Wildcats picked fourth; Manning honored

Kingsville picked to win LSC South; Manning named top defender

RICHARDSON -- Abilene Christian has been picked to finish fourth in the Lone Star Conference South Division football race in 2005, according to the league's annual pre-season poll that was announced Tuesday.

Longtime league kingpin Texas A&M-Kingsville has been picked to win its fifth straight division title, although LSC South newcomer Tarleton State and Midwestern State -- along with ACU -- are expected to give the Javelinas a run for their money.

ACU junior defensive back Danieal Manning was named LSC South Division Pre-Season Defensive Player of the Year, edging out Texas A&M-Kingsville linebacker Deandrae Fillmore by five votes.  All Manning did last year was earn first team all-LSC South Division honors, LSC South Division Defensive Back of the Year acclaim and consensus NCAA all-Southwest Region and all-America status.

For more on the poll and Manning, click here.