GREENVILLE, S.C. (July 23, 2024) – The Southern Conference unveiled its annual Preseason Coaches' Poll and Preseason All-Conference teams on Tuesday afternoon as a part of the league's Media Day in Greenville, S.C. ETSU's Chris Hope, Nate Brackett and Luke Smith were named to the Preseason All-SoCon First Team, while the Bucs were picked to finish sixth by the league's coaches.

Hope, who was an All-SoCon Second Team pick by the media last season, started all 11 games for the Bucs in 2023. The Buccaneer defensive back led the team with 94 tackles, while adding 2.5 tackles for loss, a half sack and five pass break-ups. Hope posted four games with double-digit tackles and totaled a career-high 12 tackles against Jacksonville State and Western Carolina. Hope also totaled six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a half sack versus Mercer and picked up eight solo tackles against Samford. The senior safety ranked 11th nationally in solo tackles per game (5.6) and 39th in total tackles per game (8.5).
 
In his return to action in 2023, Brackett established himself as one of the top punters in the SoCon. Brackett totaled 47 punts on the 2023 season and averaged 43.37 yards per attempt. Four of those punts were touchbacks and Brackett pinned the opponents inside the 20-yard line 21 times. Brackett recorded a new career-long 70-yard punt in a victory over Carson-Newman on September 9, which ranked as the 15th-longest at the FCS level in 2023. Thirteen of his punts went 50 yards or more. He finished the season ranked 14th nationally in punt average (43.37). For his play last season, Brackett was named to the All-SoCon First Team by the league's coaches. Additionally, he was named the SoCon Student-Athlete of the Week on September 13.
 
In his first season with ETSU, Smith was a key cog in the offensive line. Smith played in and started all 11 games at center for the Bucs. Smith helped open holes for ETSU's running game that was arguably the strength of the 2023 team as the Bucs ran for over 100 yards in seven of the 11 games in 2023 and topped the 200-yard mark four times. One of those 200-plus yard rushing days came on November 4 against VMI where the Bucs ran for 286 yards and three scores. For his play all season long, Smith landed a spot on the All-SoCon Second Team. 
 
The Bucs will open the 2024 season at Appalachian State on August 31. ETSU's home opener is set for September 7 vs. UVA Wise from Bank of Tennessee Field at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium. Season tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now. Visit etsutickets.com for more information and/or to purchase today.
 
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