Phil Steele Announces Pre-Season Football Honors

 

Four members of the Arkansas Razorback football team were named a preseason All-SEC selection by Phil Steele, it was announced Tuesday.

The quartet is led by Rimington Trophy candidate Travis Swanson, who is the first-team All-SEC center after garnering second-team All-SEC recognition from the Associated Press following the 2012 season. Defensive end Chris Smith, an honorable mention All-SEC performer in 2012, is on the second team. Defensive tackle Byran Jones and kicker Zach Hocker each were named third-team All-SEC.

Alabama placed a league-high 16 players on the list, eight on the first team.

The Razorbacks begin their 2013 season Aug. 31 when they host Louisiana inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

Last month, the Arkansas State UniversityRed Wolves football team placed 13 players on Phil Steele’s 2013 Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Team, including five first team selections that matched the most in the league.

In addition to their five first team choices, the Red Wolves also placed four players on both the second and third teams. A-State’s 13 total selections were the second most in the conference behind only Louisiana-Monroe’s 15 picks.  Seven offensive, five defensive and one special teams players comprised ASU’s selections.

Red Wolves earning a place on the first unit were senior running back David Oku, sophomore wide receiver J.D. McKissic, senior offensive lineman Aaron Williams, senior defensive lineman Ryan Carrethers and junior linebacker Qushaun Lee.

Senior offensive lineman Steven Haunga, junior safety Sterling Young and sophomore offensive lineman Travis Bodenstien all represented ASU on the second team along with senior Eddie Porter, who made the squad as a defensive lineman.

ASU’s third team choices included senior wide receiver Julian Jones, sophomore tight end Darion Griswold, senior defensive lineman Dexter Blackmon and senior kicker Brian Davis.

The Red Wolves open their 2013 season Aug. 31 at home against UAPB.

Phil Steele’s College Football Preview is the nation’s most informative preseason football magazine and has always provided a preseason All-American team as well as preseason All-Conference teams. For more information, visit PhilSteele.com.

 

Courtesy University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University Department of Athletics

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