RUSTON – Louisiana Tech had seven players receive Preseason All-Conference USA accolades by Athlon Sports, the annual publication announced on Monday.
 
Running back Justin Henderson and center Kody Russey both earned first team offense honors.  Offensive tackle Willie Allen and defensive end Milton Williams were named to the second team and linebacker/defensive end Willie Baker was chosen to the third team defense.
 
Rounding out the honors were wide receiver Adrian Hardy and linebacker Ezekiel Barnett being selected to the fourth team.    
 
Henderson had a breakout season in the backfield last year as the Second Team All-Conference USA honoree leading the team on the ground with 188 carries for 1,062 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.  He was also named the Independence Bowl Outstanding Offensive Player, carrying the ball a career-high 22 times for 95 yards in the 14-0 shutout victory over Miami (Fla.). 
 
Helping pave the way for the 1,000-yard rusher were starting offensive linemen Russey and Allen who also protected the C-USA Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback J'Mar Smith.  Both helped bolster an offensive line for the second-best scoring offense in the league. 
 
Williams started in all 13 games along the defensive line, totaling 59 tackles including 9.0 tackles for loss and a team-high 5.5 sacks. 
 
Despite missing the final two games of the season due to injury, Baker registered 51 total tackles including a team-high 10.0 tackles for loss as well as five quarterback hurries.
 
Hardy has totaled 135 receptions for 1,930 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his three seasons with the Bulldogs.  Last season, he made 42 grabs for 534 yards in 10 games.
 
Barnett came on strong in 2019, seeing action in all 13 games with four starts.  He recorded 59 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and a team-high six quarterback hurries.
 
As a reminder, the season ticket renewal deadline for the upcoming 2020 football season was extended to June 30.  To renew or purchase season tickets, contact the LA Tech Ticket Office at (318) 257-3631 or email techtickets@latech.edu.
 
The Bulldogs are coming off a 10-win season, the most victories since 1984.  The program has won six bowl games in six consecutive years (2014-19), the longest active streak in the nation.
 
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