New Tradition to Honor Hoffman '03

Bethany College's head football coach Brandon Robinson is introducing a meaningful new tradition to honor the program's history by recognizing the contributions of former two-sport athlete Derek Hoffman '03. 

From this season onward, the football program will pay tribute to Hoffman by awarding his jersey number, 15, to an exceptional student-athlete who demonstrates qualities of toughness, hard work, and accountability. 

"I'm excited to start this new tradition honoring Derek Hoffman and his number 15 jersey," said Robinson.  

The inaugural recipient is defensive back DeJuan Lee, a senior from Washington, D.C. After not seeing varsity action in his first two seasons at Bethany, Lee made significant strides last year, appearing in eight games and recording five tackles as a junior. 

"DeJuan is an excellent choice to be the first recipient of this honor," stated Robinson. "Since I've been here, he has consistently showed up and worked. He's a dependable individual that has maximized his production through toughness and hard work."   

As the 2024 season kicked off Saturday, Lee earned a starting position as one of Bethany's cornerbacks. 

Hoffman tragically passed away in a car accident just hours after receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in education during Bethany College's 2003 commencement ceremony. Hoffman was a four-year letterwinner in football and a three-year letterwinner in basketball. 

"This is a tremendous loss for the entire Bethany community," then Bethany Athletic Director Jan Forsty said following his passing to Trib Total Media. "Not only was he a part of a successful football program and a conference-winning basketball program, but he also volunteered as an assistant coach for the volleyball team. He worked just as hard in the classroom as he did on the field." 

Hoffman, who was a wide receiver for the football team, finished his career with 66 receptions for 852 yards and five touchdowns. He earned second-team All-Presidents' Athletic Conference honors following his senior season.