also served as the offensive line coach for three seasons (1990-92).

Crook was part of coaching staffs at West Virginia Tech (1999), Glenville State (1997-98) and Clarion College (1994-96) and was part of NCAA Division II playoff teams at Glenville State and Clarion.

Crook earned his degree in physical education from West Liberty State in 1991. Ron and his wife, Stacy have three children - Andrew, Cian and Kenley.