2023, May 31st: "Hiers Named Preseason All-American By Athlon Sports"

Since Miles' pre-season All-Americans were posted here earlier today, it seemed to make sense to also note Samford's own Birmingham native who was also so honoured a few weeks back. 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – With less than 100 days left until kickoff at Seibert Stadium, Samford senior quarterback Michael Hiers was named a Preseason All-American by Athlon Sports, the publication announced on Wednesday morning. 

Hiers was named an All-American by the Associated Press and Stats Perform following his debut season for the Bulldogs in 2022. This is his first preseason award heading into the 2023 season.

The reigning Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year threw for a league-best 3,544 yards and 36 touchdowns to tie Devlin Hodges' single-season mark that he set in 2016. 

Hiers ranked top 10 nationally in completion percentage (76.6%/1st), completions per game (27.15/3rd), passing efficiency (165.2/8th), passing touchdowns (36/4th), passing yards (3,544/6th), points responsible for (2,234/6th) and points responsible per game (18/7th) for the 2022 season. 

Looking to defend its SoCon title, Samford opens the 2023 season on Thursday, Aug. 31 at Seibert Stadium against Shorter.