All-SWAC Running Back Commits to Western Division Rival
A former First-Team All-SWAC running back has switched his allegiance from Alabama A&M to play for a SWAC Western Division rival. After four seasons with the Bulldogs, Gary Quarles Jr. announced his plans to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 3, 2022. On Jan. 10, he reported his commitment to the Running Rebels of UNLV. However, on May 27, Quarles posted his intentions to play for head coach Eric Dooley and the Southern University Jaguars on social media.
Quarles had 28 games appearances in four seasons at Alabama A&M from 2018 to 2022. During his collegiate career, he rushed for 1,619 yards on 390 attempts, scoring 17 rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. In 2022, he was limited to playing four games while rushing 59 times for 167 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Southern's offensive backfield is talented but also extremely crowded. Last season, the Jaguars' running backs room included August Berry (Soph), Kobe Dillon (Soph), Tyce Fusilier (Soph), Karl Ligon (Fresh), Braelen Morgan (Fresh), Xavier Owens (Fresh), Jerodd Sims (Jr), and Kendric Rhymes (Fresh).
2021 was the best season for Gary Quarles Jr. with two-time Black College Player of the Year Aqeel Glass under center for the Bulldogs. The running back was voted First-Team All-SWAC for rushing 955 yards and ten touchdowns during that season.
The Southern Jaguars will have a highly physical and polished rusher this year with the 5'6", 165-pound player from Paul Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Quarles is a graduate student entering his final year of eligibility.
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