`Jacks Picked 2nd in SLC Preseason Poll
7/31/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 31, 2003
PLANO, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team was picked to finish second in the Southland Conference by the league coaches and sports information directors announced league officials Thursday afternoon. Defending league champion McNeese State was picked to defend its title in 2003.
SFA received one first-place vote and 20 points in the coaches' poll. The Lumberjacks were picked second with 27 points in the sports information directors' poll.
The Lumberjacks also placed 11 athletes on the league's preseason All-SLC team, with three players earning first-team consideration. Senior offensive lineman David Phillips was the Lumberjacks lone first-team selection on the offensive side of the ball. Senior linebacker Nick Trotter and senior safety Brent Hafford earned first-team defensive honors.
The 'Jacks dominated the defensive side of the ball placing one athlete at every position. Senior Vernon Holman received second-team honors on the defensive line. Classmates David Crocker and Jamaal Cato earned a second-team nod at safety and cornerback, respectively. Junior Jeremy Davis was named second-team linebacker, while classmate Clay Gilbert was named second-team punter.
Sophomore Tony Tompkins, the 2002 SLC Freshman of the Year, was named second-team running back alongside teammate Gary Allen. Sophomore offensive lineman Joey Nunan also received second-team honors.
The Lumberjacks kick-off the 2003 season Saturday Sept. 6th, at Louisiana-Monroe. The game is slated to get underway at 7 p.m.
-SFA-
