Emmanuel Sanders was named to the All-Freshman team at two positions.

We may not be going to a bowl game this year but SMU’s future has potential.

Five SMU football players were named to the 2006 Media All-Freshman team, Conference USA announced today. While 10 of the league’s 12 teams are represented on the All-Freshman team, SMU put a league-high five players in six positions on the squad.

SMU’s starting quarterback Justin Wills was named as the quarterback for the All-Freshman team while Mustang teammate Emmanuel Sanders claimed two spots as both wide receiver and kick returner. Sanders had seven receiving touchdowns in conference play and averaged 14.7 yards per catch. He was third in the league for kickoff returns with an average of 24.0 yards per return.

Willis pumped a little bit of life back into the Mustang offense by setting a new school record of 26 touchdown passes this season. He was also ranked 10th in the nation for passing efficiency after particularly successful games against Sam Houston State and Arkansas State.

Defensive back Bryan McCann claimed the only defensive position for the Mustangs while Head Coach Phil Bennett’s son, Sam Bennett, made the squad in the long snapper position. McCann had 38 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception in the 2006 season.

James Mapps rounded out the bunch as the All-Freshman selection for running back. His 132 rushing yards against Arkansas St. was the highest on the SMU squad this year.

Just behind SMU with five players on the All-Freshman team is East Carolina, which is most likely heading to a bowl game this year. The Pirates took the awards for two offensive linemen, two defensive linemen and one linebacker.

The 2006 Media Freshman of the Year will be announced by C-USA on Wednesday.