BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Three University of West Alabama football players received Pre-Season All-Gulf South Conference honors, headlined by junior Terry Allen, who was a dual selection on offense and special teams.

Allen, a Huntsville, Ala.-native, garnered wide receiver and return specialist honors. Last season, Allen became the all-time kickoff return leader in school history with 1,400 yards along with leading the Tigers in receiving with 451 yards. Allen was a All-GSC Second Team selection in 2007 along with being named to the Daktronics All-Southeast Region First Team.

A pair of Californians joins Allen on the pre-season ledger. Jon Weinreich was named as a First Team guard with Jason Hawkins being tabbed at the tight end position. Weinreich, a Pismo Beach-product, played in 10 games for the Tigers splitting time at guard and tackle. Weinreich was named All-GSC First Team last season along with being named to the Don Hansen’s All-Super Region 2 Team. Hawkins, a senior from Fontana, finished as the fifth leading receiver in the Tiger offense, hauling in 123 yards on 17 receptions.

A quartet of new additions consisting of Vonzell Jackson (Aliceville, Ala.), Roosevelt Ross (Lowell, Fla.), Marques Coleman (Miami, Fla.) and Justin Moore (Carthage, Miss.) were named to the top newcomers list.

The Tigers were tabbed eighth in the 2009 GSC Football Pre-Season Coaches’ Poll. Delta State received top honors with seven of the 10 first place votes. One point separates North Alabama and Valdosta State to round out the top three spots. Four consecutive Arkansas based schools claim the next four positions, led by the University of Arkansas at Monticello in fourth. Arkansas Tech, Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist follow the Boll Weevils. Harding sits in ninth followed closely by Southern Arkansas with West Georgia rounding out the poll.

West Alabama’s season opener at Belhaven on Thursday, Aug. 27 is slated for 7:00 p.m. at H. T. Newell Field in Jackson, Miss. The game can be heard on FOX Sports, WSLY 104.9-FM and at athletics.uwa.edu.