After allowing 17 passes of 40-or-more yards in 2017, Delaware State's defensive coaches are counting on a young, aggressive group of safeties to help lead the improvement.
“We have a bunch of hard-nosed guys that are really coming together this summer,” said the Hornets' new safeties coach Anthony Missick, a former University of Kentucky and professional football standout. “In addition to their aggressiveness, the guys are sound fundamentally and growing each day.”
The leader of the Hornets' 2018 safety corps is junior Jahad Neibauer, the team leader with 78 tackles to tie for 11th in the MEAC at 7.1 per game last season.
“Jahad is like a coach on the field,” Missick said. “He's a great tackler, but more importantly he's a leader with a high football IQ. We count on him to help everyone else on the defense in check.”
Two first-year safeties, including a local product, have drawn raves from the coaching staff this preseason.
Former Milford High School star David Bowman (fr.), along with Miami, Fla., product Andrew Reese (fr.), are making a strong case for playing time as true freshmen this year.
Bowman, Milford's all-time leader in numerous offensive categories, was also the state Defensive Player-of-the-Year in 2017. Reese was a standout defender at powerhouse Miami Central and Miami Senior high schools.
“What these two young guys lack in size, they more than make up for in hard work and aggressiveness,” said Missick. “They are learning quickly and making a case to be key contributors this season.”
Fellow newcomers Mohamet Thiam (fr.; Union City, N.J.), junior college transfer Justin Castell (jr.; Los Angeles Pierce CC) and Taj Washington (fr.; Newark, Del.) are also expected to see action in the upcoming season.
Delaware State opens the 2018 campaign at FBS Buffalo of the Mid-America Conference on Sep. 1 at 6:00 p.m. The Hornets will play their first home game on Oct. 6 against defending MEAC champ North Carolina A&T (7:00 p.m.).
