Jeremy Chinn named Stats FCS Preseason All-American

CARBONDALE - Southern Illinois University senior safety Jeremy Chinn was named to the Stats FCS Preseason All-America Team on Tuesday. A First-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection in 2018, he led the Salukis with three interceptions a year ago.

"I think he is the best safety in the country and a guy who will be playing on Sundays," said SIU head coach Nick Hill. "In addition to his outstanding physical talent, he's a tremendous person, a student of the game, a leader on our team."

Chinn started nine games last season, including two starts at cornerback, before missing the last two games of the season with an injury. He was second on the team in tackles (55) and among the conference leaders in tackles per game (6.1). He also led Southern with nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal.

A starter since midway through his freshman season, Chinn ranks among the school's career leaders in interceptions (9), pass breakups (24) and forced fumbles (6).

The MVFC had 16 total selections on the STATS Preseason All-America Team, which was highest among conferences.