SWAC Football: Outlook, players to watch and predictions for 2021
By Dante Pryor
These are some players to watch this fall in the SWAC
There are a plethora of great players to watch this fall. That could be its own article (that’s an idea). Ezra Gray is sure to have another banner year at Alabama State. Markquese Bell is an FCS Preseason All-American. There are a host of other great players in the conference to check for as well.
These five players, however, will have a say in who wins the SWAC.
Aqeel Glass, quarterback, Alabama A&M:
Reigning SWAC offensive player of the year and Spring 2021 Deacon Jones Award winner Aqeel Glass returns to Huntsville seeking another SWAC title. Glass is the best player in the conference and did not disappoint when the spotlight was on him the last three games of the spring season.
In those three nationally televised games, Glass threw for 1,083 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just one interception. Look for Glass to have even better numbers with the deepest receiver room in the conference.
Jordan Lewis, defensive end, Southern
Lewis, the SWAC football defensive player of the year and Buck Buchanan award winner, had a spring that rivaled Glass’ spring in terms of dominance. Lewis led the Jaguars in tackles (27), tackles for loss (15), and sacks (10.5).
Lewis looks to lead the Jaguars to the SWAC West title and possibly a berth in the FCS playoffs, one they deserved to have this spring.
Jerry Garner, outside linebacker, Mississippi Valley State
As head coach Vincent Dancy continues building the Delta Devils’ roster depth, Jerry Garner is one bright spot he can point toward this fall. Though MVSU played only three games this spring, Garner was the Devils’ most active player.
He came away with just one sack against Jackson State but was active that entire game, leaving coach Deion Sanders to remark, “we need to learn how to block.” Mississippi Valley State might not win many games, but Garner will give offensive coordinators problems this fall.
Skyler Perry, quarterback, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Perry is arguably the best returning quarterback in the SWAC this side of Aqeel Glass. Perry led the Golden Lions to the SWAC West title and an appearance in the SWAC title game. Most did not expect the Lions to finish first in the West, and Perry was a reason for their success.
Perry had more responsibility in the running game this spring with 52 carries, a career-high. Perry performed well in close games this spring, and that experience, along with a bolstered receiver room, will make the Lions, a contender in the SWAC West.
Shedeur Sanders, quarterback, Jackson State
There might not be a player with more pressure coming into a season than Sanders. Not only is there pressure playing for his father, but his very presence sent Jackson State’s top two quarterbacks to the transfer portal this spring.
Don’t get it twisted; however, the Texas high-school standout can ball. Sanders turned down several Power Five programs to follow his father to Jackson, Mississippi. In addition, Sanders is a winner with two state titles to prove it. The Trinity High School product seeks to establish that the future is now in Jackson.