SPARTANBURG, S.C. – HERO Sports released its Freshman All-America and Sophomore All-America teams Tuesday, with 16 Southern Conference student-athletes meriting mention between the two squads.

The SoCon claimed three spots on the first team for each, with an additional six league players earning honorable mention on the freshman team and four on the sophomore squad.

Chattanooga running back Ailym Ford, Citadel offensive lineman Jonathan Toole and Wofford defensive lineman Michael Mason earned first-team honors on the freshman team. Furman bandit Adrian Hope, Citadel punter Matt Campbell and VMI long snapper Robert Solderholm were first-team selections on the sophomore team.

Earning honorable mention on the freshman team were: Furman running back Devin Abrams, Furman running back Jay Stanton, Western Carolina offensive lineman Tyler Smith, Furman offensive lineman Evan Jumper, VMI wide receiver Leroy Thomas and Furman linebacker Braden Gilby.

Earning honorable mention on the sophomore unit were: VMI wide receiver Jakob Herres, ETSU running back Quay Holmes (at all-purpose), Chattanooga defensive lineman Devonnsha Maxwell and Western Carolina linebacker Jayden Pauling.

Click the following links for HERO Sports’ full releases for its Freshman All-America Team and its Sophomore All-America Team.

HERO Sports Freshman All-America Team (SoCon selections)
First team offense
RB – Ailym Ford, Chattanooga
OL – Jonathan Toole, The Citadel

First team defense
DL – Michael Mason, Wofford

Honorable mention
RB – Devin Abrams, Furman
RB – Jay Stanton, Samford
OL – Tyler Smith, Western Carolina
OL – Evan Jumper, Furman
WR – Leroy Thomas, VMI
LB – Braden Gilby, Furman

HERO Sports Sophomore All-America Team (SoCon selections)
First team defense
DL – Adrian Hope, Furman

First team special teams
P – Matt Campbell
LS – Robert Solderholm, VMI

Honorable mention
WR – Jakob Herres, VMI
AP – Quay Holmes, ETSU
DL – Devonnsha Maxwell, Chattanooga
LB – Jayden Pauling, Western Carolina