By T. Scott Boatright
Grambling State University’s football offensive unit is off to a strong preseason start, at least on paper.
During the Southwestern Athletic Conference Football Media held on July 16 in Birmingham, Alabama, Grambling State University quarterback Miles Crawley was tabbed as the SWAC’s Preseason Player of the Year.
That was only the start of preseason accolades for Crawley, who on Tuesday was named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Stats Perform Walter Payton Award, regarded as the Heisman of the FCS, is named for the legendary running back that starred at Jackson State in the early 1970s.
And on Wednesday, Crawley was named to the 2024 HBCU college football Preseason All-America team announced by BOXTOROW, which has named All-America teams since 2007 based on voting by national media who cover HBCU football.
GSU Offensive lineman Tahj Martin, who was part of a front that gave up only 15 sacks (the fewest in the SWAC) last season, helped Grambling double up on preseason honors after being named to the SWAC All-Preseason Team and to the HBCU All-America Team.
Crawley, who transferred from Alabama State heading into the 2023 season, started every game for Grambling last year, connecting on 197-of-328 passes for 2,312 yards and 16 touchdowns, said he is appreciative of the accolades.
“It’s a great feeling,” Crawley said during the SWAC Media Day earning preseason honors. Just took a lot of hard work,” Crawley said of earning preseason honors. “It was just blocking the outside noise, tending to myself, thinking about what’s best for myself and for my team, and focusing on accomplishing those goals one by one.”
Crawley and the G-Men began preseason workouts on Wednesday, and he said he expects to reach higher heights this season under the guidance of new GSU coach Mickey Joseph.
“He has high standards and high expectations for me,” Crawley said about his relationship with Joseph during the SWAC Media Day. “He’s pushing me to be a great player and the best quarterback I can be for my team.”
“He wants me to be a little more vocal. I have always led by example, but he wants me out there getting guys in line and showing them the standard because we have a lot of young guys out there. I’ve been adjusting to it and love the role.”
Crawley said preseason accolades are not his focus as the Tigers continue preparing for their season opener at Louisiana-Lafayette on Aug. 31.
“One goal is just to win, whatever it takes,” Crawley said. “Just go out there and take care of business, and everything will fall into place — team success and personal success.”
