Delaware State Football Preseason Outlook

Delaware State Hornets Football photo courtesy of Delaware State Athletics

Delaware State is set to kick off the 2023 season under new head coach Lee Hull. Hull was introduced as the new head coach in Dec of 2022. Hull was most recently the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at MEAC rival Howard University. He brings more than 25 years of coaching experience at the professional and NCAA Division I levels.

The Hornets are coming off a 5-6 season in which they finished tied for third in the MEAC conference with Morgan State and Norfolk State. Defending MEAC champion North Carolina Central were not only predicted as the league’s top team once again with Howard ranked second with South Carolina State in third. Morgan State, Norfolk State and Delaware State rounded out the bottom half in that order on this year’s preseason rankings.

In a press release MEAC announced six Hornets in their All-MEAC preseason honors. Delaware State’s First Team selections were highlighted by reigning MEAC Offensive Rookie of the Year Marquis Gillis (RB), a local talent from Milford. Joining Gillis on the First Team were seniors Sam Pearson (OL) and Romell Harris-Freeman (DB)

Rounding out the Hornet All-MEAC Preseason selections were junior offensive lineman Isaiah Cook, junior linebacker Maurio Goings and sophomore place kicker Nathan Wilson.

Coach Lee Hull has yet to name his quarterback starter and told us “that the QB #1 QB spot has not been appointed”. Former Delaware Gatorade Player CJ Henry from Hodgson is one of those quarterbacks battling for the starting position. Henry led the Hornets last season playing in 8 games going 92-148 throwing for 1028 yards with 9 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.

We did as Coach Lee for some interviews but told “that none of our players are available for interviews”.

The Hornets open the 2023 campaign on September 2 against Bowie State. Kickoff from Alumni Stadium is currently scheduled for 1 p.m. Below is a full schedule on how to watch the Hornets televised games this season.

Televised Schedule Below

Saturday, Sept. 2

Bowie State at Delaware State, ESPN+, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 9

Delaware State at Army, CBS Sports Network, 12 p.m

Saturday, Sept. 30

Virginia Lynchburg at Delaware State, ESPN+, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Delaware State at Central Connecticut, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21 (ESPNU wild-card matchup to be announced on Mon., 10/9)

S.C. State at Delaware State*, ESPN Platforms (TBD), 12 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28 (ESPNU wild-card matchup to be announced on Mon., 10/16)

Howard at Delaware State*, ESPN Platforms (TBD), 12 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 4 (ESPNU wild-card matchup to be announced on Mon., 10/23)

Delaware State at Morgan State*, ESPN Platforms (TBD), 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 11 (ESPNU wild-card matchup to be announced on Mon., 10/30)

Norfolk State at Delaware State*, ESPN Platforms (TBD), 12 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 18

Delaware State at N.C. Central*, ESPN+, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Cricket Celebration Bowl, ABC, 12 p.m.

RELATED STORIES:

Follow Town Square Live