ATLANTA, Ga. -- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) has announced their All-SIAC preseason football team featuring 26 returning players from the 2022 SIAC Football All-Conference team, with nine Benedict College Tigers earning preseason recognition.

This year's preseason team is led by Benedict College's Loobert Denelus, who was tabbed as the 2023 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year announced Wednesday during the league's media day in Atlanta, Ga. Fort Valley State sophomore quarterback Kelvin Durham was named the preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

Joining Denelus on the preseason First Team is sophomore running back Noah Zaire Scotland.

Seven Tigers were named to the second team, with three on offense and four on defense. Named to the second team were: offensive lineman Mitchell Romig; offensive lineman Roger Smith; and running back Deondra Duehart. Named to the second team on defense were: Jayden Broughton; Aaron Miller; Dedrick Starkes; and Joshua Heyward.

All nominations and votes are submitted by head coaches and sports information directors.

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

Loobert Denelus

Benedict College

Defensive Lineman | Senior | Naples, FL

In the 2022 season, Denelus was recognized as the SIAC Defensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the AFCA All-American team, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive players in the league. His impact was evident in his outstanding rankings in crucial defensive categories.

He led the SIAC and ranked fifth in Division II in sacks per game, averaging an impressive 1.17 sacks per game. Additionally, Denelus showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses by ranking second in the SIAC and ninth in Division II in tackles for loss (TFL) per game, with an average of 1.8 TFL per game.

As a leader of the Benedict defense, he played an instrumental role in their success. Under his guidance, the defense held opponents to an average of just 12.9 points per game, making them the top-ranked defense in the SIAC and fourth in Division II. Furthermore, their total defense was formidable, allowing only 248.2 yards per game, ranking them first in the SIAC and seventh in Division II.

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year

Kelvin Durham

Fort Valley State University

Quarterback | R-Sophomore | Homestead, FL

In his second season directing the FVSU offense, Durham achieved notable accolades such as the SIAC Newcomer of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and a spot on the All-SIAC 1st Team as a quarterback. His exceptional performance propelled him to the top ranks in various offensive categories within the SIAC.

Leading the league in passing touchdowns and total offense yards with 2,252 yards, he proved to be an essential asset for his team. Durham consistently displayed his prowess, ranking second in total offense per game with an average of 225.2 yards, as well as in total offense touchdowns (19), passing yards (1,994 yards), and pass completions (147).

His passing accuracy was commendable, completing 147 of 242 passes, resulting in 16 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Throughout the season, he accumulated a total of 1,994 passing yards with a completion rate of 60.74%. Additionally, he showcased his versatility by rushing 44 times for 258 yards and scoring three touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per carry.

Notably, Durham had six games where he passed for 198 or more yards, consistently making an impact on the field. Among his standout performances, he had a remarkable game against Allen, completing 20 of 32 passes for a season-high 334 yards, with three touchdowns. In another remarkable display of his skills, he went 15-of-25 for 255 yards and threw five touchdowns, while also rushing 6 times for 60 yards against Morehouse.

2023 SIAC Football Preseason Awards

Superlative Awards

2023 SIAC Football Preseason Teams