Dover, Del. (Aug. 17, 2011) --- Despite a record-setting high school career, Delaware State University quarterback Nick Elko has waited more than three years for the opportunity to start at the college level.
Although Delaware State first-year head coach Kermit Blount has not announced his starters for the 2011 opener at VMI on Sep. 3, Elko has taken the majority of snaps with the No. 1 offense during the Hornets' preseason camp. In addition, the Odenton, Md., native has the most experience among the four QBs on the roster.
After sitting out the 2008 season as a freshman redshirt, Elko has appeared in 15 games with the Hornets, including a memorable start before more than 106,000 fans at Michigan in 2009.
Last season, he competed in 10 games off the bench, completing 39-of-68 passes (57.4%) for 540 yards and seven touchdowns. Elko ranked second in the MEAC in passing efficiency (149.2) and was seventh in passing average (54.0 ypg) during the 2010 season. He threw at least one touchdown pass in six games.
He also showed his versatility by serving as the Hornets' punter in the last six games in 2010, ranking fifth in the MEAC with a 36.8 yard average.
As for the start at Michigan as a redshirt freshman, Elko completed 18-of-34 passes for a career-high 151 yards in the contest.
Elko, a redshirt junior, signed with the Hornets in 2008 after a celebrated career at Arundel (Md.) High School. He set Maryland single-season records for touchdown passes (43), passing yards (3,091), completions (260) and pass attempts (431) as a senior in 2007.
"Nick certainly has the tools to be a solid quarterback at this level," said Delaware State offensive coordinator Arrington Jones. "He has adjusted very well to the new offense and has really stepped up as a leader on the team."
Elko and the rest of the Hornets will show how far they've come since summer camp began during their first full contact scrimmage on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
"I'm excited about the opportunity I have this season," said Elko. "I've learned a lot during my time here, and now I have to prove I'm capable of leading this team."
The Hornets will play their home opener on Saturday (Sep. 10) against Shaw University. Kickoff is 6:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
Hornet fans can get up close and personal with coach Blount and the team during Media/Meet the Team Day on Sunday (Aug. 21) at Alumni Stadium. During the 6:00 p.m. event, fans are invited to greet, and take pictures with, the players and coaches.
