The Big Sky released its preseason all-conference team, with half a dozen Northern California products making the list, including one consensus pick.
Weber State tight end Andrew Vollert (St. Ignatius) was a consensus pick for the team, after earning All-American status last season and being named the Big Sky Newcomer of the Year. He had 62 catches for 840 yards and seven touchdowns last year.
Cal Poly fullback Joe Protheroe (Clayton Valley), who also earned All-American honors last season, was another easy choice for the list, returning off a season in which he led the conference in rushing with 1,334 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Cornerback Taron Johnson (Sheldon) and punter Jacob DeMaio (Monte Vista) were two more of the four Weber State players to make the preseason team. DeMaio averaged 43.5 yards per punt last season, seventh in the nation, while Johnson had 12 pass break-ups, best in the Big Sky.
The other NorCal products to make the list include UC Davis receiver Keelan Doss (Alameda) and Sacramento State defensive end Ben Sorensen (Buchanan). Doss and Sorensen were the only selections from their respective schools. Last season, Doss was named to the Hero Sports Sophomore All-America team after 911 yards and 10 touchdowns through the air.
