Dover, Del. (Mar. 25, 2023) –  Despite capturing Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie-of-the-Year and All-MEAC Second Team honors as a redshirt freshman in 2022, Delaware State running back Marquis (MAR-keese) Gills (r-so.; Milford, Del.) still believes he has plenty to prove to the Hornets' new coaching staff and the league this year. An All-State and All-Henlopen Conference selection at Milford High School, Gillis was the MEAC's top newcomer last season after finishing fifth in the conference in rushing at 49.5 yards per game (545 total) despite missing some late season action for medical reasons. He also rushed for five touchdowns to tie for fifth in the league. Gillis ran for a career-high 123 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries in the Hornets' 28-7 win over Norfolk State, and  tallied 94 yards and a TD on 12 attempts at Howard last season.
Prior to enrolling at Delaware State, Gillis was a two-way standout at Milford. He was selected as the team's Maxwell Award recipient, team MVP and a Blue-Gold All-Star during his senior season.
Gillis posted impressive numbers at Milford with over 2,000 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns. He also recorded three defensive/ special teams touchdowns, in addition to three interceptions  and more than 100 tackles during his scholastic career.  
"With Covid affecting my high school senior year and recruiting, then sitting out the 2021 season, it was great to get back on the field last year," said Gillis, who averaged 4.9 years per carry for the Hornets in 2022. "The rookie-of-the-year award meant a lot to me because it was a reward for the hard work I put in, along with the line and the rest of the offense.  If we continue to work hard, learn from the new coaching staff and stay humble, I believe the team can exceed last year's performance and have a winning season."
The Hornets, 5-6 overall and 2-3 in the MEAC in 2022, will kick-off their 11-game 2023 schedule at home against Bowie State on Sep. 2.

2023 Delaware State football remaining spring practice schedule (*all sessions open to the public)
#4        Mar. 28                                                 6:00 am
#5        Mar. 30                                                 6:00 am
#6        Apr. 1                                                    6:00 am
#7        Apr. 3                                                    6:00 am
# 8       Apr. 4                                                    6:00 am
#9        Apr. 6  (scrimmage)                              6:00 am
#10       Apr. 11                                                 6:00 am
#11       Apr. 13                                                 6:00 am
#12       Apr. 15 (scrimmage)                            6:00 pm
#13       Apr. 18                                                 6:00 am
#14       Apr. 20                                                 6:00 am
#15       Apr. 22  (Red-White scrimmage)         1:00 pm

2023 Delaware State Football Schedule link:
https://dsuhornets.com/sports/football/schedule