SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Twelve Southern Conference football student-athletes claimed 14 spots on the Phil Steele Preseason All-America Teams, announced Friday. The organization also named all-conference teams for each FCS league.
 
Mercer paced the SoCon with four selections, as Devron Harper was a three-time preseason All-America pick, earning first-team honors at punt returner and second-team distinction at wide receiver and kick returner. He was joined on the first team by wide receiver Ty James.
 
Furman and Chattanooga had three selections apiece.
 
Paladin long snapper Julian Ashby earned first-team honors, while offensive lineman Jacob Johanning was a second-team selection and linebacker Braden Gilby was a third-team pick.
 
For the Mocs, Jay Person was a first-team pick at defensive lineman, while running back Ailym Ford and defensive back Kameron Brown were third-team selections.
 
Samford had a pair of selections in first-team quarterback Michael Hiers and second-team wide receiver Chandler Smith.
 
VMI and Western Carolina had one selection each, with Keydet punter Jack Culbreath and Catamount linebacker Antoine Williams both taking third-team distinction.
 
Phil Steele Preseason All-America Teams
First team
Offense
QB – Michael Hiers, Samford
WR – Ty James, Mercer
Defense
DL – Jay Person, Chattanooga
Special teams
PR – Devron Harper, Mercer
LS – Julian Ashby, Furman
Second team
Offense
WR – Devron Harper, Mercer
WR – Chandler Smith, Samford
Special teams
KR – Devron Harper, Mercer
Third team
Offense
RB – Ailym Ford, Chattanooga
OL – Jacob Johanning, Furman
Defense
DB – Kameron Brown, Chattanooga
Fourth team
Defense
LB – Antoine Williams, Western Carolina
LB – Braden Gilby, Furman
Special teams
P – Jack Culbreath, VMI