BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff football team had a total of six players selected to receive preseason accolades as the Southwestern Athletic Conference unveiled it's 2009 All-SWAC Preseason honors. The selections were based on votes from the conference's Sports Information Directors, Head Football Coaches, and select media personnel.
Running back Mickey Dean was the Golden Lions lone 1st team selection. Last season Dean served as one of UAPB's key offensive threats as he ranked second in rushing yards en route to amassing a total 632 yards on the ground.
Fellow teammates Colton Jones (OL), Jared Dorn (DL), Michael Witherspoon (LB), Kevin Thornton (DB) and Mareo Howard (RS) joined Dean on the All-Conference team as all five were tabbed 2nd team selections. Arkansas-Pine Bluff was picked to finish fifth in the SWAC's Western division as UAPB tallied a total of 36 points.
ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF PRESEASON ALL-SWAC SELECTIONS 2008 STATISTICS
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 1ST TEAM RUNNING BACK
#23 Mickey Dean, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5-10, 215, Sr., RB, Little Rock, Ark.)
Key Statistics (rankings) – Games: 12; Rushes: 150 for 632 yards (4th in SWAC, 2nd on team). Averaged 4.2 yards per carry(tied for 5th in SWAC) and 52.7 yard per game (4th in SWAC); Rushing touchdowns: 5, ranked 3rd on team in scoring, Season Highs – Ran for 129 yards against Central Arkansas, tallied a 58 yard rush and 32 yard pass reception.
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 2ND TEAM DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
#1 Jared Dorn, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-3, 255, Sr., DL, Pine Bluff, Ark.)
Key Statistics (rankings) – Games: 10; Tackles: 46 (5th in SWAC for lineman, 5th on team); Tackles for loss: 11 (15th in SWAC, 1st on team); Sacks: 6.5 (7th in SWAC, 1st on team); Quarterback Hurries: 3; Fumble forced: 2 (tied for 2nd on team); Season Highs –Accumulated 4 sacks against Mississippi Valley State and 4.5 tackles for losses.
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 2ND TEAM OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
#67 Colton Jones, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-2, 280, Jr., OL, Arlington, Texas)
Key Statistics (rankings) – Games: 12; Helped anchor a offensive line unit that ranked 5th in SWAC in rushing
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 2ND TEAM KICK RETURNER
# 33 Mareo Howard, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5-9, 180, Jr., ATH, Fort Valley, Ga.)
Key Statistics (rankings) – Games: 12; Kick Returns: 15; Average per return 26.8 (1st in SWAC, 1st on team); Tallied 402 return yards with a long of 55 yards. Averaged 10.1 yards per punt return (4th in SWAC, 1st on team);
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 2ND TEAM DEFENSIVE BACK
#7 Kevin Thornton, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-1, 210, Sr., DB, Little Rock, Ark.)
Key Statistics (rankings) – Games: 12; Tackles: 45 (12th in SWAC for defensive backs); Tackles for loss: 1.5; Interceptions: 5 (3rd in SWAC, 1st on team) for a total of 105 yards; Passes defended: 12 (6th in SWAC, 2nd on team) Pass Breakups: 6 (2nd on team); Season Highs – Tallied 2 interceptions versus Alabama A&M Awards/ Honors – 2008 All-SWAC 1st team member at defensive back, named to the 2009 CDS All-American-Honorable Mention list.
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 2ND TEAM LINEBACKER
#5 Michael Witherspoon, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-3, 225, Sr., LB, Little Rock, Ark.) Key Statistics (rankings) – Games: 11; Tackles: 70 (3rd in SWAC for defensive backs, 3rd on team for team); Averaged 6.4 tackles per game, Tallied one pass breakup and five tackles for loss.
