A staff Report 

Edward Waters running Johntarrious Thomas, a senior, was named the SIAC preseason offensive player of the year, while linebacker Trevon French, a junior, was named the preseason defensive player of the year on Wednesday. 

Thomas, of Gadsden County, Florida, rushed for 717 yards and  four touchdowns last season. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry. 

French leads the attacking-styled defense. He made 74 tackles and had three sacks last season On the defensive side, French, who tallied 74 tackles and three sacks a year ago.

Clark Atlanta’s Xzavier Jackson was named the first-team quarterback. 

Jackson, a native of Tampa, Florida, who’s 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, passed for 2,103 yards and 18 touchdowns as he led the SIC in passing yards per game (300.4). He was named the conference’s Freshman and Newcomer of the Year. 

SIAC FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE

OFFENSIVE LINE — Chance Bush, Allen; Isaiah Turner, Benedict; Zyrus Craft, Allen; Isaiah Richardson, Benedict; Jason Miller, Benedict.

Tight end — Michael Bowman, Allen.

Wide receivers — Darius Cyprian, Kentucky State; EJ Hall, Tuskegee.

Running backs — Johntarrious Thomas, Edward Waters; David Smith, Benedict. 

Quarterback — Xzavier Jackson, Clark Atlanta. 

SIAC FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE — Derrick Drayton, Albany State; Jaiden Cleveland, Clark Atlanta; Zach Underwood, Morehouse; Messiah Wells, Tuskegee; 

Linebackers — Trevor French, Edward Waters; Bishop Blakely, Central State; Sean Johnson, Morehouse.

Secondary — Travion Searcy, Central State; Aeron Greshman, Allen; Lawrence McConnell, Kentucky State; Aykenon Rodgers, Edward Waters. 

Kicker –Lorcan Ryan, Tuskegee. 

Punter — Elan Hall, Fort Valley State. 

Punt returner — Donte Curry Jr., Fort Valley State. 

Kickoff returner — Cameron Watts, Albany State.