As much as offense catches the eye of most casual football fans, defense has always been the heart of HBCU football with many of the game’s greatest players coming on that side of the ball.
This season will see several players at the Division II level etch their name in history among those all-time greats.
Here are some of the top defensive players in Division II HBCU football to watch in the 2025 season.
Jayshaun Alston DL, Virginia State
Had the CIAA handed out a Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Award entering the 2025 season, Virginia State defensive lineman Jayshaun Alston would have been a strong candidate. In 2024, Alston led a Trojans defense that ranked 11th in the country, claiming a spot in the CIAA championship game. He finished the year with 29 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Xavier Esquillen DL, Savannah State
Xavier Esquillen led a Savannah State defensive unit that showed tremendous promise as an X factor team in the SIAC. He posted 32 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups. Esquillen is one of two returning defensive lineman that was selected to the All-SIAC team last season.
Davion Watkins DL, Livingstone
Livingstone is another team on the rise led by a defensive unit patrolled by rising star Davion Watkins. Watkins’ spectacular play helped catapult Livingstone to its first winning season in nearly a decade. His number showed 47 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery.
Mike White DL, Central State
If Central State finds a way to put itself in SIAC championship contention, it’s a safe bet to think Mike White will have a lot to do with it. White has been a consistent performer in his three seasons at Central State, producing 156 total tackles, 37.0 tackles for loss, four passes defended, five forced fumbles, and eight blocked kicks.
Ty’Metrius Patterson LB, Benedict
The Benedict Tigers enter the 2025 season as a sleeper contender in the SIAC, largely based on the wealth of talent on defense. The first of two Benedict linebackers, Ty’Metrius Patterson had a star-making performance in his first season with the team, leading to being named SIAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. His dominant season featured 53 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Isaiah Stephens LB, Benedict
Also playing in his first season with Benedict last year, Isaiah Stephens delivered well enough to warrant selection to the All-SIAC Second Team. Stephens totaled 68 tackles (sixth in the SIAC), 6.5 tackles for loss, and two pass breakups.
Marquis Edmond DB, Virginia State
One of two Virginia State Trojan defensive backs featured, reigning CIAA Rookie of the Year Marquis Edmond is looking to elevate his game as he enters his sophomore year. Edmond finished his freshman campaign with 37 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a pass breakup and a forced fumble.
Donovan Howard DB, Virginia State
Another Trojans defensive back that made up a loaded secondary unit that ranked 11th in the country in passing yards allowed is rising junior Donovan Howard. After receiving limited playing time in his first two seasons at Virginia State, Howard introduced himself to the CIAA with an all-conference selection. He put up 26 tackles, two interceptions, and three pass breakups.
Dahlil Wilkins DB, Clark Atlanta
While Clark Atlanta’s offense will rightfully garner the attention of fans, led by two-time SIAC Player of the Year David Wright III, Dahlil Wilkins is an underrated prospect on the Panthers’ defense. Wilkins was a catalyst in Clark Atlanta’s season-opening win over Fort Valley State, snagging two key interceptions. He ended the year with four while also breaking up five passes.
