South Carolina State is the home of the top defensive players in the MEAC. Tuesday in New York Bulldogs junior linebacker Darius Leonard was named MEAC Defensive Player Of The Year. He completes the season as the top player as he was picked as the MEAC Preseason Defensive Player Of The Year.
The Lake View product led the conference with 124 tackles which is ranked sixth in the FCS. He is also ranked fourth in the FCS with 78 solo tackles.
Along with those numerous tackles he had 14.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks, forced four fumbles and had two interceptions. He even blocked two kicks. He also added a receiving touchdown this year which is the first offensive score of his career.
SC State becomes the first school in MEAC history to have four straight defensive player of the year winners. Current Pittsburgh Steeler Javon Hargrave won the award in 2014 and 2015 and Joe Thomas in 2013.
Leonard is also a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award which goes to the FCS Defensive Player of the Year.