As a lot as offense catches the attention of most informal soccer followers, protection has at all times been the center of HBCU soccer with lots of the sport’s biggest gamers approaching that facet of the ball.
This season will see a number of gamers on the Division II degree etch their identify in historical past amongst these all-time greats.
Listed below are a few of the prime defensive gamers in Division II HBCU soccer to observe within the 2025 season.
Jayshaun Alston DL, Virginia State
Had the CIAA handed out a Preseason Defensive Participant of the Yr Award coming into the 2025 season, Virginia State defensive lineman Jayshaun Alston would have been a powerful candidate. In 2024, Alston led a Trojans protection that ranked eleventh within the nation, claiming a spot within the CIAA championship sport. He completed the 12 months with 29 complete tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, and two compelled fumbles.
Xavier Esquillen DL, Savannah State
Xavier Esquillen led a Savannah State defensive unit that confirmed super promise as an X issue staff within the SIAC. He posted 32 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two compelled fumbles, and two move breakups. Esquillen is one among two returning defensive lineman that was chosen to the All-SIAC staff final season.
Davion Watkins DL, Livingstone
Livingstone is one other staff on the rise led by a defensive unit patrolled by rising star Davion Watkins. Watkins’ spectacular play helped catapult Livingstone to its first profitable season in almost a decade. His quantity confirmed 47 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and a fumble restoration.
Mike White DL, Central State
If Central State finds a approach to put itself in SIAC championship competition, it’s a protected guess to assume Mike White can have so much to do with it. White has been a constant performer in his three seasons at Central State, producing 156 complete tackles, 37.0 tackles for loss, 4 passes defended, 5 compelled fumbles, and eight blocked kicks.
Ty’Metrius Patterson LB, Benedict
The Benedict Tigers enter the 2025 season as a sleeper contender within the SIAC, largely primarily based on the wealth of expertise on protection. The primary of two Benedict linebackers, Ty’Metrius Patterson had a star-making efficiency in his first season with the staff, resulting in being named SIAC Preseason Defensive Participant of the Yr. His dominant season featured 53 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and three compelled fumbles.
Isaiah Stephens LB, Benedict
Additionally taking part in in his first season with Benedict final 12 months, Isaiah Stephens delivered properly sufficient to warrant choice to the All-SIAC Second Group. Stephens totaled 68 tackles (sixth within the SIAC), 6.5 tackles for loss, and two move breakups.
Marquis Edmond DB, Virginia State
One in all two Virginia State Trojan defensive backs featured, reigning CIAA Rookie of the Yr Marquis Edmond is trying to elevate his sport as he enters his sophomore 12 months. Edmond completed his freshman marketing campaign with 37 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a move breakup and a compelled fumble.
Donovan Howard DB, Virginia State
One other Trojans defensive again that made up a loaded secondary unit that ranked eleventh within the nation in passing yards allowed is rising junior Donovan Howard. After receiving restricted taking part in time in his first two seasons at Virginia State, Howard launched himself to the CIAA with an all-conference choice. He put up 26 tackles, two interceptions, and three move breakups.
Dahlil Wilkins DB, Clark Atlanta
Whereas Clark Atlanta’s offense will rightfully garner the eye of followers, led by two-time SIAC Participant of the Yr David Wright III, Dahlil Wilkins is an underrated prospect on the Panthers’ protection. Wilkins was a catalyst in Clark Atlanta’s season-opening win over Fort Valley State, snagging two key interceptions. He ended the 12 months with 4 whereas additionally breaking apart 5 passes.
