Grambling QB Myles Crawley Speaks on Hue Jackson, New Teammates
ATLANTA — While the 2023 Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honored HBCU legends of the past, several of HCBU football's current representatives were in Atlanta to enjoy the festivities.
In attendance was new Grambling State quarterback Myles Crawley. In December, he transferred from Alabama State and joined the G-Men under Hue Jackson's guidance, with the chance to become the team's starting quarterback.
Crawley gained experience and performed well in the spring game by pushing the football downfield and displaying his mobility. Since then, he's continued to build a good relationship with his new head coach.
"Being with coach Jackson has been amazing," Crawley told HBCU Legends. "He's a great coach and a player's coach. He's helped me improve my offensive understanding, especially from the quarterback position, because he is such a quarterback guru. It's been great to work with him. I look forward to continue working with him and go get a championship for my team."
Building relationships goes beyond Jackson for Crawley. He also has to establish a connection and chemistry with her new teammates. And according to him, the initial impressions have been positive.
"It's really family-oriented at 'The G,'" Crawley noted. "We have a standard. It's a brotherhood. They welcomed me in, and it's felt like I've been playing with them all along."
Crawley didn't come to the ceremony alone; All-SWAC linebacker Lewis Matthews was in attendance, and he had positive thoughts about his new teammate.
"We've connected ever since I met him," Matthews told HBCU Legends. "Bonding over the little things like watching movies and playing video games. As the head of the defense, I feel like building a bond with your quarterback will give us a better chance of working toward that championship."
Both Hue Jackson and Crawley are going into next season with heavy expectations. The Tigers had the lowest passing completion percentage and the second-lowest passing average in the SWAC.
Those numbers are a part of a rough first season for Jackson, one that saw the program finish 3-8 overall and 2-6 in the conference. The 2022 season was also newsworthy when Jackson removed the iconic "G" from the helmets, stating that the play wasn't up to par.
As we anticipate the 2023 football season, there is optimism that Jackson's second year will considerably improve from the first. The expectation is that Crawley, who only saw limited action at Alabama State after backing up Dematrius Davis in 2022, will be the answer.
The next item on the list for Crawley is to attend next week's Manning Passing Academy, where he was the only Black college quarterback invited. Grambling State opens its 2023 football season against Hampton in the Brick City Classic at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, at 3:00 PM ET on Sept. 2, 2023.