The list of preseason expectations continue to pile up for the U football team.

After having already received praise from Athlon and The Sporting News, Football News became the latest media outlet to tout the U and its players as the News’ preseason collegiate football issue hit the stands July 15.

Six U football players were named by Football News to the all-Mountain West Conference preseason football team.

Three of the Utes selected were all-conference performers a year ago. Defensive tackle Garrett Smith, linebacker Sheldon Deckart and rush end Jason Kaufusi all earned the honor in 2001 in leading the U defense to a No. 1 ranking in the MWC.

Joining the three defensive stalwarts on Football News’ pre-season all-MWC list are safety Antwoine Sanders (the team’s interception leader from a year ago), starting quarterback Lance Rice and offensive lineman Jordan Gross.

Of course, the selections don’t mean anything until the U hits the field. The six players get the chance to prove themselves worthy on Aug. 31, when the Utes open at Utah State.