Sports Network Preseason All-American Team  |

PHILADELPHIA – Senior wide receiver Erik Lora has been named to the 2013 Sports Network Preseason All-American First Team released on Monday.  Lora is the only EIU player to land on the list as Sports Network released a preseason first, second and third team.

Lora set the FCS record for pass receptions last year making 136 catches for 1,664 yards.  The 1,664 yards was the fifth highest in FCS history.  Lora set both the OVC and EIU record for single game receptions with 21 during the season.  He was named a consensus first team All-American following the 2012 season while finishing fourth in voting for the Walter Payton Award.  Lora was named the OVC Offensive Player of the Year for football and the OVC Male Athlete of the Year encompassing all sports.

This preseason Lora has been named to All-American lists by both Sporting News and Lindy's publications.  Lindy's named Lora the FCS Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.  Lora has also been named a preseason All-American by BeyondSportsNetwork.com and named to the preseason wide receiver watch list by College Football Performance Awards.

EIU opens the 2013 season on August 31 at San Diego State.  The home opener is Sept. 14 against Illinois State in the Mid-America Classic.  Season tickets are on sale by calling 217-581-2106 or online at www.eiupanthertickets.com  

Joining Lora on the preseason first team from the Ohio Valley Conference were tight end A.C. Leonard from Tennessee State, return specialist Walter Powell from Murray State and defensive back Steven Godbolt from Tennessee State.