May 27, 2025
Joey Johnston Athletics Senior Writer
It's understandable if your eyes study other athletes on the USF men's track and field team before finally focusing on Jaleel Croal. He's a dynamic sprinter — no doubt about that — but he's not physically imposing.
He's 5-foot-9 … maybe.
Bulls head coach Erik Jenkins has a curious nickname for Croal — "Big Dog.''
"It's not the size of the dog,'' Jenkins said. "It's the fight in the dog. This dude competes. Trust me, if you're going against Jaleel in a race or a relay, he's a major problem.