SAN MARCOS, Texas – One of the top returners on the Texas State defense, redshirt senior Tory Spears was slotted to the 2023 Dave Campbell's Texas Football Preseason All-Texas Second Team as the publication announced its preseason best in the state of Texas.
 
In his fourth year as a Bobcat, Spears was named All-Sun Belt honorable mention by coaches and media last season after he totaled 77 tackles (41 solo), 2.5 TFLs, an interception and three pass breakups in 10 games. The total tackles were a career-high while he finished third on the Bobcat defense in that category despite missing two games.
 
Spears was named Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week in early October last season after he had an interception returned for a touchdown along with 12 tackles in a win against App State. It was the safety's first career conference weekly award.
 
In 27 career games at Texas State, Spears has 163 tackles, five pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
 
Spears, who is one of four starters returning on the Texas State defense in 2023, has also earned preseason all-conference accolades from Athlon Sports (third team) and Phil Steele (fourth team).
 
More preseason awards are scheduled to roll in for Texas State over the next couple of weeks. The Sun Belt Conference will announce its preseason teams and coaches preseason poll on July 24.
 
The Bobcats are 51 days from opening their first season under new head coach GJ Kinne. Texas State will take on Baylor in the season opener on Sept. 2 while it will host its home opener on Sept. 16 against Jackson State.
 
Season tickets, half-season plans, and single-game tickets for all six home games at Bobcat Stadium are on sale now at TXST.com/tickets.