DSU wrap up Spring Camp with Alumni Stadium Scrimmage

DOVER, Delaware - The Delaware State University football team will close out its 2012 spring camp with a full contact scrimmage at Alumni Stadium on Saturday beginning at 4:00 p.m.

The final spring camp session will put the Hornets offense against the defense in a variety of game situations.

Delaware State second-year head coach Kermit Blount says he has yet to determine the number of plays to be run.

"We've had a productive camp and the coaching staff is eager to continue evaluations during the scrimmage," said Blount. "Unlike last spring, when we spent so much time getting familiar with the players and installing new systems, we've be able to have more of a traditional spring camp."

The Hornets expect to return eight offensive starters this season. Last season's starting quarterback Nick Elko (r-sr.) has taken most of the first team snaps this spring. Elko completed 207 of 362 passes (57.2%) for 2,064 yards in his first season as a starter in 2011. He threw for 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions; and was second in the MEAC in passing average (206.4 ypg) and sixth in total offense (193.5 ypg) last season.

The Hornets also return wide receiver Travis Tarpley (r-sr.), who was tops among all MEAC players in all-purpose yards at 144.2 per game in 2011. Tarpley set a DSU single-season record with 66 receptions last year. He was tops on the Hornets with 736 receiving yards and second on the team with 148 rushing yards last season.

Fellow receiver Justin Wilson (sr.) also returns after catching 54 passes for 563 yards and six touchdowns in eight games in 2011. Wilson, the 2011 MEAC Preseason Player-of- the-Year missed three games last season due to an ankle injury.

On defense, the Hornets must replace their two leading tacklers from last season, linebackers Quentin Ferguson and Brandon Harvey.

The top returning tacklers from 2011 are inside linebacker Ernest Adjei (sr.) and defensive back Joe Boyd (so.). Adjei had total 59 tackles, including 35 solo stops, while Boyd tallied 53 tackles (38 unassisted) last season.

Blount also expects returning defensive end Quinton Fortes (sr.) and linebacker Olusegun Ayanbiola (r-sr.) to play major roles on the defense this season.

After spring drills, the Hornets will continue off-season workouts in preparation for summer camp in early August.

DSU will open the 2012 season at home against VMI on Sep. 1. Game time is 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.