Dover, Del. (Aug. 25, 2015) --- For the first time in several years, veterans outnumber new faces on the Delaware State offensive line entering the 2015 football season. There are nine offensive linemen with at least two years of experience, including four with extensive minutes as starters on the squad.
DSU was last among all Football Championship Subdivision teams in total offense and near the bottom in rushing, passing and scoring in 2014.
However, a new coaching staff and offensive system, combined with a veteran front, depth at running back and more stability at quarterback is raising hope for more success when the Hornets have the ball this season.
“More than any other group on the team, the offensive line needs to establish continuity to be successful,” said new Hornet O-line coach Chris Sprague. “It helps to have veteran players when you're installing a new system and changing the way some things were done in the past. The guys have come a long way since spring ball, and have made significant progress, especially in the last couple of weeks.”
Anchoring the Hornets' front line is three-year starting center Ernest Mengoni (jr.), a 2015 Preseason All-MEAC Third Team selection.
“Ernest has everything we look for in a center: physically strong, quick and a good leader,” Sprague said. “He has a high football IQ; and that's important because he has to direct traffic before the play starts. The center is the quarterback of the line.”
At the tackle position, Dimitri Hill (sr.), Jerron Searles (jr.) and Clark McCready (sr.) have multiple starts. Hill and McCready have been mainstays on the line since contributing to Delaware State's last winning season (6-5) as true freshmen in 2012.
Searles started all 12 games for the Hornets last season.
The Hornet offensive line also features veteran guards Darren Helwig (jr.) and Keon Williams (jr.), each a starter since freshman year.
Patrick Phillips (jr.) is an experienced back-up at center, while Justin Cook (jr.), Keevon Prather (sr.) and Lamont Bradford (so.) bring depth to the interior line.
Former Concord HS (Del.) standout Chuka Ezeuzoh (fr.) is the top newcomer on the offensive line this season.
“It's a plus to have so many guys who have been together for a while,” said Sprague. “The line will play a key role in our fate as a team this season.”
The Hornets kick-off the 2015 season on Sep. 5 at nationally ranked Liberty University. Game time is 7 p.m. in Lynchburg, Va. After visiting Kent State the following Saturday, DSU will play its home opener on Sep. 19 against Chowan. The Hall-of-Fame Day contest gets underway at 2 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
