Football | 7/21/2016 9:06:00 PM

STATESBORO, Ga. – Nine Georgia Southern players were selected to the College Sports Madness preseason All-Sun Belt teams, including three to the first team. While Arkansas State (13) and Appalachian State (11) had the most players, Georgia Southern was closely behind with the third most with Georgia State and South Alabama.

Running back Matt Breida, offensive lineman Andy Kwon and defensive lineman Jay Ellison represent the Eagles earning first-team honors. Making the second team are offensive lineman Jeremiah Culbreth and defensive lineman Bernard Dawson. Earning third-team honors are quarterback Kevin Ellison, offensive lineman Tommy Boynton, kicker Younghoe Koo and linebacker Ukeme Eligwe.

Though award watch lists and prior stats may be taken into consideration, being named to an all-conference team relies on how the players are predicted to perform at best in the upcoming season.

For the full team, click here.

First-Team Offense
RB Matt Breida
OL Andy Kwon

First-Team Defense
DL Jay Ellison

Second-Team Offense
OL Jeremiah Culbreth

Second-Team Defense
DL Bernard Dawson

Third-Team Offense
QB Kevin Ellison
OL Tommy Boynton

Third-Team Defense
LB Ukeme Eligwe

Third-Team Specialists
K Younghoe Koo

The Eagles were predicted by Sun Belt coaches to finish third, receiving one vote to finish first. They will open the season at home for the first time as a FBS team, hosting the Savannah State Tigers on Sept. 3.

Football season tickets and parking for the 2016 season are on sale and can be purchased by visiting GSEagles.com/tickets, calling 1-800- GSU-WINS or visiting the Ticket Office Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Cowart Building located at 203 Lanier Drive in Statesboro. Tickets start as low as $75 per person for the season.

Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to- date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics, iOS app Georgia Southern Eagles and Android app Eagles GATA.