Jim Connell/News-Leader
Missouri State placed five players on the Missouri Valley Football Conference 2017 Preseason Team, the 10-member conference announced Monday.
First-team selections for the Bears include wide receiver Malik Earl, kick returner Deion Holliman and defensive lineman Colby Isbell. Additionally, Coleman Clanton and McNeece Egbim picked up honorable mention recognition from the league's coaches, media and sports information directors.
A senior from Oklahoma City, Earl hauled in a team-high 41 receptions for 534 yards and three touchdowns for MSU in 2016 to earn postseason honorable mention All-MVFC recognition.