After making a pair of key plays to thwart Mercer scoring attempts, Citadel redshirt freshman cornerback DeVonta Delaney has been named the Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

With The Citadel leading 28-10 in the third quarter, Delaney, from Seabrook, ended a Mercer scoring drive when he intercepted a pass at the Bulldog one-yard line. That was his second pickoff of the season after grabbing one at Western Carolina the previous week.

His most important effort came late in the fourth quarter after the Bears scored a touchdown to pull within 28-26. Mercer attempted a trick play on the two-point conversion, with wide receiver Chandler Curtis taking a pitch and attempting a pass back to quarterback John Russ.

Delaney, a Whale Branch High School graduate, moved into position to make the play, and his leaping deflection of the Curtis pass preserved The Citadel’s lead. The Bulldogs got the ensuing kickoff and gained three first downs to run out the remaining 3:31.

Delaney also had three tackles in the game, giving him a season total of 34 including highs of six against Florida State, Chattanooga and Western Carolina.

The Bulldogs will return to Johnson Hagood Stadium this Saturday for their annual Homecoming game against Furman at 2 p.m.