BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Gulf South Conference head football coaches have picked the University of North Alabama to finish second in their annual preseason poll released Tuesday by the league office.

Delta State, the two-time defending champion, was picked to win the GSC with seven first-place votes and 96 total points. UNA received two first-place votes and 88 points, while Valdosta State was picked third with two first-place votes and 87 points. Arkansas-Monticello was picked fourth, followed by Arkansas Tech, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, West Alabama, Harding, Southern Arkansas and West Georgia.

The Lions return 33 lettermen from last year's team that went 12-2 and reached the semifinals of the Division II playoffs. Of the Lions' returning players, seven have been chosen for pre-season All-GSC honors. UNA had five players selected for the pre-season All-GSC defensive unit, including lineman Montrell Craft, linebackers Michael Johnson and Larry Wilson and defensive backs Darron Dampier and Chad Daniel.

UNA All-America punter Will Batson and place-kicker Kenny Spencer were also pre-season All-GSC picks.

PRE-SEASON ALL-GSC POLL

1. Delta State (7) 96

2. North Alabama (2) 88

3. Valdosta State (2) 87

4. Arkansas-Monticello (72)

5. Arkansas Tech (59)

6. Henderson State (52)

7. Ouachita Baptist (43)

8. West Alabama (40)

9. Harding (26)

10. Southern Arkansas (23)

11. West Georgia (19)