BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference released its 2015 SWAC Preseason Teams and predicted order of finish with five Golden Lions earning preseason honors as UAPB was predicted to finish fifth in the Western Division, voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information.
UAPB was predicted to finish fifth in the Western Division with 34 votes, whereas Grambling State was predicted to win division as they received 93 points and eight first-place votes. Southern received 91 point, followed by Prairie View (72), Texas Southern (40).
On the Eastern Side, defending SWAC Champion Alcorn State was predicted to win the East as the Braves tallied 95 points and 10 first place votes. Jackson State followed with 83 points, Alabama A&M tallied 66 points, with Alabama State (50) and Mississippi Valley state (31) closing the division's preseason rankings.
UAPB had three Golden Lions to earn First Teams All-SWAC Preseason honors in Demarcus Berry, Willie Duncan, III and Kevin Rucker and had two player to received Second Team All-SWAC honors in Brian Handley and Willie Young.
Berry, a 6-3. 250, junior defensive lineman from Alexandria, La., who led the Golden Lions in sack with 8.5. He was the team's third leading tackler with 53 total tackles and four quarterback hurries.
Duncan, a 6-0, 220 sophomore linebacker from Southfield, Mich., finished last season as the team's leading tackler with 100 (43 UA, 57 Asst.) and 5.5 tackles for loss.
Kevin Rucker, a 5-11, 195, red shirt Junior from Idabel, Okla., led the team and the conference in interceptions with five. He also finished the season as the team's fourth leading tackler with 50 total takedowns and four pass break ups.
Young, a 6-1, 180, red shirt sophomore wide receiver from New Orleans, La., last season led the Golden Lions in receiving with 727 yards on 45 receptions with nine TDs.
Handley, 5-9, 200, junior running back from Monticello, Ark., he finished last season with 820 rushing yards on 137 carries with two TDs.
UAPB will open their 2015 campaign in Orlando, Fla., against South Carolina State in the 11th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney at the Florida Citrus Bowl.
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION
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