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PRESEASON RECOGNITION — Texas A&M-Commerce football players (from left) Max Epps (14), Darien Taylor (25), Leon Young (99), and Sean Krystoff-King (28) were recently named to the All-SLC preseason football team. All four athletes will look to contribute in a big way for the Lions this upcoming season. Submitted Photos
FRISCO — Four Texas A&M University-Commerce football players earned preseason all-conference recognition from the Southland Conference.
Leon Young (Dallas – Cedar Hill), Max Epps (Spring – Dekaney), and Daryion Taylor (Humble – Atascocita) are named to second team all-conference defense, while Sean Krystoff-King (Humble – Summer Creek) is selected as a second team all-conference kick returner.
Young, who enters his junior season, was part of the defensive unit that finished first in the Southland Conference last season for total defense. The defensive lineman played in all 11 games last season, totaling 26 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Epps posted 37 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, four breakups and two interceptions last season in the secondary. He is entering his junior season as well.
Taylor was third on the team last season with 63 tackles as well as six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, playing primarily as a defensive back. He also recorded two interceptions, one breakup, and forced fumble, entering his senior season.
Krystoff-King goes into his sophomore season as one of the best returners in the Southland. He averaged 22.67 per return last season with the longest return of 59 yards. He finished the 2022 season fifth in the SLC in return average and return yardage.
Returning all-conference selections from the previous season are automatically named to the preseason all-conference teams and may advance to higher team slots if they are vacated by non-returning players. Open positions are nominated and voted upon by the conference's head coaches.
The Lions begin the 2023 season on August 31 at home against UC Davis. A&M-Commerce went 3-3 in SLC play last season.
The Southland Conference Media Day takes place on Monday at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. virtually on ESPN+. A&M-Commerce's contingent is slated to appear at 1:30 p.m.
Season tickets, tailgate spots, and reserved parking spots for the 2023 season are now on sale and can be purchased at LionAthletics. com/Tickets or by calling 903-468-8756.