Eddie Delaney leads a group of eight UAlbany Great Danes selected to the All-NEC football preseason team by Phil Steele's publication.

A 6-foot-6, senior defensive end, Delaney (right) earned second-team all-conference honors for the second time last season. Delaney totaled 41 tackles and helped the Great Danes rank second in the conference against the run.

Also honored on the preseason first team were wide receiver Ryan Kirchner, safety Jake Ciccarello and punter Paul Layton, a graduate of Burnt Hills.

Kicker Herb Glass, running back Dillon Romain and insider linebackers Dave Plungas and Jon Morgan were picked to the second team.

The Great Danes were chosen to win the 2011 Northeast Conference by Athlon Sports and selected to finish third in The Sporting News and Lindy's Sport Annuals.

UAlbany. which has posted a school record five consecutive winning seasons, begins preseason camp on Monday, Aug. 8 and the Great Danes open the season Saturday, Sept. 3, at Colgate.