CLEVELAND, Miss. - A trio of Delta State University defenders were named to the 25th anniversary edition of USA College Football's annual Preseason NCAA Division II All-America Team, as released by the Gulf South Conference on Tuesday, July 23.  Linebacker Diego Lubin, an All-GSC Second team selection in 2012, and safety Kenny Barnes received USA College Football Second Team honors, while linebacker Rory Island was named to the Third Team. 

"I'm very pleased that Diego (Lubin), Rory (Island) and Kenny (Barnes) are receiving some preseason notariety," DSU head coach Todd Cooley said.  "All three guys will be counted on heavily as leaders on this team and I know they're ready to get to work."

Lubin, a redshirt junior middle linebacker, was named to the All-GSC Second Team last season after totaling 50 tackles and finishing third in the league in tackles-for-loss with 14 for minus-65 yards.  The Winter Haven, Fla., native will be making teh move to rush end in defensive coordinator Charles Anthony's new system.  

Barnes, a three-year letterman from Madison, Miss., totaled 46 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and two interceptions last season from his strong safety position.  Barnes' interception late in the second half at Tarleton State helped propel the Statesmen to one of their three victories last season.

Island, a junior linebacker from Waveland, Miss., recorded 56 tackles last year while totaling 6.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks.  

The complete 25th anniversary edition of USA College Football's Preseason All-America Team is listed below.  The Statesmen will open fall camp on Saturday, August 10 in preparation for the season-opener Saturday, Sept. 5 at Mississippi Valley State.  Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.     

25th Anniversary USA College Football DII Pre-Season All-Americans (Gulf South Conference only)
First Team Offense
WR - Gerald Ford, Valdosta State
OL - Brandon White, West Georgia

First Team Defense
LB - Jeremy Grable, Valdosta State
LB - Chris Pope, Valdosta State
LB - Tavarius Wilson, North Alabama
DB - Malcolm Butler, West Alabama

First Team Special Teams
RS - Malik Lofton, West Alabama

Second Team Offense
QB- Cayden Cochran, Valdosta State
QB - Gary Johnston, West Alabama
WR - Reginald Lewis, Valdosta State
OL - William Wright, West Georgia
OL - Skeeter Sellers, West Alabama

Second Team Defense
DL - Willie Parker, West Alabama
LB - Diego Lubin, Delta State
LB - Brion James, North Alabama
DB - Caleb Massey, North Alabama
DB - Kenny Barnes, Delta State

Second Team Special Teams
P - Jordan Ikner, West Alabama

Third Team Offense
OL - David Lundberg, North Alabama
OL - Taylor Burnett, West Alabama

Third Team Defense
DL - Lawrence Virgil, Valdosta State
LB - Rory Island, Delta State
LB - Bobby Liggins, West Georgia