Bentley, Thomas Earn College Football News Preseason Honors

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Bentley, Thomas Earn College Football News Preseason Accolades

CHICAGO (CFN/SMU) – Running back Ulysses Bentley IV and offensive lineman Jaylon Thomas were honored by College Football News as preseason All-American Athletic Conference selections, the organization announced Wednesday.

The pair was also named to the top 30 list of players in the conference.

Bentley was one of two running backs named to the all-conference team, and was listed as the No. 3 player overall, and top running back, in the league after leading the conference with 913 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in 2020.

He finished the season as one of only two freshmen nationally with 10+ total TDs (12), and his rushing TD total set the SMU freshman single-season record.

Bentley IV was a freshman All-America selection by the FWAA and the conference Co-Rookie of the Year. He was also listed on Doak Walker and CFPA Watch Lists.

2021 Preseason Awards
Athlon Sports First-Team All-AAC
Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas Second Team
Phil Steele All-AAC First Team

Thomas came in at No. 13 on the top-30 list, and was the second highest rated offensive lineman.

Thomas was named a second team all-AAC selection and to the Outland Trophy Watch List in 2020. He started all nine games played at left tackle for the Mustangs, who finished the season ranked ninth (1st AAC) in red zone offense (.920), 13th in passing offense (318.0) and 15th in scoring offense (38.6).

2021 Preseason Awards
Athlon Sports First-Team All-AAC
Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas First Team
Phil Steele All-AAC Second Team