Darden could have an all-conference type season after having a successful 2017 season where he stayed healthy most of the season … Has seen some of his career cut short by injury but when he is on the field he is very effective for the Aggies … His 2016 season ended early with an injury on Sept. 17 at Tulsa … Also missed time during spring practice with an injury … Entered the 2018 season as the starter at the rover position, linebacker/safety position … Darden came on late in the 2015 season as a rover/strong safety … Debuted as a starter in 2015 and helped the Aggies win the Black College National Championship, the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl and the MEAC title, while leading the Aggies to a 10-2 mark … Earned significant playing time as a true freshman on special teams and rover … He is one of the most athletic players on the team with the highest vertical jump (35 ½ inches) and a 40-time on 4.48 … Has played in 34 games with 12 starts in his career with 78 tackles (59 unassisted), and he has broken up five passes, intercepted two passes and defended seven passes.
2017 Season: Started all eight games he played … Made 25 tackles (19 unassisted) with two interceptions, three pass breakups, five pass defenses and he forced a fumble … His first game of the season came at Morgan State on Sept. 23 where he made four tackles (one unassisted) and two pass breakups … The next week he made five solo tackles with a pass breakup … Intercepted a pass back-to-back weeks when he had an INT at Norfolk State on Nov. 4 and another against Savannah State on Nov. 11.
2016 Season: Played in three games with three starts at the rover position… Made 18 tackles (13 unassisted) during the season … Sustained a season-ending injury on Sept. 17 at Division I-FBS Tulsa with an arm injury … Despite the injury, he still made six tackles (four unassisted) in the game … In the Aggies first-ever win over a Division I-FBS with their 39-36 4OT win over Kent State on Sept. 10, Darden made six unassisted tackles and one unassisted tackle for seven total in the win.
2015 Season: Played in 12 games with one start … Made 26 tackles (18 unassisted) and broke up two passes … Made his first career start on Dec. 19 in the inaugural Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl against Alcorn State in Atlanta … Had a spectacular game with seven tackles (five unassisted) and one pass break up … In the game, he tied for the team lead in tackles with three of his tackles stopping the Braves for a 2-yard gain or less … Made a career-high eight tackles (5 unassisted) at UNC on Sept. 12.
2014 Season: Played in 11 games with no starts … Made 15 tackles including nine solo tackles…Seven of his 15 tackles came on special teams… Had a season-high three tackles in the Aggies 59-0 win over Chowan on Sept. 20.
High School: Played varsity football under head coach Milton Butts…Was a two-time All-Southeastern 4A conference selection…Lettered in basketball, track and field and football.
