Grambling State quarterback Myles Crawley knows that he will carry a heavy load on his shoulders as the Tigers look to return to the top of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
The conference’s preseason offensive player of the year has his mind headed in the right direction in leading the Tigers’ efforts to return to prominence.
“It’s a great feeling. 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 accomplish those goals one by one.”
Crawley, a transfer from Alabama State, started every game for Grambling in 2023, completing 197 of 328 passes for 2,312 yards and 16 touchdowns. He expects to reach higher heights this season under the guidance of new head coach Mickey Joseph.
“We have a great relationship,” Crawley said. “He has high standards and high expectations for me. He’s pushing me to be a great player and the best quarterback I can be for my team.”
Included in that process this summer was Crawley’s second tour of duty at Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning’s passing camp, which he says has been an added benefit to his skillset.
“It was a great experience to be in a room full of great guys and top quarterbacks,” he said. “Just to learn from the Mannings, the guys who’ve been in the shoes where you’re trying to go, it was great to grab knowledge from those guys and take it back to Grambling with me.”
Crawley isn’t concerned about a change in leadership, especially with Eric Dooley now serving as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator.
“I’ve had a new coach almost every year, so it was an easy adjustment. I’ve been used to it,” Crawley explains. “Working with Coach Dooley’s been great. He loves to throw the ball, which is my best friend, so we have great chemistry, and I’m excited about this year.”
Crawley said the goal for Grambling is to get back on top of the SWAC.
“One goal is just to win, whatever it takes,” he said. “Just go out there and take care of business, and everything will fall into place – team success and personal success.”
