Dillon honored, GSU picked to win SWAC

Grambling State University junior quarterback Greg Dillon, a Bogalusa native and Lumberjack alum, earned a spot on the Southwestern Athletic Conference preseason all-conference second team as voted on by the media Wednesday.

While he said he appreciates the honor, he’s not satisfied with being on the second team.

“It’s big for me, but I’d rather be on the first team. I’m pushing myself to get to that level to be on the first team,” Dillon said. “I’m really just pushing myself to be the best I can. It’s a good honor, but I’m just here to win.”

The Tigers were picked as the overwhelming favorite to win their division. Doing so would give Grambling its third straight division title and allow the Tigers a chance to play for a second straight league championship, but Dillon said he’s simply focused on the future.

“We really try not to look at it as a repeat. We’re trying to work like we’re just starting all the way over,” he said.  “We’ve really been working hard this summer and we think we’ve got a good chance to make it back to the championship.

“It’s a good thing to be picked to repeat, but you know that you’re going to have a bull’s eye on your back,” Dillon said. 

The Tigers were well represented in the poll. Offensive lineman Revay Smith, defensive lineman Christian Anthony and defensive back Kenneth Anio were named to the first team, while running back Cornelius Walker joined Dillon on the second team. Anthony was named preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Earning first-team and preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors was quarterback Bryant Lee of Southern. Overall, eight Jaguars were honored. Joining Dillon on the first team were offensive lineman Ramon Chinyoung and wide receiver Juamorris Stewart. Jaguars on the second team included offensive lineman Lee Almanza, defensive lineman Dexter James, linebacker Allan Baugh and punter Josh Duran.