July 15, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Phil Steele Publications released its preseason All-Southern Conference teams recently, and five Samford players were named to the teams.

Junior running back Chris Evans, senior center Jon Weber and junior linebacker Bryce Smith were all named to the first team of the preseason squad.

In 2008 Evans, who is on the 2009 preseason Payton Award watch list, rushed for a school-record 1,284 yards and 14 touchdowns, while averaging 4.9 yards-per-carry. His 1,284 rushing yards made him the first running back in Samford history to rush for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Evans ranked 12th nationally with over 116 yards rushing per game.

Weber is in his third season as Samford's starting center. He was the leader of the offensive line that, in 2007, allowed the fewest sacks in the Ohio Valley Conference and the second fewest in the nation. In 2008, Weber and the Samford offensive line helped produce the first Samford player to rush for more than 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.

Smith returns as Samford's leading tackler from last season. In 2008, Smith had 92 tackles, including 65 solo stops. He also had a team-high five interceptions to go along with seven tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Junior defensive lineman Patrick Hatcher and junior safety Andy Davis were named second team All-Conference by the publication.

As a sophomore in 2008, Hatcher had 33 tackles, including 26 solo tackles. He tied for the team lead in sacks with six, to go along with 10 tackles for a loss. Hatcher also had five pass break-ups and six quarterback hurries.

Davis had 45 tackles, despite missing three games with an injury during the 2008 season. He had two interceptions, both coming in Samford's 27-17 win at Georgia Southern. Davis also forced two fumbles.

Samford will open the 2009 season on Oct. 5 when the Bulldogs travel to Orlando, Fla., to play at the UCF Knights. Samford's first home game is scheduled for Oct. 12 against Jacksonville.