Starting Five: Pass At Your Own Risk Against Top SIAC DBs

As we prepare for the 2013 football season, we’re taking a look at the best returning HBCU players at each position. Today, we check out the top defensive backs in the SIAC. Tomorrow, the SWAC. 

Dexter Moody, Albany State

Like many of the top Division II players, Moody was certified Division I talent. He signed with Georgia out of high school, only to have his scholarship revoked due to low test scores. Next he went to Georgia State, where he led the team in tackles before a bar fight that Moody said he was breaking up led to his dismissal at GSU. Moody resurfaced at Albany State last year and flashed that SEC-level talent all year long, picking off seven passes and being named First Team All-SIAC.

@hbcugameday really good player if he can stay out of trouble. He has been to several teams, that kid can play. Very good safety
— Damond Talbot(@drocksthaparty) June 11, 2013

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Carlos Wilson, Stillman

Throwing against Beckham last season was a risky decision. Beckham got his hands on the ball seventeen times last season, six of them resulting in interceptions. Beckham came up with five of his interceptions in a four week span from September to early-October, including a two-pick game against Lane.  But his best game might have been against Clark-Atlanta, when he forced and recovered a fumble, picked off a ball and broke up five other passes.

Thomas Wolfe, Fort Valley State

Linebacker Leron Furr may get the headlines, but Thomas Wolf was just arguably as important as Furr to Fort Valley State last season. Furr led the conference with 23 passes defended (17 breakups and six interceptions), but failed to make either all conference team. Don’t expect it to happen again.

Jack Howard, Lane College

Howard was another ball-hawking defender, picking off five passes and breaking up five others while playing opposite of the Cleveland Browns Vernon Kearney.

Joe Beckham, Miles College

Beckham finished third in passes defended, breaking up 12 passes and intercepting two to help Miles make a playoff appearance.