Nittany Lions seniors Justin Kurpeikis and Kareem McKenzie have been selected to the preseason All-American teams.

Kurpeikis, a defensive end from Allison Park, was a second-team All-American pick by Street & Smith's College Football 2000. McKenzie, a tackle from Willingboro, N.J., was tabbed as a second-team All American by The Football News.

The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Kurpeikis anchors the Penn State defense this season after the departures of Brandon Short, Courtney Brown and LaVar Arrington among others.

He started every game last season at defensive end, recording 52 tackles (39 solo). Kurpeikis also notched nine sacks, second most on the squad behind Arrington. The former Central Catholic standout totaled 13 tackles for loss, resulting in a loss of 69 yards. He also forced a fumble, broke up three passes and compiled 10 tackles in Penn State's 24-0 win against Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl.

McKenzie, who previously had been selected a first-team All-American by Lindy's Sports and to the third-team squad by Athlon Sports, was the only Penn State offensive lineman to start every game.

Coach Joe Paterno's team returns 32 letterwinners and nine starters from last year's Alamo Bowl winning team. The season kicks off when Penn State makes its fourth appearance in the Kickoff Classic, facing Southern California Aug. 27 in Giants Stadium. ABC will televise the sold-out contest.