A trio of SMU Mustangs earn a spot in College Football Networks Preseason All-America Honors

Mustang standouts earn national recognition

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The SMU Mustangs are poised to make a significant impact on the 2024 college football season as they embark on a new era in the ACC, and several standout players are already garnering national attention.

The College Football Network (CFN) has recognized multiple Mustangs with preseason All-American honors, signaling the team's depth of talent and potential for greatness.

SMU tight end RJ Maryland and linebacker Kobe Wilson have earned College Football Network Preseason Second-Team All-American honors while defensive end Elijah Roberts was named honorable mention, the organization announced on Monday.#PonyUpDallas

— D210SPORTS (@D210S) August 6, 2024

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RJ Maryland, TE

Maryland was a key contributor to SMU's offense in 2023, starting in every game and recording the team's second most receptions (34), reception yards (518) and reception yards per game (37). He also caught 5 touchdown passes, ranking second on the team. This impressive performance has earned him Second-Team All-American honors from the College Football Network.

Maryland has already earned five preseason accolades prior to the 2024 campaign, and is poised for an even better year. He is already ranked second all-time in receiving touchdowns for a tight end in program history with 13.

SMU TE RJ Maryland will be among the top players in his position group in the 2025 #NFL Draft class.

- Very good explosion, bend off the LOS, and throughout breaks, which he can use to separate quickly and find space.
- Seam, Corner, and Outs are his friends.
- Good RAC threat… pic.twitter.com/omtjyoihlY

— • Colton Edwards • (@cedwardsNFL) August 2, 2024

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Kobe Wilson, LB

Wilson was a standout performer on special teams in 2023, leading the team in tackles with 80. He also had 3.5 tackles for loss and 1 fumble recovery. His versatility and impact on special teams have earned him Second-Team All-American honors from the College Football Network.

Wilson has already been named to the Phil Steele Preseason All-ACC Third Team and the Athlon Sports Preseason All-ACC Third Team Defense. He is a key member of SMU's special teams unit and will be counted on to make a big impact in 2024.

New: #SMU senior LBs, Ahmad Walker and Kobe Wilson, are the leaders in the LB room. Walker and Wilson are ready to step up and lead the linebackers heading into the #ACC.

Story: https://t.co/IQ9cfOJCXt#PonyUpDallas pic.twitter.com/rrS90mpSas

— SMU Mustangs - On The Pony Express (@SMUOn3) August 3, 2024

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Elijah Roberts, DE

Roberts was a disruptive force on the defensive line in 2023, starting all 14 games. He recorded 37 tackles and led the Mustangs in sacks with 10.0. He also had 5 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles. His impressive performance has earned him Honorable Mention All-American honors from the College Football Network.

Elijah Roberts doing @E1ijahRoberts things. #SMU’s star DE ready for 2024. https://t.co/ZrVMcg0IiP pic.twitter.com/v04NGXTvag

— SMU Mustangs - On The Pony Express (@SMUOn3) July 31, 2024

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