FLORENCE, Ala. -- The University of North Alabama has placed six student-athletes on the 2021 Phil Steele Pre-season All-Big South Conference football team, including three members of the Lions' defense.

Senior punter Joe Gurley of Killen, Ala., a 2020 All-Big South selection, was named to first-team of the pre-season squad.

Redshirt junior receivers Dexter Boykin of Farfield, Ala., and Cortez Hall of Hoover, Ala., were second and third team all-conference picks, respectively.

Senior defensive end Wallace Cowins of Conyers, Ga., senior linebacker Will Evans of Haleyville, Ala., and senior defensive back K.J. Smith of Perry, Ga., were all named to the second-team All-Big South team.

UNA opens its 2021 fall season on Sept. 4, against Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond, La.