July 26, 2006

FRISCO - Texas State senior offensive lineman Ryne Miller along with defensive backs Walter Musgrove and Gary Shepard have been named to the Southland Conference Preseason First-Team as announced by the league on Wednesday.

Musgrove was an All-Southland Conference First-Team selection last year as a junior as the Bobcats posted an 11-3 record, won an SLC title and advanced to the NCAA National Semifinals. Both Miller and Shepard, a second-team All-SLC pick last year, also played major roles in last year's run and return this fall.

Texas State also had five players named to the SLC's Preseason Second-Team. Among the selections were running back Daniel Jolly, fullback Blake Burton, linebacker Jeremy Castillo, defensive back Jamarqus O'Neal and Morris Crosby who is the league's second-team return specialist.

Musgrove is the epitome of a student-athlete at Texas State and is coming off a senior season in which he was named both to the SLC's all-conference team as well as selected to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VI First-Team as selected by the members of the College Sports Information Directors of America. Earlier this summer he was named Preseason All-America Honorable Mention by The Sports Network.

Last year in 11 regular-season games, Musgrove recorded 49 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for lost yars. During his career he has been in on 195 total tackles including 103 solo stops. The Duncanville native has registered 10 tackles for lost yards, three quarterback sacks and three interceptions during his career.

Miller has proven to be a versatile lineman for the Bobcats and has started a total of 23 games over the past two seasons - 12 at center, four at right guard, five at left guard and two at right tackle.

Last year, The Woodlands native was a member of an offensive front which blocked for the 11th-ranked offense in Division I-AA. The Bobcats averaged 439.07 yards per game during the season. Additionally, the team ranked 15th in rushing yards, averaging 228.43 yards per game.

Shepard begins his third season with the Bobcats and during his career has tallied 113 total tackles including 58 solo stops. He also has three career interceptions.

Last year the Houston product was the team's third-leading tackler, finishing with 75 total tackles. He had two interceptions, broke up six passes and registered a tackle for lost yardage.

For a complete list of the Southland Conference preseason teams, click here.