LEXINGTON, Va. – After an excellent 2019 season as the team's primary long snapper, VMI junior Robert Soderholm was named a HERO Sports FCS Preseason All-American announced this week by the website.
 
The Stafford, Virginia, native was named a First Team Sophomore All-American last season by HERO Sports. He enters the 2020 campaign as a Third Team All-American nominee.
 
In 2019 he played a huge role in VMI's improved special teams play. He was responsible for clean snaps to punter/holder Reed King, allowing King time to send off long punts or to allow kicker Grant Clemons the optimal scenario for a successful field goal try.

"Robert was our starting long snapper for field goals, extra points, and punts last season," said VMI head coach Scott Wachenheim. "His snapping accuracy led to significantly improved performances in our kicking game. Most notably, Grant Clemons' 56-yard field goal that sent the game to overtime vs. Samford last season. It is fitting for Robert's efforts to be recognized by HERO Sports."
 
Last December he was honored with teammate wide receiver Jakob Herres, who was also named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American, as well as receiver Leroy Thomas, who garnered Freshman All-America recognition by the same organization.
 
A total of nine Southern Conference student-athletes were named to HERO Sports' Preseason All-America teams. The Citadel, ranked 21st in the HERO Sports Preseason FCS Top 25, led the SoCon with three total preseason All-America selections, while Furman, ranked 14th, had two. ETSU, Samford, Chattanooga and VMI had one each.
 
Full Release:
https://herosports.com/fcs/football-2020-preseason-all-americans-ajaj