SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Benedict College defensive football staff was recognized as the top HBCU defense for 2018 by the American Football Coaches Association Minority Issues Committee.

Members of the Benedict staff on hand for the AFCA national convention in San Antonio were recognized by committee chairman Van Malone, defensive quality control coach at Mississippi State and former defensive coordinator at Southern Methodist University.

"As a committee, we are focused on honoring the accomplishments of coaches and players in the HBCU ranks," Malone said.

Defensive assistant coaches for Benedict include Ronnie Baker, defensive coordinator; Darrell Suber, defensive line; and Demetrie McCray, secondary.

The Tigers had one of the top-ranked defenses in all of NCAA Division II last season. Benedict ranked third in Division II in total defense, allowing teams an average of 232.3 yards per game. Benedict also ranked fourth in rushing defense (72.7 yards per game), seventh in team passing defense efficiency and seventh in tackles for loss.