Brevard College senior defensive lineman Robert Dorsey has been named to the D3football.com Preseason All-America Third Team, becoming just the second Tornado in the NCAA Division III era to earn the distinction.
Dorsey, a Charlotte native (JL Mann HS), enters his third season with Brevard after a dominant 2024 campaign that earned him USA South Defensive Player of the Year honors. He led the league with 11.5 sacks (tying the school record) and 14.0 tackles for loss, while forcing three fumbles and pressuring opposing quarterbacks seven times.
His season totals placed him among the national leaders, and he was recognized as a First Team All-Conference pick for the second straight year.
In two seasons at BC, Dorsey has compiled 85 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles. In 2023, he led all of D3 football in forced fumbles per game.
Tornados Tabbed Third in USA South Preseason Poll
The USA South Conference released its preseason coaches poll this week, with Brevard selected to finish third. The Tornados received 40 total points and three first-place votes—the most of any team in the league—just one point behind Belhaven (41) and three behind preseason favorite Huntingdon (43).
LaGrange placed fourth with 35 points and two first-place selections. Rounding out the poll were North Carolina Wesleyan (5th, 25), Methodist (6th, 17), Greensboro (7th, 15), and Southern Virginia (8th, 8).
Brevard has posted a 31-15 conference record (.674 winning percentage) over seven USA South seasons, the best mark among current league members with four or more years in the conference.
Building Momentum
Under head coach Bill Khayat, now in his ninth season, the Tornados are aiming to build on their 2024 success and challenge for the USA South crown. Brevard posted its first six-win season since 2021, finishing third in the conference.
Brevard opens the 2025 season at home on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. against Kentucky Christian at Ives-Lemel Family Field.
NC Wesleyan Hopes to Build on Strong Finish
Picked fifth in the USA South Preseason Coaches Poll, North Carolina Wesleyan aims to carry momentum from a late-season surge in 2024 into its 2025 campaign. The Battling Bishops finished 4-6 overall and 4-4 in conference play last year, winning three of their final four games—including victories over Southern Virginia, Greensboro and a statement win against Brevard, which finished third in the league standings.
The 2025 schedule features five home dates, highlighted by a Thursday night opener against Averett on Sept. 4 at Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium. Conference play begins Oct. 4 at LaGrange, while marquee home matchups include Belhaven (Oct. 11), Southern Virginia (Oct. 25), and Greensboro (Nov. 8). The season concludes with a challenging road trip to Brevard on Nov. 15.
Methodist Slotted Sixth in Preseason Poll
The Methodist Monarchs were projected to finish sixth in the 2025 USA South Preseason Coaches Poll, collecting 17 points to edge out Greensboro and Southern Virginia. Methodist sits just behind rival North Carolina Wesleyan (25 points) in the rankings.
The Monarchs will look to take a step forward this fall with several key returners. Senior Omar Goodwin, an All-Conference defensive end/linebacker, anchors the defense, while sophomores CJ Ferguson (running back) and Jaelan Pile (wide receiver) headline the offensive unit after strong debut seasons in 2024.
Methodist opens the season Sept. 6 on the road at Shenandoah, followed by the home opener against Guilford on Sept. 13. Conference play begins Oct. 4 when the Monarchs travel to face preseason favorite Huntingdon in Montgomery, Alabama.
Greensboro Picked Seventh in Preseason Poll
Despite last season’s 1-9 record, the Pride were competitive in many contests, with five of their losses decided by two scores or less. Their lone victory came in convincing fashion, a 42-23 win over Southern Virginia.
This fall, Greensboro will lean on a veteran offense highlighted by wideouts Coy Davis and Shemar Privette, plus an offensive line anchored by several senior starters. On defense, the Pride boast a front seven expected to be one of their strongest pass-rush units in recent years, led by sophomore Frank Walker and seniors Deshawn Holman and Cedric Crenshaw. The secondary features experienced playmakers in seniors Will Pailthorpe and Taiseng Brown, giving Greensboro a chance to create more takeaways.
The Pride open their 2025 season at crosstown rival Guilford in the annual Soup Bowl on Sept. 6, before welcoming Roanoke for their home opener a week later on Sept. 13.
