JONESBORO, Ark. (6/5/24) – Athlon Sports has released its 2024 Preseason All-Sun Belt Team with 14 different Arkansas State football players totaling 16 selections to the squad.

Four Red Wolves were named to the first team, including Ja'Quez Cross (KR), Jacob Bayer (C), Courtney Jackson (WR) and Makilan Thomas (OL). The second team featured Ja'Quez Cross (RB), Courtney Jackson (PR), Corey Rucker (WR) and Charles Willekes (LB). Appearing on the third team were Mehki Butler (OL), Nate Martey (DL), Jaylen Raynor (QB) and Trevian Thomas (S). Additionally, four players were on the fourth team including Jordan Mahoney (CB), Tim Hardiman (DL), Justin Parks (S) and Zak Wallace (RB).

A-State and Texas State led the Athlon Preseason All-Sun Belt Teams with 16 selections while Louisiana (15) and Appalachian State (14) with the second and third-most picks.

The Red Wolves are coming off a bowl-game appearance for the first time since 2019 and announced 36 players as part of its 2024 recruiting class that ranked first in the Sun Belt Conference. A-State returns 15 starters, 10 on offense and five on defense, and a total of 55 letterwinners.

A-State will appear at Sun Belt Conference Media Days on Wednesday, July 24 in New Orleans. Season tickets may be purchased by calling the Red Wolves Foundation at 870-972-2401 or online by visiting AStateRedWolves.com/Tickets.

First-Team Offense
WR Courtney Jackson 
C Jacob Bayer 
OL Makilan Thomas 

First-Team Specialists
KR Ja'Quez Cross 

Second-Team Offense
RB Ja'Quez Cross 
WR Corey Rucker 

Second-Team Defense
LB Charles Willekes

Second-Team Specialists
PR Courtney Jackson 

Third-Team Offense
QB Jaylen Raynor 
OL Mehki Butler 

Third-Team Defense
DL Nate Martey  
S Trevian Thomas

Fourth-Team Offense
RB Zak Wallace 

Fourth-Team Defense
DL Tim Hardiman 
CB Jordan Mahoney
S Justin Parks    

Link to Athlon Sports' 2024 Sun Belt All-Conference Team:
https://athlonsports.com/college-football/sun-belt-football-2024-all-conference-team