ATLANTA -- Miles head football coach Sam Shade could be in a position to win big in his first season at the helm of the Golden Bears football program.

Five student-athletes - Mitchell Smiley, Tyler Lowery, Roosevelt Thompson, Marcus Lodge and Jackson Spradlin - were named to the Preseason All-Conference team at the SIAC Football Media Day today at the College Football Hall of Fame. Additionally, the Golden Bears were picked to win the Western Division and earn a spot in the conference championship game for what would be a fourth consecutive time. All selections were earned by votes from the league's head football coaches and media relations professionals.

Smiley, a graduate senior from Huntsville, Ala., was selected as a First Team defensive back. The two-time All-SIAC selection has also been an all-conference pick at linebacker. After switching positions last season, he racked up 45 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and two interceptions, which led the team. Lowery, who was also a First Team All-SIAC pick in 2021, was named to the preseason First Team on the offensive line. The junior from Evergreen, Ala., started every game last season for the West Division winners, who were third in the conference in rushing yards per game while allowing the fourth-fewest sacks per game.

Thompson, a sophomore from Dixon Mills, Ala., was named to the preseason First Team on the defensive line. Last season, he played in every game on the interior line with 10 starts. He finished with 34 tackles (18 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a blocked kick on special teams. Lodge, a redshirt junior from Plantation, Fla., was named to the First Team at wide receiver. Last year, he had some great moments in his first season and stands atop the depth chart after catching a team-high 20 passes for 318 yards and two touchdowns.

The final member is Spradlin, a senior from Dora, Ala., who was selected to the Second Team as the place kicker. He has had a remarkable career at Miles and last season, he added on to his impressive numbers. He made 7-of-11 field goals, including a long of 50 yards, and 32-of-35 extra points.

Miles was picked ahead of (in order) Lane, Tuskegee, Kentucky State, and Central State in the Preseason Order of Finish in the West Division. The Golden Bears will open the season on Sept. 2