The first two players of the fourth annual HBCU Legacy Bowl have been announced: Grambling State quarterback Myles Crawley and Virginia Union running back Jada Byers.
Crawley’s collegiate career began at Alabama State in 2020, and he played three seasons with the team. He ended with 1,240 passing yards, completing 58% of his passes and scoring nine touchdowns to six interceptions.
He transferred to Grambling State in the 2022 off-season and would have a breakout performance in the 2023 season.
The former Hornet threw for 2,313 yards, completing 60% of his passes and scoring 16 touchdowns to eight interceptions.
Crawley’s first game with Grambling State saw him put up a then career-best performance against Hampton with 302 passing yards and two touchdowns.
🏈 BREAKING — First players named to the 2025 ALLSTATE HBCU LEGACY BOWL!
From @GSUFootball01, QB MYLES CRAWLEY; from @VUU_Football RB JADA BYERS #LegacyBound ✊🏿
Congrats to Myles and Jada! Player announcements will take place throughout the season.
Read full press release… pic.twitter.com/sAoJWoCDz9
— HBCU LEGACY BOWL (@HBCULegacyBowl) September 19, 2024
Meanwhile, Jada Byers first stepped on the field for Virginia Union in 2021 and has changed the Panthers’ fortunes ever since.
Byers has recorded 5,211 career all-purpose yards, including 4,332 rushing yards, and scored 54 total touchdowns.
In 2022, the Panthers’ running back set a school record with 1,920 rushing yards (led the CIAA), scoring 19 touchdowns. He was named the CIAA Offensive Player of the Year.
The HBCU Legacy Bowl is set to take place on February 22, 2025, from Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana.
It will be broadcast live on NFL Network at 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT).
