NORFOLK, Va.,– South Carolina State redshirt freshman linebacker Darius Leonard was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic (MEAC) Rookie of the Week, the conference announced Monday. Leonard was also recognized as the Sports Network FCS National Top Freshman of the Week by The Sports Network.

The South Carolina State defense resurfaced with a dominating performance against N.C. A&T in the 26th Annual Atlanta Football Classic. The Bulldogs entered into the matchup against one of the league’s better offenses, and ended up shutting the Aggies out in a 13-0 win.

Leonard (LB, 6-3, 210, r-Fr., Lake View, S.C.) led the charge for the Bulldogs with a game-high 13 tackles, eight of which were solo stops – while also forcing a fumble in the victory. The SC State defense held North Carolina A&T’s offense to a mere 43 rushing yards, and 156 total offensive yards in the contest.

This is the second time this season the former Wild Gator has earned MEAC Rookie of the Week honors. The first was against Furman on Saturday, September 20.