Charlotte, NC - Tyler's Darion White has been named the 2024 NJCAA DI Football Defensive Player of the Year. 

The Apaches sophomore had an outstanding season, finishing with 124 tackles, 56 solo tackles, 68 tackle assists, 11.3 tackles per game, 6.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and 1 interception return touchdown. With the numbers that White put up, he walks away from the 2024 season second the nation in tackles, second in assists and third in the nation in tackles per game.

The Tyler defense allowed only 18.6 points per game and 306.0 yards. The Apaches are first in the nation in Sacks (46), ninth in the nation in defensive touchdowns (3), and sixteenth in interceptions (10).

The Waco, TX native had offers from major NCAA Division I schools including Texas State, Liberty, UMass, North Texas, UTSA, UTEP, and New Mexico State. White has committed to continuing his academic and athletic career at the University of Texas-San Antonio next fall. 

Player Profile

• Position: Linebacker
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 215
• Class: Sophomore 
• Hometown: Waco, TX

2023 Statistics

• 11 games played
• 124 tackles
• 68 tackle assists
• 56 solo tackles
• 6.5 sacks
• 3 interceptions
• 1 interception return touchdown