Delaware State is hoping that an experienced offensive line and a solid stable of running backs will reverse its rushing woes of the past several years. The Hornets were 10th in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and 114th nationally among 121 FCS teams in rushing at 96.7 yards per game in 2014. The last time DSU averaged better than 100 yards per game on the ground was 2009 at 114.6 per outing.
“Any success in the running game begins with the guys up front and everyone else working together,” said Delaware State first-year offensive coordinator John Allen. “We want to have a physical mentality with our rushing attack; and that requires everyone carrying out their assignment and giving their all on every play. Our ability to run the ball will most likely determine how successful we are as a team this season.”
The Hornets return 10 offensive linemen from last season, led by junior center Ernest Mengoni, a 2015 Preseason All-MEAC Third Team selection.
As for the runners, Allen expects two or three will emerge from a talented group to handle the bulk of the carries this season.
Halfback Jamaal Jackson (sr.) is the Hornets' top returning rusher, tallying 493 yards (4.1 ypc) and one touchdown in 2014. Jackson had two 100-plus yard games last season.
Veteran Nagee Jackson (sr.) rushed for a team-high seven touchdowns as a freshman in 2012, but has seen his production slip the past two seasons.
Dae-Hon Cheung (sr.) also hopes to return to his freshman form after an injury-plagued 2014 season. Cheung was limited to just three games and 61 yards last year. He rushed for 410 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman and led the Hornets with 361 yards in his sophomore season.
The addition of hard-charging freshman Kesselly Tyler, a former Georgia high school standout; and Indiana University transfer Laray Smith (jr.) has also raised hopes for the Hornet running game this year.
Tyler averaged 115 rushing yards per game as a junior and led Benjamin Mays High School in Atlanta to the Georgia 5A state championship game during his senior season.
The speedy Smith played sparingly in two years at Indiana, but was rated as the No. 2 prospect in New York and the No. 12 all-purpose back nationally by 247Sports.com as a high school senior.
The Hornets have also added former Hodgson Vo-Tech (Del.) High School standout Kyle Taylor (fr.) to the fullback position. Taylor helped lead Hodgson to two Delaware Division II football championships and another championship game appearance in his four seasons.
Halfback Trey Hall (r-jr.) will compete for playing time after battling injuries since joining the Hornets.
Former Caesar Rodney (Del.) High School speedsters Sika Bendolph (fr.) and twin brother Tecumseh Bendolph (fr.) have also joined the Hornets' backfield corps this season.
“Each of our backs is working hard to learn the schemes in our new system,” Allen said. “We have the talent up front and in the backfield to be a good running team this season.”
DSU's 2015 opener is Sep. 5 at FCS preseason #15 Liberty University. Game time is 7 p.m. in Lynchburg, Va. After visiting FBS Kent State the following Saturday, the Hornets will play their home opener on Sep. 19 against Chowan University. The Hall-of-Fame Day game begins at 2 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
Hornet fans can help celebrate the start of the new DSU sports year next Saturday. The Hornet “Fan Fest” is scheduled for Aug. 22 from 4-8 p.m. at Alumni Stadium. In addition to games for the kids, music and performances by DSU's band and cheerleaders, fans can meet the coaches and members of the Hornets' Fall sports teams. 2015 Football tickets can also be purchased or picked up during the event.
