BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Delta State University Statesmen Football team holds five spots on the 2025 Preseason All-Gulf South Conference Football Team, voted on by the league's head coaches. The Statesmen hold two spots on the offensive side of the ball and three on defense.
 
Quarterback Cole Kirk, receiver Neno Lemay received the honors on offense while linebacker William Carter, and defensive backs Taylon Doss, and Jarius McFarland received all-conference recognition for the green and white.
 
Kirk is one of the returning starters to the Statesmen offense who was ranked second in the GSC and 21^st in the nation averaging 416.9 yards per game. The Selmer, Tenn., native was a dual threat under center as he completed 143 passes for 2,052 yards and 18 TDs while rushing for 415 yards and a team high 7 touchdowns leading the green and white to a 6-4 overall record last season. Kirk earned GSC Player of the Week honors week after his week one performance against Missouri S&T where he saw the end zone six times while having 416 total yards.
 
Lemay returns to the Statesmen wide receiver room as he was tied for the most receptions in the 2024 campaign with 33. The New Roads, La., native had 410 receiving yards and three touchdowns in his first season at Delta State. Lemay had a tremendous performance with seven receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns against North Greenville.
 
Carter joins a defense that returns a lot of experience for the 2025 season. The Birmingham native had 48 tackles (22 solo) with four TFLs and two fumble recoveries in 10 games, earning second team All-GSC honors in the 2024 season.
 
Joining Carter in the preseason All-GSC defense is senior safety Taylon Doss. Doss returns to the Statesmen secondary after totaling 45 tackles (28 solo) and two pass breakups in the 2024 season. The Shannon native picked of 2024 GSC conference MVP Sammy Edwards in the DSU season finale. Doss also returned punts for the green and white as he had 15 returns for 96 yards.
 
Along with Doss in the Statesmen secondary, returns Hattiesburg native McFarland. Jarius led the Statesmen defensive backfield at the corner back position with three interceptions in the 2024 season, including the game sealing interception in the win against Fort Valley State. McFarland also tallied five pass breakups and 21 tackles (14 solo) last season.
 
The Statesmen kick off their 2025 season just over a month from now as they will host the Mules from the University of Central Missouri on Thursday, August 28^th in Parker Field at McCool Stadium.