By Curtis Ford, Grambling State Associate AD for Athletic Communications
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Grambling State quarterback Myles Crawley was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference Preseason Player of the Year, announced by the conference on Tuesday morning.
Crawley solidified himself as one of the best up and coming quarterbacks in the SWAC during the 2023 campaign. Crawley threw for 2,303 yards with a 16 touchdowns last season. He was the first Grambling State quarterback to throw for at least 2,000 yards since Devante Kincaid in 2017. With Crawley at starter, GSU’s passing offense improved from 11th in the SWAC in 2022 to 5th in 2023. GSU overall offensive production also increased under Crawley, with GSU offense moving from 10th to 2nd in the SWAC.
GSU offensive lineman Tahj Martingarnered first team recognition as a member of a Tiger offensive line that was statistically the best offensive line in the SWAC. With Martin on the offensive line, GSU was the best at protecting its quarterback, surrendering the least number of sacks in the SWAC (15). The offensive line also helped GSU rank second in rushing yards per game, churning our 162.2 yards per contest.
Javon Robinson, the reigning SWAC Freshman of the Year, earned second team honors after a 2023 season that saw him dominate opposing defenses by showcasing his big play ability and blazing speed. The Homestead, Fla. native made 30 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns. Robinson’s breakout game came against Prairie View A&M in the State Fair Classic, racking up 7 catches for 69 yards to help the Tigers defeat the SWAC West Champs. He also returned kicks for GSU, fielding 10 kickoffs for 190 yards and returning seven punts for 53 yards.
Grambling State is projected to finish third in the SWAC West Division. Alcorn State was picked to win the West Division, followed by defending SWAC West Champion Prairie View A&M. Southern was picked fourth behind GSU and followed by Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Texas Southern.
Alabama State is predicted to finish atop the SWAC East Division. Defending SWAC Champion Florida A&M was tabbed for second place and was followed by Jackson State, Alabama A&M, Bethune-Cookman and Mississippi Valley State.
2024 SWAC Football Predicted Order of Finish
SWAC East
1. Alabama State- 114 points (11)
2. Florida A&M- 104 points (6)
3. Jackson State- 87 points (2)
4. Alabama A&M- 76 points (4)
5. Bethune-Cookman- 47 points
6. Mississippi Valley State- 31 points (1)
SWAC West
1. Alcorn State- 112 points (11)
2. Prairie View A&M- 104 points (8)
3. Grambling State- 72 points (4)
4. Southern- 70 points (1)
5. Arkansas-Pine Bluff- 61 points
6. Texas Southern- 40 points
*First place votes listed in parenthesis ( )