June 2, 2008

RUSTON, La. - One of the most respected names and publications in college football has released its preseason All-America and all-conference teams. Phil Steele's College Football Preview is one of the nation's top-selling publications each season, and Stelle has honored 14 Bulldogs for 15 spots on the All-Western Athletic Conference teams.

Louisiana Tech's defense garnered most of the attention from Steele with eight players being recognized, including two on the first team. Free safety Antonio Baker and defensive tackle D'Anthony Smith both earned first team honors. Tech had four players named to second team defense in linebackers Quin Harris and Brannon Jackson, cornerback Weldon Brown and defensive tackle Rolando Melancon.

The defense continued to chalk up the honors with linebacker transfer Zach Schreiber being named to the third team, and strong safety Deon Young earning honorable mention.

On offense, running back Patrick Jackson and tight end Anthony Harrison were both named to the second team. Receiver Phillip Livas earned third team offense and was also named honorable mention as a kick returner. Offensive lineman David Accardo rounded out the offensive honorees with an honorable mention entering his senior year.

Besides the selection of Livas as honorable mention kick returner, the Bulldog special teams received two more honors. Punter Chris Keagle earned first team honors as well as receiver Philip Beck for his punt returning skills. Last season, Keagle led the WAC in punting average and net punting while Beck finished second in the WAC and fifth in the nation in punt return average.

Steele's publication named four Preseason All-America teams with one player from the WAC being recognized. Boise State running back Ian Johnson was named to the second team.