In just three games, DeSean Jackson has already matched Delaware State’s total number of wins from the past two seasons combined — but for the Hornets’ first-year head coach, the job is far from done.
Despite a dominant 36-14 win over Bowie State last weekend — fueled by nearly 280 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns — Jackson remained focused on growth, discipline, and long-term change.
“I’m happy about the win, but I know we can do a lot better,” Jackson said during Monday’s media availability. “We’re still making penalties and bonehead mistakes, and eventually, that’s going to cost us.”
Jackson, the former NFL Pro Bowler known for his speed and flair as a wide receiver, has brought a new culture and standard to a program that won just a single game each of the last two seasons. Under his leadership, Delaware State is now 2-1 entering a three-game road stretch — beginning with St. Francis this Saturday in Loretto, Pennsylvania.
“They beat us on our home field last year,” said Jackson, who was not yet with the team at that time. “I remind my guys of everything that happened in the past. We keep that on our shoulders and our minds.”
The Hornets leaned heavily on their rushing attack in the win over Bowie State, with freshman running back Sean “Deuce” Weston standing out. Jackson praised Weston for stepping up amid injuries and off-field issues in the running back room.
“When he gets that ball in his hand, he’s a physical runner,” Jackson said. “He’s shown he can play at a high level, even as a young guy.”
Defensive back Anthony Hebert also earned praise for helping stabilize a defense that lost one of its leaders, Dasheen Jackson, to injury.
Jackson has emphasized toughness, accountability, and mental discipline in rebuilding the Hornets. He’s been especially vocal about eliminating selfish penalties — including personal fouls after the whistle — that plagued previous seasons.
“It’s not about perfection,” he said. “But if someone says something to you and that pushes you over the limit, and you hurt the team because of that — that’s selfish ball. And that’s not going to be tolerated here.”
Jackson’s approach is rooted in lessons learned from NFL coaching mentors like Andy Reid and Sean McVay, as well as veteran teammates from his playing days with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I had guys like Donovan McNabb, Brian Dawkins, and Brian Westbrook who taught me what it meant to be a pro,” Jackson said. “Now I’m teaching these young men how to be accountable — not just as players, but as future fathers, husbands, and professionals.”
With three games remaining before Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play begins, Jackson wants his team fully sharpened.
“Our standard is way higher than what we’re putting out right now,” he said. “We’re not content. We’ve still got a lot to prove.”
After opening the season with a loss to FCS powerhouse Delaware, the Hornets have bounced back with two straight wins. But Jackson remains cautious about the road ahead.
“We’re 0-1 on the road,” he noted. “We’ve got another opportunity to even that up this weekend. Nobody’s going to give us anything — we have to go take it.”
In a year filled with early momentum and high expectations, Jackson is building what he calls “The Hornets Way.”
“We want to be physical. We want to outlast our opponent. We want to be violent at the point of attack,” he said. “The standard is the standard — no one is above it.”
Delaware State faces St. Francis (0-3) on Saturday, Sept. 20, at DeGol Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
