The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Momentum continues to build for the Lamar Cardinals football team despite the fact that the team doesn’t officially report to preseason camp until Sunday. Senior return specialist Kevin Johnson landed another preseason All-America honor to add to his growing list of credentials Friday morning. Johnson has been named College Sports Madness (CSM) Preseason All-America announced CSM Director of Business Operations. Johnson is a second-team selection.

Named to the Beyond Sports Network Preseason All-America team last month, Johnson has been busy racking up plenty of preseason hype in the days leading up to the opening of camp. Adding to the momentum that started last season when he was named 2013 CFPA Punt Returner of the Year, Johnson has been named to several award watch lists as he prepares for his final season in a Cardinals uniform.

In addition to Johnson’s All-American honor, seven Cardinals were named to the CSM Preseason All-Southland Conference team, including two first-team selections. Johnson, along with receiver Reggie Begelton earned the first-team honors. The second-team selections are quarterback Caleb Berry, running back Kade Harrington, receiver Mark Roberts and offensive lineman Justin Brock. The lone third-team selection is linebacker Logan Moss.

“Our program has been progressing every season,” said head coach Ray Woodard. “We are now to the point in our program where we have returning guys who have earned respect not only within the league, but on the national level as well. We are excited to see what these guys will do on the field this season.”

The Cardinals kick off the 2014 campaign Saturday, Aug. 30th when they host Grambling State. The game against the Tigers is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. from Provost Umphrey Stadium. Tickets can be purchased through the LU Ticket Office at (409) 880-1715.