SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Thirteen Southern Conference football student-athletes claimed spots on the Phil Steele Preseason All-America Teams, announced Wednesday. The organization also named all-conference teams for each FCS league.
 
Furman, Chattanooga and VMI had three preseason All-America selections apiece, while The Citadel, ETSU, Mercer and Western Carolina had one each. The SoCon had three selections each on the first, second and third teams and four on the fourth team.
 
Chattanooga offensive lineman McClendon Curtis and defensive lineman Devonnsha Maxwell and VMI linebacker Stone Snyder earned first-team honors, while VMI kicker Jerry Rice and long snapper Robert Soderholm and ETSU all-purpose back Jacob Saylors were second-team selections.
 
The Citadel fullback Alex Ramsey, Chattanooga linebacker Ty Boeck and Western Carolina kick returner Calvin Jones were third-team picks and Furman tight end Ryan Miller, offensive lineman Anderson Tomlin and defensive back Travis Blackshear and Mercer punt returner Devron Harper were fourth-team selections.
 
Phil Steele Preseason All-America Teams
First team
Offense
OL – McClendon Curtis, Chattanooga
Defense
DL – Devonnsha Maxwell, Chattanooga
LB – Stone Snyder, VMI
Second team
Special teams
K – Jerry Rice, VMI
AP – Jacob Saylors, ETSU
LS – Robert Soderholm, VMI
Third team
Offense
FB – Alex Ramsey, The Citadel
Defense
LB – Ty Boeck, Chattanooga
Special teams
KR – Calvin Jones, Western Carolina
Fourth team
Offense
TE – Ryan Miller, Furman
OL – Anderson Tomlin, Furman
Defense
DB – Travis Blackshear, Furman
Special teams
PR – Devron Harper, Mercer