By Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech Associate Athletic Director/Strategic Communications; featured photo by Josh McDaniel
RUSTON — Louisiana Tech linebacker CJ Harris was named preseason CUSA Defensive Transfer of the Year and kicker Buck Buchanan was named preseason CUSA Kickoff Specialist of the Year, spearheading a list of 10 Bulldogs that received preseason honors by the College Football Network.
Buchanan also earned preseason First Team All-CUSA accolades along with offensive lineman Bert Hale. Buchanan ranked 14th nationally last season in touchbacks with 50 and eighth in the country in touchback percentage (81.97). Meanwhile, Hale started in 11 games on the o-line in 2023, helping pave the way for seven 100+ yard rushing games while pass blocking in four 300+ yard passing performances.
Harris comes to LA Tech from Kent State where he made 10 starts at linebacker. He produced 33 total tackles last season including six for a loss and one pass breakup for the Flashes.
Reigning CUSA Freshman of the Year Michael Richard was named preseason Second Team All-CUSA along with Ashanti Cole. Richard, who was also a Freshman All-America by The Athletic, amassed 32 tackles while posting an 83.5 coverage grade as a defensive back. Cole while suit up for the Bulldogs this season after spending the last two years on the offensive line at Grambling State.
Offensive lineman Jerren Gilbert, defensive lineman Mykol Clark, linebacker Zach Zimos, and defensive back Jhamal Shelby Jr. all garnered preseason Third Team All-CUSA honors.
Gilbert is in his fifth season at LA Tech, having appeared in 33 career games on the o-line. Clark in his sixth season as a Bulldog, starting all 12 games last season with 40 total tackles (4.5 for loss). Zimos is back for a second season after amassing 60 tackles in 2023 including 3.5 for loss and one sack. Shelby enters his third season in the defensive backfield for the ‘Dogs, appearing in nine games last year with nine tackles and one interception.
Offensive lineman Zarian McGill also garnered preseason honors, being named Honorable Mention All-CUSA. The transfer appeared in all 12 games last season at ULM, earning Second Team All-Sun Belt.