Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson isn’t interested in the hype surrounding his surging Hornets.
After winning more games this season than the last two years combined, Jackson’s first-year squad enters Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play at 4–3 following a well-timed bye week. Delaware State travels to defending MEAC champion North Carolina Central on Saturday for the Eagles’ homecoming in Durham, North Carolina.
“We try not to get too caught up in the buzz,” Jackson said this week. “We’ve got our hard hats and boots on. We prepare the same way every week. Our plan is to go down there and try to spoil a homecoming.”
The Hornets’ turnaround has been fueled by a dominant ground game – an ironic identity for a program led by one of the NFL’s most explosive wide receivers. Delaware State leads the MEAC and the FCS in rushing, averaging more than 300 yards per game with three of the league’s top backs in Marquis Gillis, James Jones and Jayden Jenkins.
“Everybody keeps asking how a wide receiver has a great running game,” Jackson said. “Whatever it takes to win football games, that’s what we’ll do. I don’t care if we throw it 10 times or 50 times – we just want to win.”
Jackson credited his offensive line and coaching staff, including line coach Eugene Chung and running backs coach Clinton Portis, for shaping a physical, disciplined identity.
“We’ve got two running backs who could play anywhere – FCS or FBS,” Jackson said. “But it all starts up front. Our offensive line hasn’t even been fully healthy yet, and they’ve still been dominant.”
While the Hornets have thrived on the ground, Jackson said improvement is still needed on defense, particularly in limiting penalties and finishing tackles.
“You can’t win games when you shoot yourself in the foot,” he said. “We’ve cleaned a lot of that up, but we’ve got to swarm to the ball and create more turnovers.”
Facing North Carolina Central, which features star running back Chris Mosley and one of the MEAC’s top offenses, will test that progress.
“It’s going to be a physical, hostile environment,” Jackson said. “We respect what they’ve done – they’re proven. But we’re coming down there ready to compete.”
Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowler who played under Andy Reid and Sean McVay, said his approach to building Delaware State’s program mirrors his playing philosophy: accountability, toughness and resilience.
“I tell my guys all the time – comfort doesn’t make you great,” he said. “We love being uncomfortable. That’s where growth happens.”
Though media members tried to get him to assess his first-year performance, Jackson wouldn’t take the bait.
“I can’t give myself a grade yet,” he said with a laugh. “The parade hasn’t happened. Ask me again in a month and a half.”
Kickoff between Delaware State (4–3) and North Carolina Central (5–2) is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. The game will air on ESPN+.
