Three Georgia Southern Eagles received Preseason All-Southern Conference accolades when the preseason teams and polls were announced Tuesday (July 24) at the SoCon Football Rouser. The event was held at the Embassy Suites in Greenville, South Carolina.

The Eagles were picked to finish fourth in both the Coaches’ and Sports Media Association polls.

Wide receiver Jayson Foster (Canton/Cherokee County) was the lone Eagle named to the preseason First Team. Foster, a First Team pick by the coaches following last season, was one of two wide receivers named. The senior caught 33 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns, including a Georgia Southern single-game record 85-yard reception for a touchdown at The Citadel.

Senior offensive lineman Russell Orr (Thomasville/Thomas County Central) and junior defensive end Larry Beard (Fairburn/Sandy Creek) were Second Team picks. Orr has started the last three years at tackle, including last year when the Eagles led the nation in fewest quarterback sacks allowed (6). Beard also played in all 11 games, registering 21 tackles including five for a loss. He broke up three passes and recorded one interception.

Georgia Southern received 30 points in the Coaches’ preseason poll. Defending champion Appalachian State registered seven first-place votes for 49 points. Furman received the other first-place vote totaling 43 points. Wofford finished just ahead of the Eagles with 33 points. The Citadel (27), Elon (18), Chattanooga (16) and Western Carolina (7) rounded out the poll.

The Sports Media Association poll reflected the Coaches’ poll. App State received all 27 first-place votes. Furman (180), Wofford (160), Georgia Southern (120), The Citadel (119), Elon (74), Chattanooga (68) and Western Carolina (35) finished out that preseason poll.

Georgia Southern, led by first-year head coach Chris Hatcher, opens the 2007 season on September 8 at Paulson Stadium against West Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. For ticket sales call 800-GSU-WINS or (912) 681-0123.