Eric Breitenstein, who set a school rushing record at Wofford College last season, has been named a first-team FCS Preseason All-America by Consensus Draft Services. Breitenstein, a red-shirt junior who played at Watauga High from 2004-07, led the Southern Conference in rushing yards and touchdowns. The Terriers, thanks to Breitenstein, shared the Southern Conference championship with Appalachian State last season. The Terriers were eliminated by Georgia Southern in the FCS quarterfinals.
ASU had two players selected. Linebacker Tony Bachman was named second team and offensive lineman Matt Ruff was named honorable mention. In all, the SoCon had 16 players selected to the team. Linebacker Kadarron Anderson of Furman and offensive guard Rodney Austin of Elon joined Breitenstein on the first team; wide receiver Aaron Mellette of the Phoenix, defensive tackle Brent Russell of Georgia Southern joined Bachman of the Mountaineers on the second team; and defensive lineman Ameet Pall of Wofford College was was among ten players named honorable mention. Pall led the SoCon in sacks and in tackles-for-loss. The Appalachian State Fanfest will be August 20 with Corey Smith in concert.