Four Eagles Named First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference

Georgia Southern football is poised for another strong season after four Eagles were named to the 2023 Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference team.

The Eagles were led by first-team selections Raymond Johnson III, Rashad Byrd, and Kenderick Duncan Jr. Johnson, a senior defensive lineman, is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and was a key member of Georgia Southern's top-ranked scoring defense in 2022. Byrd, a senior safety, is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and was a team captain last season. Duncan, a junior defensive back, is a rising star who has the potential to be one of the best players in the Sun Belt in 2023.

In addition to Johnson, Byrd, and Duncan, senior return specialist Wesley Kennedy III was also named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt first team. Kennedy is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and was one of the most electric players in college football last season. He averaged 27.7 yards per kickoff return and 11.6 yards per punt return in 2022.

Georgia Southern is coming off a 7-5 season in 2022, including a 5-3 record in Sun Belt play. The Eagles were picked to finish second in the Sun Belt East Division in the preseason coaches' poll.

With four players named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt team, Georgia Southern is one of the most represented teams in the conference. The Eagles are poised for another strong season in 2023, and they will be looking to make a run at the Sun Belt championship.

Here is a closer look at the four Eagles who were named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt team:

• Raymond Johnson III is a senior defensive lineman who has started 39 career games for the Eagles. He is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and was a key member of Georgia Southern's top-ranked scoring defense in 2022. Johnson is a disruptive force who can get to the quarterback and also stuff the run.
• Rashad Byrd is a senior safety who has started 38 career games for the Eagles. He is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and was a team captain last season. Byrd is a physical hitter who is also a good tackler.
• Kenderick Duncan Jr. is a junior defensive back who has started 25 career games for the Eagles. He is a rising star who has the potential to be one of the best players in the Sun Belt in 2023. Duncan is a versatile defender who can play both safety and cornerback. He is also a good pass rusher.
• Wesley Kennedy III is a senior return specialist who has started 28 career games for the Eagles. He is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and was one of the most electric players in college football last season. Kennedy averaged 27.7 yards per kickoff return and 11.6 yards per punt return in 2022.

These four Eagles are all key contributors to the Georgia Southern football team. They are all talented players who have the potential to make a big impact in 2023. With these players leading the way, the Eagles are poised for another strong season.

Here are some other key players to watch for the Eagles in 2023:

• Quarterback Justin Harris
• Running back J.D. Woods
• Wide receiver Austin Parker
• Offensive tackle Brandon Smith
• Defensive end Malik Sumter
• Linebacker Blake Carroll
• Cornerback William Mote

The Eagles have a lot of talent returning in 2023, and they are poised for another strong season. With a favorable schedule, the Eagles could be a dark horse to win the Sun Belt championship.

Georgia Southern football fans should be excited about the upcoming season. The Eagles have a lot of talent returning, and they are poised for another strong season.