The 2009 season gets underway on Saturday, as the Delaware State Hornets travel to Tallahassee, Fla., to face the Florida A&M Ratters. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.
The Al Lavan era continues at DSU, entering its sixth season. Lavan (36-23 overall, 34-22 at DSU) returns 38 lettermen from a team that finished tied for second in the 2008 MEAC Standings. Lavan and the DSU coaching staff will have some key holes to fill, including the team's leading passer, leading rusher, leading receiver and four of the squad's top five leading tacklers from a year ago.
Quarterback Anthony Glaud will be making his first start at DSU. Glaud enters his second year at DSU, completing 47-of-75 pass attempts for 523 yards and two touchdowns last season. The Sicklerville, N.J., native compiled a 122.0 efficiency rating during his first season with the Hornets.
The Hornets return three starters from last season's receiving corps. Larrone Moore, Erick Jones and Zach Charles enter the 2009 season as three of Glaud's go-to targets. The team's fastest player, Moore averaged 29.0 yards-per-game and 10.0 yards-per-catch. For his career, Moore has tallied 471 yards on 45 receptions and one touchdown. Jones made 13 catches for 167 yards and a team-high four touchdowns. The Washington, D.C., native averaged 15.2 yards-per-game and 12.8 yards-per-catch. Jones has 17 catches for 202 yards and four touchdowns during his three seasons at DSU. Charles (5-11, 185, Sr) started the first eight games of the 2008 season before suffering an injury. The Winter Haven, Fla., native registered 13 catches for 122 yards, averaging 15.2 yards-per-game and 8.4 yards-per-catch.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Hornets ranked No. 13 in total defense nationally last season. Mike Gable (6-2, 210, r-Sr) a converted defensive back, registered 40 total tackles (15 unassisted) with 6.5 tackles for loss. The Bel Air, Md., native also was credited with one forced fumble, his first-career interception and two quarterback hurries in 2008.
Three of the four starting defensive backs return for the Hornets. Senior Avery Grant (6-0, 180) returns as the team's leading tackler and anchors a defensive backfield that ranked No. 5 in the nation in pass defense (143.18 ypg). Grant started at strong safety in 10 games last season, registering 68 total tackles (34 unassisted) with 8.5 tackles for loss. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native recorded two sacks along with one forced fumble and three pass breakups. Joining Grant in the defensive backfield will be free safety Jerome Strums (6-0, 190, r-Sr). Strums started every game for the Hornets in 2008, tallying 40 total tackles (20 unassisted). The Windsor, Conn., native picked off a team-high three passes last season, including the game-winning interception in overtime versus Florida A&M (Sept. 4, 2008). Also returning to the Delaware State defensive backfield will be cornerback Francis Adjei (6-2, 175, r-Jr). Adjei also picked off three passes with the second-best pass breakup total on the team last season (8). The Silver Spring, Md., product registered 40 total tackles (32 unassisted).
Game Notables
- Saturday's game will open the 2009 season for both DSU and FAMU.
- DSU is looking to win its fifth-straight over the Rattlers.
- Head Coach Al Lavan holds a 4-0 record all-time versus the Rattlers.
- The Hornets have opened the year versus Florida A&M in three of the last four seasons.
- Saturday marks Coach Lavan's 57th game as DSU head coach.
- Saturday will be Coach Lavan's 30th-career road game (16-13).
A Quick Look at Florida A&M
The Florida A&M Rattlers are coming off a 9-3 record (5-3 MEAC) in 2008 and enter the 2009 season as one of the favorites in the race for this year's MEAC crown.
The Rattlers return 21 starters, including 11 preseason All-MEAC selections. Leading the way is quarterback Curtis Pulley. Pulley, a 6-4, 200-pound senior quarterback from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was named to The Sports Network's "Walter Payton Award Watch List," of the 20 leading offensive players in NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision, formerly I-AA). He played the final 10 games of the season a year ago, leading the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in total offense (2,267 yards), accounting for 24 touchdowns (17 passing, seven rushing). He led FAMU in rushing (885 yards, 7 TDs), while completing 98-of-178 passes for 1,382 yards, capturing first team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors. Joining Pulley in the backfield is running back Philip Sylvester. A Second Team Preseason All-MEAC selection, Sylvester finished the 2008 season second on the team in rushing (717 yards on 166 carries) behind Pulley. Sylvester scored a team-high eight touchdowns last season and averaged 4.3 yards-per-carry.
On the defensive side, Curtis Holcomb leads a defense that ranked No. 51 in the nation last season. Holcomb finished the '08 season with a team-high five interceptions along with 40 total tackles (27 solo, 13 assisted).
The Rattlers are led by Joe Taylor, who enters Saturday's game with a 206-79-4 (.720) overall record (26 years) and a 9-3 record at FAMU (second season).
The Last Meeting (Sept. 4, 2008)
Quarterback Vashon Winton rushed for a career-high four touchdowns, including the game winner in overtime, to lead defending MEAC champ Delaware State to a 35-28 win over Florida A&M (1-1, 0-1 MEAC) in the season opener for the Hornets (1-0, 1-0 MEAC) before 6,216 fans at Alumni Stadium. Delaware State sealed the win when Jerome Strums intercepted Florida A&M quarterback Curtis Pulley's pass on the Rattler's first play of the overtime period. The Rattlers fell to 1-1 on the season and 0-1 in the MEAC. Delaware State defeated Florida A&M for the fourth-straight time, its best streak in the 26-year series between the teams. Winton rushed for 78 yards on 14 carries. He also completed 21-of-32 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. Delaware State tailback Chris Strother rushed for 139 yards on 32 carries, each a career high.
Delaware State - Florida A&M Series History
- Saturday's contest will mark the 37th meeting all-time between Delaware State and Florida A&M.
- FAMU leads the series history, 18-8.
- During the last meeting between the two teams, Delaware State downed FAMU, 35-28 (OT), at Alumni Stadium (Sept. 4, 2008).
- Delaware State has won four-straight over the Rattlers.
- This will mark the fourth-consecutive year that DSU has opened conference play with Florida A&M.
A Delaware State Win Would...
- Give the Hornets a three-game winning streak, dating back to last season.
- Extend DSU's winning streak over the Rattlers to five games.
- Give Coach Lavan his 35th-career win at Delaware State.
- Give Coach Lavan his 17th road victory as DSU head coach.
- Improve DSU's 2009 record to 1-0.
- Improve DSU's 2009 conference record to 1-0 for the sixth-straight year.
- Give the DSU football program its 330th victory all-time.
Lavan Perfect in Conference Openers
The Hornets are 5-0 all-time in conference openers under Head Coach Al Lavan. Over the past five seasons, DSU has beaten Florida A&M four-consecutive times and downed Hampton once to open up conference play.
Season Openers
Saturday will kick off the 98th year of Delaware State Football with the Hornets owning a 36-44-1 record all-time in season openers (dating back to 1924).
DSU has won four-straight season openers do-date, tying the longest streak in school history (1991-94). The Hornets open the season with FAMU for the second-straight season, having faced the Rattlers six times to start the year (3-3). The Howard Bison have been DSU's most frequent season-opening opponent (nine times - 4-5), followed by Cheyney (seven times - 4-3), Florida A&M and South Carolina State (six times - 2-4).
Youth Movement
This week's two-deep depth chart has a large influx of young players as 18 players listed have never taken the field in a Hornet uniform. Comprised of 11 freshmen (true and redshirt), 5 sophomores and two juniors, this week's squad will have a new look from last season. The complete depth chart is located on page 21.
"Flick" in the DSU Record Books
Senior place kicker Riley Flickinger registered 10 field goals during the 2008 season, putting the Gresham, Ore., native on the single-season records list at DSU (No. 5 all-time).
His 10 field goals also placed Flickinger on the school's all-time field goals converted list (No. 6).
Captains Named
On the final day of this year's preseason camp the Delaware State Hornets voted for their 2009 captains. Quarterback Anthony Glaud and center Nick Richmond are this year's offensive captains. Defensive captains are linebacker Mike Gable and defensive back Jerome Strums.
Name the Trophy Contest
On September 19, 2009, Delaware State University and the University of Delaware will kick-off the "Route 1 Rivalry" as both schools take the football field in the first-ever regular season meeting between institutions. In Newark, Del., this inaugural gridiron matchup will set the tone for a series of future matchups for years to come. Separated by just 50 miles, both Universities are gearing up for this matchup and are planning multiple events around the game, including a football pep rally, a UD and DSU "battle of the bands" at halftime and after the football game. There will also be a limited number of commemorative items available for fans who attend the game.
The News Journal conducted an online poll to "name" the award to be given annually to the winner of this in-state football game. After more than 4,000 entries were received the final selections include:
The First State Cup: Delaware is known by this nickname due to the fact that on December 7, 1787; it became the first of the 13 original states to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The cup will be engraved each year with the winner, similar to the NHL's Lord Stanley's Cup.
The Diamond State Trophy: The Diamond State nickname was given to Delaware, according to legend, by Thomas Jefferson because he described Delaware as a "jewel" among states due to its strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard. The winner will be engraved in the trophy each year.
Battle for the Saddle: The Saddle is a reference to Caesar Rodney's famous midnight ride, and is thus an integral part of Delaware history. Each year the final score would be engraved into the saddle.
Battle for the Hatchet: Delaware has a long standing political history of "burying the hatchet" on Return Day. The annual football game between UD-DSU will produce hard fought battles, but when all is done, the hatchet will be a reminder that the game is intended to promote a rivalry based upon the spirit of true sportsmanship.
Voting is taking place on DSU athletic webpage (www.DSUHornets.com).
AFCA/NCAA RESPECT Weekend
As a part of the NCAA's national sportsmanship campaign, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and NCAA are partnering to hold a national "ACFA/NCAA RESPECT Weekend" the opening weekend of the 2009 football season. The game between DSU and FAMU will be a part of that celebration, promoting respect and integrity in college athletics. A pregame handshake between both team at midfield, along with promotional videos and PA announcements will take place to promote this message.
Nick Richmond Nominated for Allstate/ACFA Good Works Team®
Center Nick Richmond has been nominated for the Allstate / AFCA Good Works Team® as announced on July 23. A total of 106 nominations submitted by sports information directors across the country on behalf of their teams surpasses all previous single-season nominee totals in the 18-year history of the award. The 2009 class of nominees represents 41 states, including Washington, D.C., and 45 college athletic conferences.
A hard-working and committed group of college football players will take the field this fall knowing that the impact they have on their teams and communities has nothing to do with touchdowns, tackles or receptions. For a second consecutive year, Allstate Insurance Company has partnered with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) to announce the list of 106 student-athletes nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, which honors college football players who make outstanding contributions in the areas of volunteerism and civic involvement.
Richmond, who is entering his final year with Hornets, has been the starting center for Delaware State over the past four years. He is a 2008-09 MEAC All-Academic honoree and anchored an offensive line that averaged 136.45 yards-per-game on the ground and 167.64 yards-per-game through the air last season. The DSU offensive line ranked second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in sacks allowed (1.82 sacks-per-game). Nick has been nominated for his work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Some of his work with the community includes, mentoring and serving as a role model for kids at the Stevenson House Detention Center (Milford, Del.). The Lampeter, Pa., native also assists the community in fundraisers, luncheons and prayer groups. Richmond is also a regular participant in visits to local elementary schools.
For his charitable work, Richmond is one of 55 nominees in the "Combined Divisions (FCS, II, III & NAIA)" for this year's team honor.
The 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® nominee list is the largest in the 18-year history of award
With their unselfish acts, such as volunteering at orphanages in Kenya, building a reliable water source for villagers in Kabul, tutoring disadvantaged youth, and visiting elderly patients in nursing homes, Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® nominees distinguish themselves among the more than 50,000 student-athletes participating in the sport at all four-year collegiate institutions through off-the-field accomplishments.
Two New Coaches on 2009 Staff
Two new assistant coaches have joined Al Lavan's staff - offensive line coach Adam Shorter and cornerback's coach Ronald Bolton.
u Adam Shorter, Offensive Line Coach - Shorter is in his first season with the Hornets. He came to DSU after a one-year stint at Alcorn State, where he was in charge of the offensive line and tight ends.
While with the Braves, Shorter was instrumental in the success of 2008 All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) offensive lineman Bronson Carvalho. His administrative duties included development of game plans and recruiting profiles. He also coordinated the university's Letterman's Golf Outing and Captains Breakfast.
Shorter began his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the University of Cincinnati (2005-2007). There he assisted in various areas of scouting, including film break down and weekly opponent scouting reports for the offense, defense and special teams.
In 2006, Shorter was promoted to interim offensive line coach. He helped lead the Bearcats to an 8-5 record and an appearance in the inaugural International Bowl in Toronto, Canada. That year, UC recorded 1,737 yards on the ground and 11 rushing touchdowns.
The 2007 Bearcats were 10-3 and appeared in the Papa Johns Bowl. Cincy was ranked 17th in the final Associated Press poll.
Shorter was a four-year letterman at Cincinnati, where he was the team's starting center. He was the recipient of the John Pease Award as the Bearcats' most outstanding offensive lineman as a senior. Shorter appeared in three of Cincinnati's four bowl appearances during his tenure. He competed in the 2001 Motor City Bowl, was a member of the 2002 Conference USA Championship squad that played in the New Orleans Bowl and wrapped up his senior year in the Fort Worth Bowl.
While at Cincinnati, Shorter was coached by former Miami Dolphins center and Dan Marino teammate Jeff Ulenhank and current Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Larry Zierlein.
He earned a bachelor's degree in integrated social studies in secondary education from Cincinnati in 2004.
A native of Indianapolis, Ind., Shorter and wife Michelle reside in Dover.
u Ronald Bolton, Cornerback's Coach - The Petersburg, Va., native is in his first season on the Delaware State staff. He brings experience as a professional player, collegiate player and coach, and high school coach to the Hornets.
After a standout college career at Norfolk State, where he was a Pittsburgh Courier Gazette Black College All-America, Bolton was selected by National Football League's New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 1972 draft. During his four seasons as a cornerback with Patriots, he served two years as the team's Player Representative.
From 1976 to '82, Bolton was a member of the NFL's Cleveland Browns. He helped lead the Browns to the AFC Central Division championship and playoff berth in 1980.
Bolton's college coaching experience includes stints at Howard University (2002-06), Norfolk State University (1997-2001) and Liberty University (1996-97).
While at Howard, Bolton served as defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator under current Delaware State defensive coordinator Ray Petty, who was head coach of the Bison from 2002 to '06. Howard was No. 1 in the MEAC in total defense in 2005 and No. 2 in '06.
Bolton was also position coach for three Howard players currently in the National Football League. Antoine Bethea (Indianapolis Colts), Ronald Bartell (St. Louis Rams) and Geoff Pope (Cincinnati Bengals) each benefitted from Bolton's tutelage while playing for the Bison.
Bolton was defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Norfolk State and defensive backs coach at Liberty.
During the 2007 and '08 seasons, he was a teacher and head football coach at Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia.
Bolton earned a bachelor's in Health and Physical Education from Norfolk State in 1972.
Hornets Picked Seventh in MEAC Preseason Poll
The Delaware State Hornets have been selected to finish seventh in this year's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Football Preseason Poll as announced by the league office on July 31, 2009. The predicted order of finish was voted on by the conference head coaches and sports information directors. A complete list of this year's poll is located on page 9.
