The Georgia Southern University Eagles have been a force in defense and rushing offense gained all year, and on Tuesday, the Southern Conference Media Association and SoCon Coaches recognized them.

Seven Eagles were named to All-Conference teams by the media and three were selected to the First-Team defense by the coaches.

Junior offensive tackle Dorian Byrd, named by the media and SoCon coaches to the First Team Offense, helped lead to a rushing offense that was ranked first in the SoCon in touchdowns, rushing yards and average yards per game.

Senior defensive tackle Brent Russell was also named to the First Team Defense by the media for the third year in a row. He has finished the season with 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, tying the GSU career sacks record at 24 with Edward Thomas.

The coaches of the conference voted three players onto the First Defense Team from the Eagles, players that these coaches thought contributed to winning the automatic playoff bid and a share of the SoCon Championship.

Three GSU seniors, defensive end Deion Dubose, defensive backs Darius Eubanks and JJ Wilcox were named by the coaches of the league to the First Team Defense. The SoCon media also recognized Dubose, Eubanks and Wilcox to the Second Team defense.

Junior defensive tackle Javon Mention, who led the 2012 team with 6.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss, was also named to the second team defense by the media along with his three senior teammates.

Sophomore right guard, Logan Daves, was named by the media to Second Team Offense thanks to his contribution to the GSU offense.

Two freshman were named to All-Freshman teams by the coaches of the conference. Linebacker Patrick Flow was included by the coaches to the SoCon All-Freshman Defense, thanks to his two sacks, three tackles for loss and 32 tackles this season. Place-kicker Alex Hanks was named to the All-Freshman Specials team for his play this season.

Hanks made six of his 14 field goal attempts this season. Of the eight that he missed, three were blocked.

These Eagles will look to earn their honors and defend Allen E. Paulson stadium after a bye-week on Dec. 1 during the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs against the eighth-ranked University of Central Arkansas.