PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – A trio of Southwestern Athletic Conference football players in Avery Boykin (Mississippi Valley State), Corey Carter (Texas Southern) and Jonathan Smith (Jackson State), were tabbed by The Sports Network and named to its 2014 FCS Preseason All-America Team. The announcement was made by the sports media outlet on Tuesday (July 1).
This group joins 95 players from 59 different schools in all 13 Football Championship Subdivision conferences.
Smith receives the preseason honor as a third team offensive lineman. Boykin and Carter were among those listed on the third team defense.
Boykin (6-0 • 190 • Sr. • Wilmington, Del.) led the SWAC with six interceptions last season in his first year at MVSU after transferring from Glendale Community College. He also contributed 57 tackles, including four tackles for loss and an interception return for a 52-yard touchdown in an upset win at Alabama A&M. He amassed 77 yards on interception returns averaging 12.83 yards per pick. In addition, he recorded one punt return for 30 yards.
Boykin was named SWAC Newcomer of the Week after finishing with seven tackles (5 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, an interception and a pair of pass breakups to close the Delta Devils' season in a 19-7 loss to Alabama State.
Smith (6-3 • 280 • Sr. • Pensacola, Fla.) Led JSU and the offensive line to back to back appearances in the SWAC Football Championship game. The offensive line racked up 4,819 total offensive yards (2,243 rushing and 2,576 passing yards)… The Tigers had 28 rushing touchdowns and 15 passing touchdown. In 2011 he was a member of the offensive line that helped JSU quarterbacks pass for 3,829 yards and 28 touchdowns and Tiger running backs rush for 1,571 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Carter (5-10 • 185 • Jr. • Raymond, Miss.) Finished the 2013 season with 67 punts totaling 2,982 yards. He averaged 44.51 yards per punt with his longest at 64 yards. 19 times last season he accounted for punts 50 yards or more. Carter also finished last season with 36 kickoffs for a total of 1,920 yards and four touchbacks.
The Sports Network FCS Preseason All-America Team
Source: http://www.swac.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27400&ATCLID=209537076