PHILADELPHIA – Illinois State senior long snapper Chris Highland was recognized as one of the best at his position in the country Tuesday, when he was selected to The Sports Network FCS Preseason All-America First Team by the organization.
This year's list includes 101 players, spread out among 59 schools and all 13 FCS conferences. The Missouri Valley Football Conference had eight first-team selections, more than any other conference. Joining Highland on the first team from the MVFC are running back Zach Zenner of South Dakota State, running back David Johnson of UNI, offensive lineman Robert Booker of Missouri State, offensive lineman Jack Rummells of UNI, tight end MyCole Pruitt of Southern Illinois, kicker Thomas Kinney of Southern Illinois and defensive back Caleb Schaffitzel of Missouri State.
Highland was a Second-Team FCS All-America Team selection by The Sports Network at long snapper in 2013, after he played in all 11 games and was not credited with a bad snap all season. The Normal, Ill., native also added a tackle and recovered a fumble at North Dakota State.
As a sophomore in 2012, Highland action in all 13 games as the team's primary long snapper and helped the team advance to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. He was not credited with a bad snap all season and recorded his first career tackle against Missouri State.
Highland and the rest of his teammates will open the 2014 season on Saturday, Sept. 6, at home against Mississippi Valley State. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Hancock Stadium.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
