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LU running back Kade Harrington recently received first team recognition for College Sports Madness Preseason All-America honors.

Staff Report - For The Record

BEAUMONT - Just days after being named to their first preseason All-America squad, the duo of seniors Kade Harrington and Bret Treadway have received another preseason honor. Both Harrington and Treadway earned College Sports Madness Preseason All-America honors Monday morning. Harrington received first-team recognition, while Treadway was a third-team selection.

Harrington’s preseason honors are due in large part to his record-setting season in 2015. The Kingwood, Texas native led the nation in rushing, all-purpose yards and rushing touchdowns. He closed out the season by becoming the first player in program history to be named Southland Player of the Year and was the runner-up for the STATS FCS National Offensive Player of the Year Award – FCS Football’s version of the Heisman Trophy.

Harrington eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark in the 10th game of the season adding his name to a very elite list. The accomplishment made him just the seventh player in the history of Division I football to reach the 2,000-yard plateau joining the likes of Barry Sanders and Marcus Allen.

In addition to Harrington’s inclusion on the College Sports Madness All-America team, he was also named to the College Football American (CFA) Yearbook FCS Preseason Starting Lineup. Harrington was the Southland’s lone representative on the CFA offense and one of only two league players named to the team.

A huge reason for Harrington’s success last season was the dominance of the LU offensive line which was anchored by Treadway. A three-year starter, Treadway garnered first-team All-Southland honors a year ago to lead one of the nation’s top offensive lines. Treadway was an integral part of the Cardinals offense which finished the season ranked among the nation’s top 10 in rushing averaging nearly 270 yards per game. In addition to helping produce one of the nation’s strongest ground games, the LU offensive front also led the nation in pass protection. Big Red surrendered fewer than 0.5 sacks per game in 2015.

The Cardinals also received some respect from the national pollsters Monday as well. LU received 28 points in the STATS FCS Preseason top 25 poll which has it listed under the “others receiving votes” category. LU is currently the 18th team listed in the category.

Three of LU’s 2016 opponents appear in the preseason poll, including Sam Houston State at No. 2. The other two opponents are McNeese (11th) and Coastal Carolina (16th).