LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Nicholls State University football team landed three players – senior cornerback Bobby Felder (first-team), junior running back Jesse Turner (second-team), and junior defensive lineman Edet Udoh (second-team) – on the 2011 Preseason All-Conference team as announced by the Southland Conference at media day.

The conference also released the coaches and sports information preseason rankings, with Nicholls placing sixth in both polls. McNeese State was picked to win the league by the coaches while two-time defending champion Stephen F. Austin was selected by the sports information directors.

Felder, a native of McComb, Miss., led the Colonels with four interceptions last season, which ranked fourth in conference. A 2010 first-team All-SLC honoree, Felder recorded seven pass break-ups and 33 tackles as a junior. Along with his defensive accolades, Felder earned Southland Conference special teams player of the week after returning a blocked kick 70 yards for a touchdown against Texas State.

Turner was named second-team after rushing for 630 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore. The Houma native also led Nicholls in receiving yards, netting 308 yards on 18 receptions with one touchdown. Turner led the SLC with 5.7 yards per carry while also tallying 18.1 per catch.

Rounding out the honorees for Nicholls is junior defensive lineman Edet Udoh. Udoh, a native of Houston, was selected preaseason second-team defense following a solid sophomore season, where he totaled 24 tackles, including 3.5 for loss. Udoh recorded 1.5 sacks and forced two fumbles on the season.

The Colonels report to camp on August 3 and will open up the season on Thursday, Sept. 1 against Evangel University at John L. Guidry Stadium. Kickoff for the season-opener is slated for 6:30 p.m.