Four WKU Hilltoppers highlight Phil Steele’s annual preseason All-Conference teams as quarterback Brandon Doughty, wide receiver Jared Dangerfield, offensive tackle Forrest Lamp and linebacker Nick Holt were named to the First Team, the magazine announced on Monday.
In total, 12 Hilltoppers were named to one of Steele’s four All-Conference teams, including all seven returning starters on offense. All three of WKU’s returning offensive linemen garnered a Third Team or better nod.
Doughty, the reigning C-USA Most Valuable Player, returns as the nation’s leading passer and has four of his top six receivers back in 2015, including Dangerfield, who set WKU’s single-season receptions record in his first season on The Hill with 69. Lamp has protected Doughty’s blind side for the past two seasons and has started every game of his WKU career – a span of 25 games – and consistently grades out as WKU’s top offensive lineman.
Holt, WKU’s leader in the middle of the defense, was one of four WKU defenders named to a team after he finished fourth in the league in tackles per game last season and second in total tackles overall. Holt was one of just two linebackers to finish with over 110 tackles last season.
On Steele’s second team were four WKU offensive players including running back Leon Allen, receiver Taywan Taylor, tight end Tyler Higbee and offensive lineman Darrell Williams. On the defensive second team, defensive tackle Bryan Shorter and linebacker Dejon Brown.
Freshman All-American Brandon Ray was named to the third team along with defensive end Gavin Rocker to wrap up the selections.
A complete listing of Steele’s All-Conference selections can be found on www.PhilSteele.com
First Team:
QB Brandon Doughty
WR Jared Dangerfield
OL Forrest Lamp
LB Nick Holt
Second Team:
RB Leon Allen
WR Taywan Taylor
TE Tyler Higbee
OL Darrell Williams
DL Bryan Shorter
LB Dejon Brown
Third Team:
OL Brandon Ray
DL Gavin Rocker
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