The coaches, sports information directors, and selected media of the Southwestern Athletic Conference provided no surprises in preseason voting the 2010 Defensive and Offensive Preseason Players of the Year.
Last year’s post-season winners, defensive end Christian Anthony from Grambling, and quarterback K.J. Black of Prairie View were named heading into Tuesday’s SWAC Kickoff Luncheon and Media Day.
Anthony was a dominant defensive force who finished 10th in the league with 76 tackles and third overall in both sacks (8.0) and tackles-for-loss (15.0) in 2009. As a defensive lineman he recorded five interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns for the Tigers. He led the league in fumbles forced with five, and he recovered three loose balls.
Black was the premier offensive threat in the SWAC in 2009 while leading the Panthers to their first conference title in nearly half a century. Black threw for 225.9 yards per game and led the league in pass efficiency by nearly 30 points at 172.8. He tossed 22 touchdowns on the season with just four interceptions.
Full preseason teams announced Tuesday: The SWAC will announce the full first and second preseason teams later today at the conclusion of the 2010 Kickoff Luncheon and Media Day.
Here is a breakdown of each team in the conference and the number of members each has on the teams heading into the 2010 season.
Prairie View A&M (10); Grambling (7); Texas Southern (7); Jackson State (6); Alabama A&M (5); Southern (4); Alabama State (4); Alcorn State (3); Mississippi Valley State (3); Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1).
READ THE REST: Grambling’s Christian Anthony named preseason SWAC defensive player of the year
Anthony has been hospitalized in Shreveport – possible heart attack – according to KSLA.com.