GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Just over a month out from the launch of the 2024 campaign, the Southern Conference announced The Citadel senior James Platte as a SoCon Preseason All-Conference selection, distinguishing the standout punter as a second-team choice on the special teams unit. Additionally, the league released the 2024 Southern Conference Preseason Coaches Poll to round out Media Days festivities, slotting the Bulldogs as ninth overall behind eight total votes.

Platte, a native of Aiken, S.C., composed a competitive 2023 season as the team's primary punter, posting an 43.1 average on the year -- good for 15th nationally and third league-wide -- behind 49 total punts, notably landing 14 inside the 20-yard line with 18 sailing over 50 yards.

Next up, The Citadel opens the 2024 campaign against regional rival Charleston Southern on Saturday, Aug. 31 before turning around the next weekend for the program's initial home clash with South Carolina State on Saturday, Sept. 7.