By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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The Associated Press has released its 2012 FCS All-American Team, with six players from Southern Conference schools receiving first-team honors.

The Associated Press has released its 2012 FCS All-American Team, with six players from Southern Conference schools receiving first-team honors.

Walter Payton Award finalist Eric Breitenstein from Wofford headlines the SoCon’s list of representatives. Now a two-time first-team All-American, Breitenstein rushed for over 2,000 yards for the Terriers in 2012.

Elon’s Aaron Mellette earned first-team honors at wide receiver after leading the FCS in receiving touchdowns (18) and finishing second in the FCS in receiving yards per game (127.1).

Junior offensive lineman Mike Sellers from The Citadel made the jump to the first team after being selected as an honorable mention selection following last season. Sellers, who was recruited by The Citadel as a defensive lineman, is also a two-time All-Conference player for Kevin Higgins’ Bulldogs.

Georgia Southern defensive lineman Brent Russell once again earned first-team All-American honors in 2012.

Russell, who was also selected as a first-team All-American in 2010 and 2011, recorded 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks while facing nearly constant double teams this season.

The other SoCon defensive player selected to the first team is Samford defensive back Jaquiski Tartt, who intercepted four passes in 2012, despite rarely getting the opportunity to make plays on the football due to his stellar reputation in coverage.

Appalachian State punter Sam Martin rounded out the SoCon’s selections. Martin averaged nearly 46 yards per punt for the Mountaineers this season.