AAF Report: DeSean Jackson Has Delaware State Abuzz
An electric atmosphere was felt on the campus of Delaware State, the latest HBCU football program to hand over the reins to a former NFL superstar.
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ON LOCATION: DELAWARE STATE MEGA CAMP
On a muggy day in June, a buzz reverberates from Alumni Stadium, where nearly 500 players arrived upon sunrise for an opportunity to impress thew new sheriff of Dover.
“This is what it looks like right here, man. Look around. Look who next to you, it's your competition. Every step of the way. Don't worry about the next person. Worry about yourself.”
It’s a new era of Delaware State football, as head coach DeSean Jackson (cover photo: Delaware State Athletics) addresses his first ‘Mega Camp,’ as head coach of the Hornets.
“Don't waste time, man. Time is in the essence,” Jackson preached. “Hey, attack everything and fear nothing. That's our motto around here. In life, you got an obstacle, attack it. I don't care if you don't think you could overcome that obstacle. Attack that obstacle.”
The former NFL superstar known as ‘D-Jax’, is the latest pro player-turned-college football head coach to attempt an HBCU resurrection. He follows in the footsteps of Eddie George (Tennessee State-to-Bowling Green) and Deion Sanders (Jackson State-to-Colorado), as Delaware State now takes the leap of faith behind Jackson, who takes over a program that went 1-11 a year ago.
"We're not rebuilding, this isn't rebuilding,” Jackson said at his introductory press conference. "We don't have time to waste. We're doing this right now."
At first glance, it would appear to be a bold declaration. But Jackson is confident in his leadership abilities, crediting mentors such as Andy Reid, whom he played for in Philadelphia and Sean McVay, whom he won a Super Bowl with in Los Angeles. However, Jackson has defied the odds his entire career. First, as an All-American at California and then in the NFL, where he would spend 15 seasons, becoming the first player ever to be named to the Pro Bowl at two positions (wide receiver and kick returner).
While critics are quick to point out the lack of experience Jackson brings, you would be hard-pressed to find a more experienced coaching staff across the college football landscape, at any level. A heavy emphasis will be placed on coaching and development, which was evident during the ‘Mega Camp.’ Players in attendance were taught fundamentals and technique by the assistant coaching staff, which brings over 60 years of combined NFL experience.
A quick glance of the field on this day, one could find Clinton Portis coaching up the running backs, Sammie Parker guiding the wideouts on how to run routes, while Eugene Chung worked with the big men on technique in the trenches. The staff has fully bought in, making it feel more like a ‘movement,’ rather than a ‘rebuild.’
“Coach DeSean [Jackson], Coach [Emerson] Martin, Coach [Sean] Weston, Coach [Donovan] Warren. Like, you have so many guys that played in the NFL and I think that's our niche,” Coach Portis told All Access Football following the camp. “You know, just the, X's and O's, the teaching points, the fundamentals that a lot of coaches don't know because they didn't play the game at a high level. So, a lot of this staff is highly decorated, college or NFL.”
“You're going to get coached like the NFL players are, which isn't going to happen at a lot of these other schools,” Coach Chung added. “That's how we're pulling guys from the Power 4, Power 5 away. So, you know, from Michigan, Arizona, Oregon, we're bringing it, we're getting them all. I see there's players from all over the country here, huge turnout.”
The dominoes have already begun to fall, as Jackson has tapped into his NFL connections, signing Antonio Gates Jr. The four-star wide receiver recruit arrives via Michigan State and is the son of recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Antonio Gates. Also making the trek east will be Michigan graduate senior quarterback Anthony Arnou, creating an unparalleled excitement.
“You can tell when he when he steps out on the field, he commands a respect and leadership that is natural coming from Michigan,” Chung said about Arnou. “Plus, the way he throws the ball is pretty amazing right there. So that ball's getting out there quick and it's getting to where it needs to go very fast. They [players] see how he does it, so they want to emulate what he's doing because he's bringing what he learned at Michigan here to Delaware State.”
“Because of who our head coach and our staff is, we're getting those guys [top recruits],” Coach Martin emphasized. “We're telling guys to be different. Deion [Sanders] with Travis Hunter and with his son [Shedeur Sanders], we're doing the same type of thing. We got great coaches that know what it looks like, that know what to expect, to push them to be their best. If you want to be the best, go play for the best. We know what it takes.”
The momentum has sparked reinvigorated energy amongst the staff and players alike, creating positive results early on in recruitment.
“I think it's already known that we can relate. We come from these same neighborhoods, these same backgrounds,” Portis added. “If you look at this coaching staff, the entire coaching staff loves the game, got a lot of knowledge in the game, been around the game for a long time and played the game at a high level. So, I don't think many universities period, offer this much experience and talent with accolades as a coaching staff.”
The attention has already translated to exposure. It was announced that the Delaware State game against Norfolk State and head coach Mike Vick, has been moved to Lincoln Financial Field on October 30th at 8:00pm, as the two former Philadelphia Eagles teammates will square off in the stadium they once called home.
As if Jackson wasn’t busy enough, he is set to become a father again, as it was recently announced that his girlfriend Yaya Sandoval is expecting their first child together. In addition, the Golden Bears legend was also recently nominated for the College Football Hall of Fame and is scheduled to have a documentary about his life released on Amazon this fall.
“I feel like I'm one of the best to ever do it,” Jackson told players in attendance, preaching his constant quest to improve. “When I walked away from that game, I looked back and I said, man, did I do everything I could to be the best I could? If I could go back and put in an extra rep or put in an extra push-up, don't leave it out there, man. Don't leave it out there.”
“It’s going to look a certain way and we’re going to do it a certain way but at the end of the day, we’re going to have fun doing it. And when you look up, you’ll be like wow, it’s a morale. It’s a persona. It’s a swagger. And I think everybody on this campus, everybody in Dover, everybody across the world is going to feel us.”
"We no longer dream big dreams,” said Delaware State University president Tony Allen. “We are in execution mode, which means having the right vision, the right talent and a set of inspirational leaders who can see the road ahead for a university whose time has come. DeSean will be one of those leaders throughout our institution.”
While the script has yet to be written, the opening chapter feels like a great beginning.
TEXANS FATTEN BACKFIELD WITH SIGNING OF CHUBB
The Houston Texans have signed former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (photo: UGA Athletics) to a one-year, $2.5M contract. The move comes after Houston invested a fourth round pick in USC runner Woody Marks.
While Marks is more of a slasher and an exceptional pass-catcher who could spell third downs, Chubb can pack a one-two punch with starter Joe Mixon. With new offensive coordinator Nick Caley calling the plays, the Texans are expected to run the ball significantly more. Caley cites Josh McDaniels in New England and Sean McVay in Los Angeles as his mentors, so also expect to see plenty of play-action.
With three spots likely already spoken for before training camp arrives, that means backups Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale will be battling for a roster slot.
OREGON PLAYMAKER COULD BE OUT FOR THE YEAR
The Oregon Ducks received some unfortunate news last week when it was announced that wideout Evan Stewart suffered a torn patellar tendon and could possibly be lost for the season. It is unknown how the injury occurred for Stewart, who if it weren’t for bad luck, would have no luck at all.
The speedy senior registered 48 catches, for 613 yards and five touchdowns a year ago but sat out the Rose Bowl due to a lower back injury. This past spring, he was forced to shut it down due to another (undisclosed) injury. In fact, the one-time five-star recruit missed seven games during his two seasons at Texas A&M before transferring to Eugene.
With new NIL rules going into effect, it will be interesting to see if Stewart pursues another year of college, or foregoes his eligibility to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Memphis native was considered to be the fifth-rated Ducks prospect headed into the season, according to NFL Draft Bible.
NFLPA BOWL PERSONNEL FIGURES MEET IN UFL FINAL
For those in the know, it’s really no surprise that the DC Defenders and Michigan Panthers will be squaring off in the United Football League Championship. The men responsible for constructing each organization are keen talent evaluators with vast experience.
For DC, general manager Von Hutchins spent five seasons in the NFL as a sixth round pick out of Ole Miss in 2004. He would transition into the personnel side after his playing days were over, spending 10 years as a scout for the Green Bay Packers and Las Vegas Raiders. Before landing in DC, Hutchins spent his time as a scout for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, traveling the country in search of diamonds in the rough.
(DC GM Von Hutchins, far left, with Dane Vandernat, middle and Ric Serritella)
As for Michigan, general manager Steve Kazor also found a home with the NFLPA Bowl scouting department, spearheaded by former Raiders pro personnel director and current Tiger-Cats executive Dave Vandernat, as he searched for his next landing spot with the Panthers. Previously, Kazor had served as an NFL scout for 17 years with the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams. After graduating Westminster University in 1969, Kazor first spent over 35 seasons coaching.
In both instances, the experience and relationships of both Hutchins and Kazor provided for an ideal background to construct the ultimate spring team. We look forward to what should be an exciting final on Saturday, June 14th at 8:00pm eastern on ABC.
CFL WEEK 1: CHAMPS GET CUT AT THE WAISTLINE
If Week 1 is any indication, it would appear that the Montreal Alouettes would seem to have the best defense in the CFL. The Montreal defense swarmed reigning Grey Cup champion Nick Arbuckle all game long, forcing him into bad decisions during a dominant 28-10 win over the Toronto Argonauts. Tip of the cap to Alouettes special teams ace Alexandre Gagne, who tied a CFL single-game record withs seven special teams tackles.
The new quarterback duo of Vernon Adams (284 passing yards) and PJ Walker (one rushing touchdown) in Calgary certainly provided a new-look identity, as the Stampeders demonstrated a balanced offensive attack, while receiving 94 rushing yards and three scores from Dedrick Mills in a win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Look for this upstart Calgary team to provide plenty more upsets along the way this season.
One of the biggest offseason acquisitions was Ottawa adding wideout Geno Lewis (photo above). The CFL superstar made his presence felt opening week, nabbing his 400th career reception, while scoring a touchdown in his ninth consecutive game. The Redblacks would fall to the Saskatchewan Roughriders 31-26. However, Lewis can tie the all-time record (held by Terry Evanshen) this week with a score for a 10th straight game. In other Ottawa news, Dru Brown became just the fourth player in CFL history to throw for 400+ yards in three consecutive regular season games, dating back to last season and the first player to accomplish such a feat since Doug Flutie (1993).
It was a solid performance for BC quarterback Nathan Rourke, who extended plays with his scrambling mobility, dicing up the Edmonton defense, completing 75% of his passes, for 324 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 54 yards via the ground. The Lions were too much for the Elks to handle, defeating them 31-14, as Rourke was named CFL Player of the Week.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers make their season debut to begin Week 2 action on Thursday night at 8:30pm eastern, as they host the Rourke-led Lions.
FOOTBALL COMMUNITY RALLIES BEHIND TED GOVEIA
Anyone who has been privileged enough to cross paths with Ted Goveia along the football scouting trails, knows that he is one of the ultimate grinders and just a good all-around dude. That’s why it hit the football community hard when it was announced that he would be stepping away from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to deal with a personal battle.
A three-time Grey Cup champion as a front office executive for the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Goveia was named general manager of Hamilton in January. He has since assembled one of the most impressive scouting departments that the Canadian Football League has ever witnessed and was able to recruit ten of his former Winnipeg players to join Hamilton during the offseason, a testament to the type of relationships that Goveia has cultivated over the years.
The CFL released the following statement: “Our CFL family and the entire CFL community sends its best wishes to Ted Goveia after learning of his cancer diagnosis. You are not alone, Ted. Fans from coast to coast to coast send their strength to you and your family. Your journey through the game has been an incredible inspiration to us all, and we’re here now to support you every step of the way throughout this courageous fight.”
NFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM
Philadelphia Eagles
Baltimore Ravens
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams
Buffalo Bills
Washington Commanders
Los Angeles Chargers
Detroit Lions
Denver Broncos
Cincinnati Bengals
NFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Josh Allen, Bills
Joe Burrow, Bengals
Jalen Hurts, Eagles
Matthew Stafford, Rams
Jayden Daniels, Commanders
Justin Herbert, Chargers
Brock Purdy, 49ers
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
UFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
Michigan Panthers (7-4)
DC Defenders (7-4)
Birmingham Stallions (7-4)
St. Louis Battlehawks (8-3)
Arlington Renegades (5-5)
Houston Roughnecks (5-5)
Memphis Showboats (2-8)
San Antonio Brahmas (1-9)
UFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Bryce Perkins, Michigan
Luis Perez, Arlington
Matt Corrall, Birmingham
J’Mar Smith, Birmingham
Jordan Ta’amu, DC
Max Duggan, St. Louis
Jalan McClendon, Houston
Danny Etling, Michigan
Dresser Winn, Memphis
Kellen Mond, San Antonio
CFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Montreal Alouettes (1-0)
Toronto Argonauts (0-1)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (0-0)
BC Lions (1-0)
Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-0)
Calgary Stampeders (1-0)
Hamilton Tiger Cats (0-1)
Ottawa Redblacks (0-1)
Edmonton Elks (0-1)
Atlantic Schooners (0-0)
CFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Chad Kelly, Toronto
Nathan Rourke, BC
Vernon Adams Jr., Calgary
Bo Levi Mitchell, Hamilton
Zach Collaros, Winnipeg
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Montreal
Davis Alexander, Montreal
Cody Fajardo, Edmonton
Dru Brown, Ottawa
Tre Ford, Edmonton
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ELF POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
Vienna Vikings (4-0)
Nordic Storm (3-0)
Munich Ravens (2-1)
Frankfurt Galaxy (3-1)
Stuttgart Surge (3-1)
Madrid Bravos (3-1)
Paris Musketeers (2-2)
Prague Lions (2-2)
Hamburg Sea Devils (2-2)
Wroclaw Panthers (1-1)
ELF QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Reid Sinnett, Madrid
Jakeb Sullivan, Berlin
Jadrian Clark, Nordic
Matthew McKay, Frankfurt
Reilly Hennessey, Stuttgart
Ben Holmes, Vienna
Isaiah Weed, Helvetic
Jaylon Henderson, Paris
Javarian Smith, Prague
Chad Jefferies, Rhein
IFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
Quad City Steamwheelers (8-2)
Bay Area Panthers (7-2)
Tulsa Oilers (6-4)
Green Bay Blizzard (7-3)
Jacksonville Sharks (7-3)
Arizona Rattlers (7-3)
Vegas Knight Hawks (6-4)
San Diego Strike Force (6-4)
Massachusetts Pirates (4-5)
San Antonio Gunslingers (3-7)
IFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
TJ Edwards, Tulsa
Max Meylor, Green Bay
Dalton Sneed, Arizona
James Cahoon, Iowa
Josh Jones, Bay Area
Nate Davis, San Diego
Kaleb Barker, Jacksonville
Jorge Reyna, Tuscan
Daquan Neal, Quad City
Kenji Bahar, Massachusetts
AF1 POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
Albany Firebirds (9-0)
SW Kansas Storm (7-4)
Nashville Kats (5-3)
Salina Liberty (5-5)
Billings Outlaws (4-6)
Oregon Lightning (5-7)
Corpus Christi Tritons (3-6)
Washington Wolfpack (2-9)
AF1 QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Jalen Morten, SW Kansas
Sam Castranova, Albany
Malik Henry, Billings
Fred Payton, Corpus Christi
Tyler Kulka, Nashville
Rakeem Cato, Salina
Dalton Cole, Oregon
Javin Kilgo, Salina
Adam Kruse, Washington
Robert McCoy, Albany
2026 NFL DRAFT WATCH
TOP 10 DRAFT-ELIGIBLE PROSPECTS — BY TEAM
ABOUT RIC SERRITELLA || Renowned for founding the NFL Draft Bible in 2002, Ric Serritella rapidly became recognized by all 32 NFL teams. Previously, he has served as an advanced scout for the Edmonton Elks in 2024, an advanced scout for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl from 2019-23, acted as scouting director for the College Gridiron Showcase from 2018-19, and interned with the New England Patriots in 2001. An early adopter of technology in scouting, Serritella produced the first-ever livestream video show and live podcast from the NFL Draft. He was awarded the inaugural Johnson & Wales University Sports Entertainment and Event Management Success Board Achievement Award in 2009 and remains a trailblazer in the draft sector.
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