Aug. 27, 2008

By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University linebackers James Cloud and Chauncey Mixon were named to the College Sporting News Preseason All-America team today. Cloud and Mixon earned second-team honors on the final preseason team released prior to Thursday's season-opening games.

Cloud and Mixon took All-American accolades for the second-straight week.

A total of 15 Missouri Valley Football Conference players are featured on the unit, including four on the first team. RB Herb Donaldson of Western Illinois, DT Mark Huygens of Northern Iowa, DT Mychal Savage of Youngstown State and PK Taylor Rowan of Western Illinois represent the league on the first-team squad.

Three conference schools open play Thursday. Indiana State starts the Trent Miles era with a visit to Eastern Michigan. League newcomer South Dakota State plays at Iowa State in the first Football Bowl Subdivision game in SDSU history. The MVFC's other first-year program -- North Dakota State -- hosts Austin Peay in Fargo.

SIU hosts Hampton in its season-opener on Sept. 6. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m., CST, at McAndrew Stadium.

CSN Preseason All-Americans