Dover, Del. (Apr. 26, 2012) --- Alabama A&M University has announced the passing of assistant football coach Ben Blacknall, a former head coach at Delaware State University.   

Blacknall, 64, compiled a 20-25 record as head coach of the Hornets from 2000 to 2003.

In his first year at Delaware State in 2000, he was Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Coach-of-the-Year and 100% Wrong Club of Atlanta Coach-of-the-Year after leading the Hornets to a 7-4 record, the team's first winning season since 1995 and most wins since 1991.  

That season, Hornet quarterback Rahsaan Matthews was named MEAC Offensive Player-of-the-Year, while tight end Darnerian McCants was named to the three All-America teams after leading all Division I-AA players with 18 touchdown receptions, which still stands as DSU and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference records.

Blacknall was in his seventh year as defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Alabama A&M University at the time of his death this week.

He previously served as an assistant coach at South Carolina State, Wichita State, Howard, North Carolina A&T and Morehouse.

A graduate of North Carolina A&T, Blacknall was a standout linebacker for the Aggies. He was named MEAC Defensive Player-of-the-Year in 1972 and was inducted into the NCA&T Athletics Hall-of-Fame in 2000.

Funeral arrangements for Ben Blacknall have yet to be announced.