Receiver Jeremy Johnson was named All-Conference USA honorable mention for his 2012 season as a junior. (Courtesy of AP)

In the inaugural season of the American Athletic Conference four football players from SMU have been named to the All-Conference team including seniors Kenneth Acker, Jeremy Johnson, Randall Joyner and junior Traylon Shead.

During his junior campaign, Acker was a solid cornerback, breaking up a team-high 12 passes and intercepting three. The senior will be relied on heavily this season for his experience and play-making ability. In the Mustangs Sept. 10 win against Stephen F. Austin State University, Acker recorded two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, while recording another touchdown on a blocked field goal.

Receiver Johnson returns to SMU after last year’s stellar performance when the Tyler-native notched 679 yards and three touchdowns on 67 grabs.

The new leader of the Mustangs defense, linebacker Joyner hopes to have as high a performance in 2013 as he did in last year’s campaign. Joyner tallied 93 tackles, good for second best on the team, along with three interceptions, tying him for the team lead with Acker.

After transferring from Navarro Junior College, junior Shead will look to continue his dominant run after being named an honorable mention All-American last season after rushing for nearly 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’ll definitely have big shoes to fill after the departure of Zach Line, but with head coach June Jones behind him, Shead should blossom quickly for SMU.

The Mustangs will lean heavily on these four upperclassmen, but each one has clearly shown they can handle the spotlight on the Hilltop.