The Ultimate All-Time Sun Belt Conference Football Team

The Sun Belt Conference has witnessed incredible talent over the years, with players leaving indelible marks on the league’s history. Here’s a comprehensive look at the all-time Sun Belt football team, highlighting legends who dominated the gridiron.

Quarterbacks

Ryan Aplin (Arkansas State): Aplin is celebrated for his precision and leadership, guiding Arkansas State to multiple conference championships and rewriting record books during his tenure. His impact on the program solidifies him as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Sun Belt history.

Running Backs

Lance Dunbar (North Texas): Known for his agility and explosive plays, Dunbar amassed incredible yardage, becoming a cornerstone of North Texas football.
Bobby Rainey (Western Kentucky): Rainey’s relentless running style earned him back-to-back 1,500+ yard seasons, cementing his place among the Sun Belt’s elite.

Wide Receivers

T.Y. Hilton (Florida International): A game-changing talent, Hilton electrified fans with his speed and ability to turn routine catches into touchdowns. His versatility made him a nightmare for defenses.
Jerrel Jernigan (Troy): Jernigan’s knack for big plays and reliability as a target helped him carve out a memorable career, leaving defenses struggling to contain him.

Tight End

Ladarius Green (Louisiana-Lafayette): A dominant presence at tight end, Green was as effective in the passing game as he was as a blocker, earning a reputation for his versatility.

Offensive Line

The offensive line is anchored by standout talents like Matt Mandich (Arkansas State), Tyler Clark (Troy), Brad Bustle (Louisiana-Lafayette), Daniel Quave (Louisiana-Lafayette), and Dylan Lineberry (North Texas), who combined skill, power, and consistency to protect quarterbacks and pave the way for prolific running games.

Defensive Line

DeMarcus Ware (Troy): A Sun Belt icon, Ware’s relentless pass-rushing abilities launched him into a Hall of Fame-caliber NFL career.
Alex Carrington (Arkansas State) and Adrian Awasom (North Texas) complemented Ware with their strength and ability to disrupt offenses.

Linebackers

Boris Lee (Troy): Lee’s instincts and tackling prowess made him a dominant force in the Sun Belt.
Erik Walden (Middle Tennessee), Frantz Joseph (Florida Atlantic), and Cardia Jackson (Louisiana-Monroe) brought grit and determination, excelling in coverage and run-stopping duties.

Defensive Backs

Charles Tillman (Louisiana-Lafayette): “Peanut” Tillman was a lockdown corner who later enjoyed a celebrated NFL career.
Greg James (Louisiana-Monroe) held his own in a league of talented receivers, while safeties Johnathan Cyprien (Florida International) and Tyrell Johnson (Arkansas State) provided exceptional coverage and run support.

Specialists

Brett Baer (Louisiana-Lafayette) ranks as one of the most accurate kickers in conference history.
Joel Stelly (Louisiana-Monroe), a reliable punter, rounded out this impressive team, ensuring field position battles often swung in their favor.

This all-time Sun Belt Conference team represents the best of the best, featuring athletes whose talents and contributions have stood the test of time. These legends continue to inspire future generations of Sun Belt players.