Redhawks' Spada named preseason All-American

Southeast Missouri State senior punter Doug Spada has received yet another All-American honor, being named to the first team of the 2009 Sports Network Preseason All-America squad.

Spada earned his second All-American honor this preseason, having been named to the Consensus Draft Services All-America team last month.

Spada ranked third in the nation and led the Ohio Valley Conference with an average of 44.7 yards per punt last season.

Following his junior season, Spada made four All-American squads, including a first-team nod from the American Football Coaches Association. He also earned All-American honorable mention as a sophomore.

Spada is the third football player at Southeast to earn All-American honors in multiple years, joining punter David Simonhoff (2004 to 2006) and tight end Ray Goodson (2003 and 2004).

Spada was among six OVC players named to this year's preseason Sports Network All-America squads, with the only other first-teamer being Murray State senior defensive end Austen Lane.

Eastern Kentucky senior offensive tackle Derek Hardman and Eastern Illinois senior offensive guard Chaz Millard were the second-team selections.

Third-team picks were Jacksonville State senior defensive back Carnell Clark and Tennessee Tech junior return specialist Henry Sailes.

Southeast opens the 2009 season Sept. 3 at home against Quincy.