Georgia Southern defensive lineman Brent Russell was named to Phil Steele's Preseason FCS All-America second team as released by the media organization. Russell was the College Sporting News FCS Freshman of the Year for 2009 and was selected to the All-Southern Conference first team by the SoCon Sports Media Association at the end of the season.

 

With a team-best six sacks, Russell, from Comer, was the second-highest ranked freshman in the country in that category and tied for 53rd overall nationally. He finished the 2009 season with 48 tackles as well as three blocked kicks, one interception and one forced fumble.

 

Russell was also selected to the organization's 2010 preseason All-Southern Conference first team. Second-team selections on defense for Georgia Southern were junior defensive lineman Dion DuBose of Norcross and junior defensive back Laron Scott of Warner Robins. 

 

DuBose, who played at linebacker in 2009, was ranked ninth in tackles per game in the SoCon with 7.7 (85 total tackles). Scott was tied for second in the league in passes defended (8 pass breakups and 3 interceptions) and ranked seventh in interceptions.

 

Phil Steele's College Football Preview included the FCS All-American and FCS All-Conference teams in its SEC/ACC/Big East Regional edition.