University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Fletcher, McRath Garner Preseason All-America Nods
6/4/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
June 4, 2008
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss junior running back Damion Fletcher and junior linebacker Gerald McRath each have been recognized as second team preseason All-Americans by separate publications.
Fletcher, who rushed for a single-season school record of 1,586 yards last season, was named by Athlon's Magazine. Fletcher needs just 26 yards to become only the fourth Golden Eagle to rush for 3,000 yards in their career. The Biloxi, Miss., native has 16, 100-plus rushing games in his 26-game career and won the 2007 Cellular South Conerly Trophy as the top collegiate football player in the state of Mississippi.
McRath, who tallied a team-best 139 tackles last season and is a preseason Lombardi Trophy candidate, was tabbed by Phil Steele's 2008 College Football Magazine. The Powder Springs, Ga., product is the reigning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. It is the eighth time a Southern Miss player has been bestowed this honor.
The duo also has been tabbed to the first team of Phil Steele's All C-USA first team, along with junior offensive lineman Calvin Wilson. Senior tight end Shawn Nelson and punter Britt Barefoot each garnered second-team accolades, while senior offensive lineman Ryan McKee and sophomore defensive back C.J. Bailey earned third-team nods. Senior linebacker Tokumbo Abanikanda garnered honorable mention.
The Golden Eagles open the season Aug. 30, at home against Louisiana-Lafayette, For information regarding season tickets, please call the Southern Miss Athletic Ticket Office at 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or go online to SouthernMiss.com.
