Arkansas-Pine Bluff really pulled off an impressive win in the SWAC championship game, rallying from a two-touchdown deficit to defeat Jackson State 24-21 in overtime and win the conference title.

There were a lot of big plays in this game, including some by players who will be back next season. With the HBCU season in the history books, it’s time to take a look at the players to watch for 2013.

Here are the top five HBCU players heading into next season.

Quarterback/Arkansas-Pine Bluff Benjamin Anderson: Anderson, a 6-foot-3 sophomore, put on quite a show in the SWAC championship game, throwing a record-setting 95-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Willie Young with two minutes remaining to take the game into overtime. Anderson completed 13 of 25 passes for 225 yards and one TD. He also gained 36 yards on the ground and scored one rushing touchdown. The first-team All-SWAC selection was the game’s Offensive Most Valuable Player.

Alabama State running back Isaiah Crowell: Crowell was third in the SWAC in rushing with 842 yards. The 5-11 sophomore transferred from the University of Georgia to Alabama State. He had four 100-yard games and scored 15 touchdowns, which led the SWAC.  read more…