Dover, Del. (Aug. 4, 2015) --- The countdown to the 2015 Delaware State football season is officially underway.  Hornet players return to campus on Wednesday (Aug. 5) for the start of preseason camp. After two days of meetings, physicals and pictures, new head coach Kenny Carter will hold his first summer practice session on Friday at Alumni Stadium.

DSU will begin regular practice sessions on Aug. 24 in preparation for the season opener at Liberty University on Sep. 5. Game time is 7 p.m. in Lynchburg, Va.

After visiting Kent State the following week (Sep. 12 at 6 pm), the Hornets will play their home opener on Sep. 19 against Chowan. The Hall-of-Fame Day contest is scheduled for 2 pm at Alumni Stadium.

Delaware State will begin Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play at home against 2014 co-champ Morgan State on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. The Bears were one of five teams to earn a share of the conference title last year.

The Hornets will also face MEAC opponents South Carolina State (Oct. 24; Homecoming), Bethune-Cookman (Oct. 31) and Howard (Nov. 21) at home this season.

DSU's MEAC road slate features visits to Hampton (Oct. 10), Florida A&M (Oct. 17), North Carolina Central (Nov. 7) and North Carolina A&T (Nov. 14).    

2015 DELAWARE STATE FOOTBALL OUTLOOK

After working with some of the top names and programs in college football for more than two decades, new Delaware State head coach Kenny Carter gets to lead his own team for the first time.

Carter's career as an assistant coach features a "who's who" of leaders under whom he has served, including Urban Meyer, Joe Paterno, Charlie Strong and Bobby Johnson. He was a member of the staff that helped lead the University of Florida to a national championship and Louisville to two Big East titles and four post-season bowl appearances.
 

In addition, Carter played key roles during successful stops at Vanderbilt, Penn State, Pittsburgh and LSU.

Delaware State is hoping Carter's extensive experience will help turn around a program that won only two of 12 games in 2014.

The Hornets have had just one winning season (6-5 in 2012) since capturing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship in 2007. DSU was 2-6 in MEAC contests last season.

Carter says Delaware State is an ideal place to begin his head coaching career.

"I was impressed with the university administration's commitment to building a winning program," he said.  "I was also encouraged by the administration's willingness to hear my views on the program and what it would take to be successful in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) in general."

Carter expects to inherit about 60 letterwinners and 14 starters from the Hornets' 2014 squad.

"The greatest challenge was convincing everyone to accept a new standard for themselves and the team. We have made changes in nearly every area of the program, and everyone is held accountable.  I can say without hesitation that the vast majority of the guys have bought in and are already reaping the benefits."

(L-R): Senior WR Morris Frasier, head coach Kenny Carter, junior DL Gabe Sherrod

OFFENSE
The Hornet offense will have seven returning starters, including all five linemen, while the likely opening day quarterback was the announced 2014 starter before suffering a season- ending injury during pre-season camp.

Quarterbacks
Likely 2015 starting quarterback Esayah Obado (r-jr.; 6-3; 210) returns to action this season after sitting out the entire 2014 campaign due to injury. Obado completed 21-of-40 passes (52.5%) in four games (one start) as a redshirt freshman in 2013. He appeared to have a good grasp of the new Hornet offense during an impressive spring camp showing. Obado threw four touchdown passes and directed two other scoring drives in the annual spring game last April.

The Hornets also return quarterback Gil Rivera (jr.; 6-3; 230), who started the first six games in 2014 after joining the team prior to pre-season camp. Rivera completed 95-of-188 passes (50.5%) for 898 yards, tossing six touchdowns and 10 interceptions, in 10 games last season.

No one should be surprised if newcomer Kobe Lain (fr.; 6-1; 210) sees significant playing time this season. Lain combined for 18 passing and rushing touchdowns as a senior at Georgia's Woodland High School in 2014. He passed for 1,650 yards and rushed for 622 during his senior season, helping lead the school to a 7-3 record, its best since 2009.

Local product Avery McMullin (r-fr.; 6-1; 190) rounds out the Hornets' pre-season quarterback depth chart. The former Smyrna High School (Del.) star sat out the season as a freshman redshirt in 2014.

Running Backs
The Hornets have eight backs on their preseason roster, including Jamaal Jackson (sr.; 5-9; 180), who led the team with 493 yards rushing (4.1 ypc) in 2014. Jackson rushed for 421yards in the last five games (84.2 avg.).

Two other veteran runners also return.

Dae-Hon Cheung (sr.; 5-10; 180) has 832 career rushing yards, including 410 (tops among MEAC freshman) and three touchdowns in 2012. Nagee Jackson (sr.; 6-2; 225) has 510 career rushing yards and nine touchdowns, including a team-high seven as a freshman in 2012.

Trey Hall (r-jr.; 5-11; 195), who has battled injuries throughout his career, hopes to display his talents as he begins the 2015 season in good health.

Speedy Delaware product Brycen Alleyne (fr.; 5-7; 170) joins the Hornets this season after tallying more than 2,200 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior at Concord HS in Wilmington in 2014. He's also expected to contribute to the team as a kick returner this season.

Newcomer Kesselly Tyler (fr.; 6-2; 215) from Benjamin Mays High School in Georgia will get some chances at fullback this season. Former Caesar Rodney (Del.) High School standouts Laulewasika Bendolph (fr.; 5-8; 175) and his twin brother Tecumseh Bendolph (fr.; 5-8; 175) will add speed to the backfield this year.

Offensive Line
The Hornets have a mostly veteran offensive line for the first time in recent years. The new coaching staff is hoping the line's experience, along with a renewed emphasis will result in greater production in the run game this season.

DSU was in the bottom tier among all FCS teams at 96.2 yards rushing per game in 2014. The Hornets have not cracked the 100-yard mark in rushing yards per game since the 2009 season. 

Center Ernest Mengoni (jr.; 6-3; 285) is a pre-season All-MEAC Third Team selection. He was selected as the team's Most Valuable Player in 2014.

Tackles Jerron Searles (jr.; 6-5; 280), Dimitri Hill (sr.; 6-5; 325) and Clark McCready (sr.; 6-4; 285) have multiple starts, while guards Darren Helwig (jr.; 6-5; 295), Keon Williams (jr.; 6-2; 285) are also solid veterans.

Patrick Phillips (jr.; 6-0; 285), Justin Cook (jr.; 6-4; 300), Keevon Prather (sr.; 6-3; 290) and Lamont Bradford (so.; 6-4; 290) bring depth to the interior line.

Former Concord HS (Del.) standout Chuka Ezeuzon (fr.; 6-5; 300) is the top newcomer on the line this season.     

Receivers
The receiving corps is deep and balanced, featuring a good mix of deep threats and middle-of-the-field options.

Malik Golson (r-jr.; 5-9; 180) is tops among returning players with 80 receptions for 792 yards and six touchdowns in his career. Golson had 55 catches for 517 yards and four scores as a redshirt freshman in 2013.

Aris Scott (jr.; 6-3; 225) and Morris Frasier (sr.; 6-3; 220) bring good size and speed to the receiving corps. Scott was fourth on the Hornets with 12 catches for 129 yards; and was also the team's top kickoff returner last season.

Jonathan Jones (r-fr.; 5-11; 195), Jerimiah Williams (r-so; 6-2; 195) and DaShawn Smith (so.; 6-0; 180) are expected to play bigger roles this season.

Among the newcomers is former St. George's Vo-Tech (Del.) star Taronn Selby (fr.; 5-9; 170), the Delaware Gatorade Player-of-the-Year as a running back in 2014. Selby rushed for more than 3,000 yards and scored more than 60 touchdowns during his scholastic career.

Another former Delaware high school star, Kamal Abrams (gr.; 5-11; 190) has returned to his hometown after three seasons at FBS Connecticut. Abrams attracted the attention of a number of big schools after a standout career as a quarterback at Dover (Del.) High School.

Nate Ortiz (r-so.; 6-3; 230) and Ameer Watson (so.; 6-3; 245) are expected to battle for the starting tight end job. Ortiz took most of the first time snaps in the spring, highlighted by a touchdown catch in the annual Red/White contest. It's been seven seasons since a Hornet tight end has caught a touchdown pass.

DEFENSE
The Hornets are expected to look vastly different on defense this season. Just five 2014 starters return and several players have been moved to different positions. If the spring is any indication, the defense will be much quicker and produce more big plays and turnovers than in recent years.

Secondary
The defensive backfield is deep and experienced. Safety Terrick Colston (sr.; 6-1; 200) is a Pre-season All-MEAC First Team selection. Last season, he was third on the Hornets with 75 tackles and was among the MEAC leaders with four interceptions. He also scored touchdowns on a blocked punt and interception return in 2014. Colston has 253 career tackles, seven interceptions and five fumble recoveries in his Hornet career.

J.R. Robinson (sr.; 5-11; 200) is regarded as the team's "shut down" corner.  Also a solid tackler, he's expected to cover the opponents' best receiver this season.

Corners William Burton (jr.; 5-9; 175) and Anthony Gamble (jr. 5-8; 180) are coming off solid seasons. Burton was sixth on the Hornets with 47 tackles (27 solo) and second on the squad with two interceptions, while Gamble was ninth on the team with 39 tackles, including 23 unassisted.

Gary Melton (jr.; 5-10; 180) and Mark Flakes (so.; 5-11; 180) gained valuable last season, while Javon Spann (fr.) and Denzel Burgett (fr.) are promising newcomers at corner this season.

Willie Bolden (r-jr. 6-1; 210) and Kevin Jocelyn (jr.; 5-9; 185) are key returners to the safety position. Burton recorded 26 tackles, while Jocelyn tallied 21 in his first full season in the secondary in 2014.

Safety T.J. Agibola (sr.; 5-8; 175) is expected to see increased playing time at safety after an impressive spring camp.

The position suffered a blow when Xavier Wilcher (so.; 6-2; 175) sustained a spring game knee injury that could threaten his season.

Keyjuan Selby (fr.; 5-11; 175), the twin brother of freshman receiver Taronn, is the top newcomer at safety.  He had a school-record 11 interceptions at St. George's Vo-Tech (Del.) in his scholastic career.

Front Line
The revamped line is led by Pre-season All-MEAC Third Team selection Gabe Sherrod (jr.; 6-3; 255) at end. A converted tight end, Sherrod was second on the Hornets in sacks (5) and tackles for loss (7.5) in his first season on the line in 2014.  He also had an interception (27-yard return), three quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, fumble recovery and blocked kick last season.

Tarique Anderson (sr.; 6-5; 265), Nick Nelson (jr.; 6-4; 265) and Jihad Abdur-Rahman (sr.; 6-4; 270) have been moved to the inside after beginning their DSU careers at end.

Newcomers Javon Barnes (fr.; 6-2; 300) and Jacob Jones (fr.; 6-3; 290) will add size to the front line.

Jacob Tizzard (sr.; 6-1; 260) will be a full-time end, while former linebacker Josh Ealy (so.; 6-3; 230) has been moved to the end this season.

Abdul Ajelero (fr.; 6-0; 255), Christian Johnson (fr.; 6-2; 245) and Robert Jernigan (fr.) will likely see plenty of action on the outside in their first season with the Hornets.

Linebackers
The linebacker corps is a mixture of young players looking to make a bigger impact on the team this season and newcomers fighting for playing time.

The top returning tackler among the linebackers is inside man Dan Zajac (so.; 6-2; 235). Zajac was eighth on the team with 42 tackles (26 solo) as a true freshman in 2014. He was also third on the team with two sacks last season.

Malik Harris (so.; 6-0; 220) also had an impact as a true freshman a year ago. He had 17 tackles, including 3.5 behind the line-of-scrimmage, and collected a MEAC Rookie-of-the-Week award last season. The linebacker corps is also bolstered by the return of Rashawn Barrett, who sat out the 2014 season.

Veterans Stewart Carey (r-sr.; 6-0; 230) and Raphael
Whittingham (jr.; 6-3; 215) are expected to see increased playing time, while second-year men Demont Cook (so.; 6-1; 230) and Devin Thompson (so.; 6-0; 200) will also battle for more minutes this season.

The linebacker corps also suffered a setback when Kareem Leaver (so.; 6-2; 240) injured a knee during spring camp. Leaver recorded 31 tackles (16 solo) and a 44-yard fumble return for a touchdown as a true freshman last season.  His status for the 2015 season is questionable.

Dominic Floyd (fr.; 6-2; 220) and Jordan Franklin (fr.) top the list of newcomers to the linebacker corps.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Coach Carter brings a wealth of special teams experience to the Hornets, having served as a special teams coordinator in most of his previous stops. Special teams woes were among the key reasons for DSU's sub-par season in 2014. The Hornets allowed seven touchdowns in the punt game last season, three as a result of blocks and four on returns. As a result, DSU allowed nearly 21 yards per punt returns and 24 on kickoffs last season.

The Hornets also kicked just four field goals the entire 2014 season.

To address the kicking game, DSU has added placekicker Wisdom Nzidee (so.; 5-8; 180), who transferred to the Hornets after Div. II Paine College (Ga.) dropped its football program. Nzidee was nine-for-11 on field goal tries and 21-of-21 on extra-point kicks as a freshman at Paine in 2014. He was 26-for-32 on field goal kicking at Stephenson High School (Ga.) before enrolling at Paine.

Hornet punter Jeremiah McGeough (r-so.; 6-1; 175) is expected to improve under Carter's tutelage this season after an up-and-down 2014 season.

DSU has also brought in ace long-snapper Jonathan Scandrett (fr.; 5-10; 210), who displayed his special teams skills at Woodland High School in Georgia.

The Hornets have several game-breaking kick returners on their 2015 roster.

Aris Scott led the team in kickoff returns at 22.2 yards per attempt last season. He scored his first career touchdown on a return on the opening kickoff of the 2014 season at Monmouth.

Malik Golson has experience returning punts and kickoffs, while Jamaal Jackson may also return kicks again this season.

Newcomers Brycen Alleyne, Keyjuan and Taronn Selby; along with Kamal Abrams may each perform kick return duties this year.