July 30, 2002

NINE PALADINS NAMED TO PRESEASON
ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TEAM

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Nine Furman Paladins have been named preseason All-Southern Conference by league head coaches, it was announced today at the conference¹s football rouser in Greenville.

Furman tight end Willis Sudderth, offensive tackle Steven Cain, offensive guard Trevor Kruger, return specialist Brian Bratton, and cornerback Rodney Johnson were named to the first team, and four Paladins were second team selections: wide receiver Bear Rinehart, quarterback Billy Napier, placekicker Danny Marshall, and defensive lineman LeBryan Sperling.

Five Furman selections -- Bratton, Rinehart, Napier, Marshall, and Sperling -- earned all-league honors in 2001 after helping the Paladins to a 12-3 record, conference championship, and NCAA I-AA national runner-up finish.

Appalachian State led the way with 11 preseason all-conference picks followed by Georgia Southern with 10.

Furman was a consensus third place pick in a pair of conference preseason polls conducted by the media and coaches.

Under the direction of first year head coach Bobby Lamb, Furman opens its season on Sept. 7 at Vanderbilt.

2002 FURMAN PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE SELECTIONS

First Team
TE Willis Sudderth, So.
OT Steven Cain, Sr.
OG Trevor Kruger, Sr.
RS Brian Bratton, So.
CB Rodney Johnson, Sr.

Second Team
WR Bear Rinehart, Sr.
QB Billy Napier, Sr.
PK Danny Marshall, Jr.
DL LeBryan Sperling, Sr.