According to sources familiar with the matter, former Bethune-Cookman All-SWAC return specialist Darnell Deas has passed away.
Deas played for Bethune-Cookman in each of the team’s first four seasons as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) from 2021-2024.
He made his greatest impact as a kick returner, compiling 2,196 return yards on 82 attempts, scoring six touchdowns.
The Wildcat star was named to three All-SWAC teams as a return specialist, including a First Team selection in 2022, as well as Second Team appearances in 2021 and 2024.
Deas was an all-around player, also accounting for 184 receiving yards on 10 receptions with two touchdowns on offense, and snagging two interceptions with 10 passes defended on defense.
“Darnell Deas, love you for life dude,” said Bethune-Cookman Wide Receivers coach Tristan Walker on Twitter. “Just thinking about all our talks every week during KR period. Just about life, rarely was about football. Y’all know how I love on these players, he was def one of my guys. This one hurt. Love ya kid. RIH 5.”