ATLANTA- Georgia State junior Rashid Alarape has been named to the All-Sun Belt Preseason Team as announced by the league office on Tuesday. In addition to the preseason honor, the Panthers were voted as the third place team in the preseason poll.

Alarape had three goals last season and played in every match for the Panthers. The defender had a .538 shot on goal percentage, with 14 of his 26 shots being on target.

Alarape spent his summer working out with the U23 Nigerian Olympic Team as they prepared for the Olympics. The team trained in Panthersville prior to heading to Rio, and Georgia State men's soccer head coach Brett Surrency was able to set the opportunity in motion.

Georgia State finished last season in second place, falling to Hartwick in the Sun Belt Championship final 3-0. The Sun Belt defending champions were voted to come in second place, while Sun Belt newcomer No. 21 Coastal Carolina was voted the top team.

The Panthers will open their season on the road at Mercer on Friday at 7 p.m. The team will host Memphis in the home opener on Aug. 28 at noon.