SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Citadel’s Willie Eubanks III and Samford’s Montrell Washington earned spots on the Athlon Sports preseason FCS All-America Team, the magazine announced Wednesday.

The magazine named only a first team.

Eubanks is coming off a season in which he earned All-America recognition from several organizations. He was tabbed a First-Team All-American by the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Phil Steele Magazine, as well as a Second-Team All-American by STATS. Last week, Eubanks earned third-team preseason All-America recognition from HERO Sports.

The reigning Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Buck Buchanan Award finalist finished the year with 112 tackles, 63 solo, 11.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception and 11 quarterback hurries.

He became the first Bulldog to eclipse 100 tackles since Kailik Williams in 2016 and his tackle total is the highest since Travis Stephens (144) and Denny Haywood (134) in 2000.

Eubanks recorded double-digit tackles in six of the 12 games this season, including three of the last four games. He posted a season-high 13 tackles and three quarterback hurries against Elon. He recorded 10 solo tackles and forced a fumble on a sack against Samford.

Washington’s selection by Athlon is his second this preseason, as he was named to HERO Sports' preseason All-America first team last week.

Washington returned 15 punts during the 2019 season for an average of 21.9 yards per return. He returned one punt for a 59-yard touchdown late in the first quarter of the team's game at Western Carolina, turning the momentum and helping lead the Bulldogs to a 31-13 win. For his efforts, Washington was named the Southern Conference's Special Teams Player of the Week.

Washington also returned kickoffs for Samford, returning seven kicks for an average of 22.1 yards per return. As a wide receiver, Washington caught 28 passes for 405 yards and three touchdowns.

At the conclusion of the season, Washington was named All-American by STATS and HERO Sports. He also earned second-team All-SoCon honors as a return specialist.

For the full Athlon Sports article, click here.