Belton, TX – Three University of Mary Hardin-Baylor football players have been named to the D3football.com Preseason All-American Team. The Cru had one First Team selection and placed two players on the All-American Second Team.

Linebacker Jerrell Freeman was named First Team Preseason All-American. Freeman, a senior from Waco University High School, led UMHB in tackles and tackles for loss last season with 96 and 16. He also tied for the team lead with four interceptions and added 5.5 sacks and a fumble return for a touchdown. Freeman helped the Cru lead the nation in rushing defense and he has now been named Preseason All-American by three different publications.

Running back Jarvis Thrasher and offensive tackle Caleb Woodall were both named Second Team Preseason All-American. Thrasher, a senior from Temple High School, ran for 1,137 yards and 13 touchdowns last season despite not starting until the third game of the season. Thrasher also returned a kickoff for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass as he posted the second-highest single-season rushing total in UMHB history. Woodall, a senior from Harlingen High School, was the highest grading offensive lineman for the Cru. He helped clear the way for a rushing attack that averaged 227.2 yards per game and UMHB only allowed 16 quarterback sacks on the season. This is the second Preseason All-American honor for both Thrasher and Woodall.

The Cru went 10-3 overall and won the American Southwest Conference with an 8-0 league record. UMHB advanced to the national quarterfinals before falling to Wesley College 34-20. The Cru will open the 2007 season at home against Christopher Newport University with a 6:00 PM kickoff on September 8th.