CLEVELAND, Ohio – Bethune-Cookman Football student-athletes Darnell Deas and Omari Hill-Robinson have been named to the 2023 Phil Steele Preseason All-SWAC Team, as well as The Bluebloods 2023 All-SWAC Team. Hill-Robinson (Defense) and Deas (Special Teams) were announced to the First Team according to Phil Steele. Hill-Robinson also cracked The Bluebloods First Team, while Deas landed on the second team.
 

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In late-July, Deas and Hill-Robinson were each tabbed Preseason All-Conference performers at the annual Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Media Day in Birmingham, Alabama.
 
Omari Hill-Robinson, a fifth-year cornerback, was named to the First Team Defense as a defensive back. The Ft. Lauderdale, Florida native earned All-SWAC First Team defensive honors at the conclusion of the 2022 campaign, finishing the season tied for second in the league with four interceptions. That includes a 97-yard interception return for touchdown against Mississippi Valley State – the third-longest return in B-CU history. Hill-Robinson's five pass deflections were tied for the most on the team alongside Devuntray Hampton. He also managed 27 tackles (20 solo). Last month, he was selected to the First Team All-SWAC Preseason Team by the league coaches and sports information directors.
 
Darnell Deas, a junior safety, earned a spot on the First Team in Special Teams for the Wildcats, while being named to the First Team Preseason All-SWAC Team recently as well. Last season, he was tabbed a First Team All-SWAC performer on special teams. The Blanche Ely High alum returned 28 kicks in 2022, amassing 745 yards for an average of 26.6 yards per return, and adding a pair of touchdowns. He returned a kick 98 yards for a touchdown in a 45-35 win over Mississippi Valley State. The native of Pompano Beach, Florida also returned a kickoff 97 yards for score against Grambling State in the Wildcats' 36-19 victory.
 
Bethune-Cookman kicks off the season Saturday, September 2, at Football Bowl Subdivision opponent Memphis. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET.
 
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