the award isn't for the best player. it's a combination of playing, classroom, character and community service. Read the description and then read Crum's profile at the website and tell me he isn't deserving. and even if you don't like him as a player, you still would rather a USC player win?
Besides that, I don't think Crum had a lot of hype coming in as a freshman. He played very well in 2005 and 2006 when he was actually playing his natural position. These past two years, he hasn't made as many plays as he or anyone else would like him to, but he still has played unselfishly with a lot of passion and leadership.