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Eagles uniform, one of best
06.24 GSU unis
SportsIllustrated.com cited Georgia Southern’s classic, plain uniform as one of the best. - photo by File photo

STATESBORO — Georgia Southern University football got two preseason nods of national recognition.

SportsIllustrated.com ranked the Eagles’ uniforms eighth out of its top 10 college football uniform.

Georgia Southern was one of three Division I-Football Championship Subdivision teams listed. The top 10 consisted of: Texas, Michigan, Auburn, Yale, Notre Dame, Wofford, Ohio State, Georgia Southern, Southern California and Georgia.

Also Brandon Jackson (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Plantation), a junior cornerback, was chosen second among the top cornerbacks in the nation, according to preseason player rankings by The Sports Network.

A second team All-Southern Conference pick last year, Jackson led the SoCon and finished in a tie for 10th nationally with five interceptions. He also broke up four passes while recording 35 tackles. Jackson started in all 11 games during his first year as an Eagle.

The Sports Network’s top five cornerbacks

1. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State (Sr., 6-2, 170) — Rodgers-Cromartie played a significant role in the Tigers’ renaissance with six interceptions, seven pass breakups and 47 tackles in a season that earned him first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference recognition.

2. Brandon Jackson, Georgia Southern (Jr., 6-0, 185) -- Jackson made a huge impact in his first season after transferring from Central Michigan with five interceptions and a second-team All-Southern Conference honor.

3. Casey Gough, Holy Cross (Sr., 6-0, 200) — A three-year starter, Gough totaled 54 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, three interceptions and seven pass breakups in 2006.

4. Austin Holmes, Furman (Sr., 5-8, 185) — Holmes took over as the starter early in the 2005 season, and he continued his strong play a year ago with 62 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and two interceptions.

5. Ricky Wilson, Northern Arizona (Sr., 5-11, 180) — A transfer from the University of Houston, Wilson had 29 tackles and six pass breakups in his first season with the Lumberjacks.

Georgia Southern, led by first-year head coach Chris Hatcher, opens the 2007 season on Saturday, September 8, against West Georgia with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. For ticket information call the Georgia Southern ticket office at (912) 681-0123 or 800-GSU-WINS.