BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — One University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football player received preseason all-SWAC honors this season, which were announced Tuesday during SWAC Media Day in Birmingham, Ala.
UAPB punter Jeremy Baker was named preseason all-SWAC second team. His 37.1 net yards per punt were fourth-best in league play last season. He had one touchback with 14 fair catches in SWAC games.
Baker was called upon often last year. He led the league in punts with 53 and in punt yards with 2,079.
He was the only current Golden Lion to receive preseason all-SWAC honors, but he is joined by a former player. Linebacker Rico Dozier, who led the SWAC in tackles with 89 in conference play and 125 overall, transferred to Alabama State during the offseason. Dozier was named preseason first team.
Dozier was one of two UAPB players to be named all-SWAC after last season, along with offensive lineman Ryan Atkins. Neither returns this season.
Grambling State quarterback Miles Crawley was named preseason offensive player of the year, while Southern defensive end Ckelby Givens was named preseason defensive player of the year.
Alabama State led the league with five preseason first team all-SWAC selections. Texas Southern had the most second team selections with five. Alabama State and Florida A&M each had seven overall selections.