Dover, Del. (Apr. 7, 2016) --- The Delaware State football team will close out its 2016 spring camp with a full contact offense vs. defense scrimmage at Alumni Stadium on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Among the Hornets' key storylines this spring is the development of quarterback Kobie Lain (so.), who led DSU to its lone victory as a true freshman in the last year's finale against Howard. Lain completed 14-of-27 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 52 yards (long 32) and a score in that contest.
The 6-2, 215-pound lefty has taken the majority of first team snaps for the Hornets this spring.
Veteran Gil Rivera (sr.) and newcomer Daniel Epperson (jr.) are the other quarterbacks in camp this spring.
Rivera has completed 176-of-342 passes (51.5%) for 1,773 yards with nine touchdowns and 15 interceptions in two seasons with the Hornets.
Epperson passed for 2,767 yards and 27 touchdowns (six INTs) in two seasons at San Bernadino Junior College before enrolling at DSU this year.
Brycen Alleyne (so.) and Kesselly Tyler (so.) are the top returning running backs in spring camp. Alleyne
finished his rookie season as the Hornets' leading scorer with five touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving, one kickoff return), second-leading rusher with 249 yards and No. 2 on the team with 862 all-purpose yards. He returned two kickoffs for 110 yards, including an 88-yard touchdown to help key the Hornets' win in the season finale against Howard.
Tyler, a former Georgia high school star, saw limited action during an injury-plagued freshman season in 2015.
Speedy twins Sika and Tecumseh Bendolph (so.) have also picked up valuable reps at running back this spring. Neither carried the ball as freshmen in 2015, but could play key roles this season.
The offensive line is expected to be a strength in the upcoming season. The line is anchored by veterans Ernest Mengoni (sr.) at center, tackle Jerron Searles (sr.) and guard Keon Williams (jr.), who sat out the 2015 season due to injury.
Chuka Ezeuzoh (so.) gained valuable experience as a true freshman last season, while Lamont Bradford (jr.) will push for a starting spot along the line in 2016.
This year's spring camp has also been important in the development of Jacob Jones (so.), who was moved from the defensive offensive line to the O-line at the end of the 2015 season.
The Hornets have been without last year's top receiver Aris Scott (so.) this spring. Scott, recovering from an injury, was among the MEAC leaders with 46 catches for 683 yards last season. He is expected to be in uniform when the Hornets return for preseason camp this summer.
Wide receivers Jeremiah Williams (r-jr.) and Jonathan Jones (r.-so.) are expected to play bigger roles this season are seeing spot duty in 2015.
Spring camp has also served to begin a retooling of the Hornet defense.
Last year's top tackler, inside linebacker Malik Harris (jr.), has been sidelined by injury this spring. Harris led the team with 104 tackles (55 solo), including 14.5 backfield stops, in 2015. He is also expected to be ready for summer camp.
The Hornets' second-leading tackler last season, linebacker Rashawn Barrett (sr.), has been impressive this spring. Barrett totaled 84 tackles and was third on the team with 8.5 tackles-for-loss and four sacks last season.
Former fullback Kyle Taylor (so.) is gaining valuable reps in his new position at linebacker this spring.
The defensive line features several role players who will be challenged to step up this season. He top returner among the linemen is tackle Javon Barnes (so.), who had 23 tackles and a sack as a true freshman in 2015.
Veteran Nick Nelson (sr.) will also anchor the inside of the line, along with converted offensive lineman Trey Wallace (so.), who sat out last season after transferring from Stetson University (Fla.).
Kamron Rogers (jr.) has moved to defensive end after some encouraging play in six games at linebacker following his return from injury last season.
The secondary features veteran corners William Burton (sr.) and Gary Melton (sr.), while former Woodbridge (Del.) High School star Logan Wescott (so.) returns after a breakout rookie season in 2015. Wescott was eighth on the Hornets with 39 tackles (27 solo), and also recorded a 72-yard interception return and 82-yard blocked field goal return for a touchdown last year.
Delaware State's 11-game 2016 schedule begins on Sep. 1 at the University of Delaware. The home opener is Sep. 10 against Monmouth. The Hall-of-Fame Day contest is set for 5 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
