RICHARDSON, Texas — Hardin-Simmons has been picked to finish third in the American Southwest Conference Football poll of the league's nine head coaches, sports information directors and media. Mary Hardin-Baylor has been picked to win the league and Jake Mullin of McMurry, Javicz Jones of UMHB and Darnell Williams of Louisiana College are the preseason offensive, defensive and special teams players of the year, respectively.

UMHB was the overwhelming favorite as the Cru have won at least a share of eight of the last nine ASC titles. They received 23 of the 27 first-place votes.

McMurry, Hardin-Simmons and Louisiana College were separated by three points for second, third and fourth place. McMurry had 183 points, HSU 181 and Louisiana College 180. This will be McMurry's last year in the ASC and the Cowboys have won 23 straight over its cross-town foe.

Mississippi College and East Texas Baptist were separated by one point for fifth and sixth in the poll. Texas Lutheran, Howard Payne and Sul Ross State rounded out the poll.

Mullin, a 6-3, 225-pound senior, was named ASC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. He threw for 2,859 yards and 35 touchdowns opposed to just two interceptions over eight games in 2010. In his 17 career games under center, Mullin has thrown 60 TDs.

Jones, a 6-0, 180-pound senior, was named ASC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Jones posted 120 tackles – 11 for loss – and 2.5 sacks last season for a unit that yielded only six rushing touchdowns.

Williams, a 6-2, 195-pound senior, was named ASC Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year. Williams, who also starts at wide receiver, led the league with 181.2 all-purpose yards per game and took back two kickoffs for touchdowns. He accounted for 17 scores overall.

HSU is set for its first season under new head coach Jesse Burleson. HSU opens fall camp on Aug. 17 and will have its season opener on Sept. 3 against Coe College at Shelton Stadium.

2011 ASC PRESEASON FOOTBALL POLL

[Voted on by ASC Head Coaches, Sports Information Directors, Media Members]

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