The Indiana State Sycamore football team has been picked to finish seventh this fall in the Gateway Football Conference according to a preseason poll of league head coaches, sports information directors and a media panel. In addition, seniors Shonda Faulkner and Bryan Jackson have been named honorable mention selections to the preseason all-conference squad.

The preseason poll was released as part of the Gateway Football Media Day activities today (July 24).

Faulkner will be a senior this fall for the Sycamores as a linebacker. Last season, he played in nine games, posting 63 total tackles. He was credited with 27 solo stops, including six tackles for losses as well as a trio of sacks. Faulkner recorded a season-best 13 tackles at Western Illinois, while his three sacks finished the year ranked 11th-best in the Gateway. His 63 total stops were 17th-best in GFC play.

Jackson, a senior strong safety was also an honorable mention selection to the preseason all-conference squad after starting eight games in 2006. He recorded 49 total tackles, including 26 solo stops with a trio of tackles for loss and a sack one season ago. The highlight of Jackson's junior campaign was his 100-yard interception return for a touchdown at Eastern Illinois.

Northern Iowa garnered 11 first place votes in earning the league's preseason championship nod. Right behind the Panthers were Illinois State, Youngstown State and Southern Illinois. Rounding out the poll were Western Illinois, Missouri State and the Sycamores.

Indiana State opens preseason camp on Thursday, August 2 when all players report to campus. The team will conduct its first on-field practice during the afternoon of August 3 with the program's annual Media/Photo Day set for August 4.