Four Bulldogs Named Preseason All-SEC at Media Days

HOOVER, Ala. — Four Mississippi State football players were named to the 2019 Southeastern Conference Media Days Preseason All-SEC Team on Friday following the week-long SEC Media Days event.

Junior linebacker Erroll Thompson headlines as the lone Bulldog to earn first-team honors. Senior center Darryl Williams earned second-team honors on the offensive side, while junior cornerback Cameron Dantzler earned second-team honors and senior defensive end Chauncey Rivers earned third-team honors on the defensive side.

Thompson, a native of Florence, Alabama, has played in 26 games where he has tallied 133 total tackles, including 14.5 for loss and six sacks. The team captain ranked second on the team in total tackles (87), tied for third in tackles for loss (9.0), and added 3.5 sacks to go along with two interceptions. He earned second-team All-SEC honors from The Associated Press for his efforts in 2018.

Williams is moving from left guard to center in 2019 to fill in the hole left by All-American Elgton Jenkins. The Bessemer, Alabama native has played 32 games with 25 starts. He allowed just one sack, three quarterback hits, five hurries and just nine total pressures in 2018.

Dantzler enters his junior campaign as one of the most talented corners in the country. The Hammond, Louisiana native recorded 43 tackles, including two tackles behind the line of scrimmage, one sack and two interceptions. He ranked second in the SEC last season among corners with a 41.1 passer rating allowed and was one of only four SEC cornerbacks that did not allow a touchdown.

Rivers, a native of Stone Mountain, Georgia, steps into a starting role on the strong side of the defensive line for his senior campaign. A year ago, he totaled 24 tackles, including seven tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks.

The Bulldogs begin the season on Aug. 31 against Louisiana in New Orleans at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.