Football | 12/5/2022 2:01:00 PM

ITTA BENA, Miss. – The Mississippi Valley State University football program was well-represented on Phil Steele's All-SWAC teams including one first teamer, five third teamers, and two fourth teamers as announced last week.
 
Ronnie Thomas, a linebacker/defensive end from Clinton, Mississippi, was the team's lone first team selection, broke the program record for sacks in a single season (10.5), finished sixth in the FCS for sacks per game (0.95) and ninth for tackles for loss per game (1.6), and was a finalist for the C Spire Conerly Trophy.

Jacory Rankin (third team), a wide receiver from Port Gibson, Mississippi, ranked seventh in the SWAC in receiving touchdowns (5) and catches per game (3.7), eighth in receiving yards per game (42.1) and yards per reception (11.48), and led the Delta Devils in catches (33) and receiving yards (379).

Sylvester Campbell (third team), a tight end from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was second in the conference for receiving touchdowns by a tight end (4) and caught 13 balls for 124 yards.

Jalen Jones (third team) and James Lofton, an offensive lineman from Memphis, Tennessee and La Marque, Texas, respectively, combined to start 18 games for the Green and White.

Jalen Bell (third team), a defensive lineman from Detroit, Michigan, ended the year 13th in the FCS in fumbles recovered (2) while fronting the defense in forced fumbles (2) and collecting a total of 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 43 tackles.

Orlando Fernandez (third team), a specialist from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, won SWAC Special Teams Player of the Week in his final game at Valley State, slotting eighth in the league with 0.64 field goals made a contest.

Jayren Fox (fourth team), a linebacker from Cordele, Georgia, recorded 52 tackles, six tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and a pass breakup.

Follow the Mississippi Valley State football program on Twitter (@ValleyStateFB) and Instagram (@ValleyStateFB).
 
Follow the Delta Devils and Devilettes on Facebook (Mississippi Valley State Athletics), Twitter (@MVSUDevilSports) and Instagram (@MVSUDevilSports).
 
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