SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Five Georgia Southern Eagles were named to Southern Conference preseason honors lists Wednesday, as the league’s coaches selected first and second teams in conjunction with the league’s media day.
Junior running back Dominique Swope and senior offensive lineman Dorian Byrd were selected to the first-team offense, while senior cornerback Lavelle Westbrooks earned a spot on the first-team defense. Second-team selections for the Eagles included junior offensive lineman Garrett Frye and senior defensive end Javon Mention.
Swope earned all-America accolades in 2012 after rushing for 1,246 yards (103.8 avg.) with 16 touchdowns. Byrd and Frye were part of an offensive line that helped Swope and the Eagles average 399.4 rushing yards per game for their ninth NCAA rushing title.
Westbrooks, with the most experience in Georgia Southern’s defensive backfield and most career starts on the team, pulled down two interceptions last season, including one for a 72-yard score against Samford.
Mention tied for the team lead in sacks last year and had 10.5 sacks, right behind last year’s leader Brent Russell with 11.
The SoCon coaches voted on teams for offense, defense and special teams.
Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own athletes as part of the balloting.