Morgan State sophomore cornerback Donte Small has extra motivation this season. With the passing of his uncle and grandmother a year ago, Small has found a way to channel his emotions and honor his loved ones on the field.
He had a big game in the Bears Week Three matchup against UAlbany. Despite losing to the Great Danes, Small recorded three interceptions (just one shy of the school record) and returned one 45-yards for a touchdown. Since then Small has established himself as playmaker on the Bears’ defense.
Small, a business major, is a native of Union, New Jersey where he attended Paramus Catholic High School. He played two seasons of football as a receiver and cornerback for The Paladins. During his senior year he led his team to a 2016 State Title and was selected to the All-Metro Team.
As a freshman at Morgan, Small saw action in nine games, started in eight and recorded 17 tackles. Now in year two he has become a key player, helping the Bears become one of the top defenses in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
Small credits his teammates and defensive backs coach for pushing him to his full potential.
“My brothers and my position coach [Aaron Kelton] let me know when I’m doing wrong and they encourage me to keep going,” said Small.
The growing chemistry among the defensive backs can be a reason for the unit’s success this season.
“It’s a lot better than last year,” Small added. “We have a better bond and we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. I feel comfortable with the brothers I play with now.”
This season Small has tallied 14 tackles and leads the Bears with four of the team’s nine interceptions.
In addition, Small leads the MEAC in passes defended at 2.0 per game (4 INT, 6 BU). He ranks T-No. 3 nationally behind Dartmouth junior DB Isiah Swann and South Dakota’s Mark Collins who lead the nation with 2.5 per game.
Having a complacent attitude could easily sway the young cornerback off track, but he isn’t satisfied with his performance thus far.
“I want to do more,” said Small. “I haven’t hit my full potential, so all the stats doesn’t really matter yet.”