DeSean Jackson has had a few days to reflect on his debut as Delaware State head football coach and he sees some positives after the Hornets’ 35-17 loss to in-state rival Delaware, most notably a change in the team’s attitude.
“Overall, the morale of this team is night and day from last year. The guys are buying in, they’re working harder and becoming a team,” Jackson said. “They’re going to put it on the line for one another. Those are the characteristics you have to have to become a championship team.”
The Hornets played their best ball in the 19-year history of the Route 1 Rivalry Thursday night, especially running the ball. Delaware State outgained the Blue Hens 200 yards to 137 on the ground, led by grad student running back Marquis Gillis, who tied a career-high with 123 yards rushing.
Gillis, who also caught a 39-yard touchdown pass, was named MEAC Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
“Marquis is a guy who can play on Sundays, and we have some great guys in our running back room who can get it done.”
Jackson lamented that Delaware backup quarterback Nick Minicucci (28-of-36 passing, 250 yards and three touchdowns) was the chief problem for the Hornet defense.
“It’s a shame that 3 (Zach Marker) went down, but Nick came in and had his way,” he said. “I told our defense that we gave up about 280 yards in the air. That’s way too many.”
Jackson was pleased with the play of his own quarterback, Sacramento State transfer Kaiden Bennett, who ran and passed for a touchdown.
“We knew what he was capable of; just the dynamic he brings to the field, I wouldn’t want any other guy leading our team,” he said.
He’s also confident that there’s a lot of season left for Delaware State to make some noise. The next step in that process is Saturday afternoon when the Hornets will play Coastal Athletic Association school Albany in their home opener.
“We prepare hard, we just have to follow up with the work,” he said. “We just have to keep taking it step by step, brick by brick and by the time we look up, we’re going to be a scary team.”
