Hayden tabbed PAC Defensive Player of the Week

Oct. 10 – GREENVILLE, Pa. – After posting the top single-game tackle total in the league this season, Bethany College senior linebacker Donavan Hayden (Hyattsville, Md./Northwestern) was named the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Defensive Player of the Week announced the league office Monday afternoon.

Hayden established a new career-high with 20 tackles (nine solo), one sack, three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an interception returned 48 yards for a touchdown in the team's 37-14 loss to Case Western Reserve. The 5-11 linebacker intercepted Spartan quarterback Rob Cuda and raced down the sidelines for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 with under two minutes in the first quarter.

Hayden ranks second in NCAA Division III in both tackles (86) and solo tackles (45) this season. He is also tied for 19th nationally with 10 tackles for loss and has been a key piece of a Bison defense that ranks third in the nation with 20 turnovers forced and is tied for ninth in turnover margin (plus-nine).

The award marks the second time this season that Hayden has received the defensive player of the week honors this season. The Hyattsville, Maryland native also earned the laurel for his performance in Bethany's 23-10 win over Ursinus on September 6 following week one.

Hayden and the rest of the Bethany football team head to Washington, Pennsylvania on Saturday, October 15 for a PAC matchup against Washington & Jefferson at 6 p.m.