Also announced are three former junior college players who enrolled at DSU this semester and will participate in the Hornets’ upcoming spring camp.
The newest Hornets include two quarterbacks, four offensive linemen, five defensive linemen, five linebackers, two running backs, one receiver, tight end and cornerback; and one player signed as an athlete.
“I believe we addressed several of our most critical needs with this group,” said Carter, who is in his second year as head coach of the Hornets. “We needed more depth at the quarterback position, in addition to strengthening our offensive and defensive lines. We also needed to boost our overall size and speed, and I feel we have succeeded in those goals.”
The Hornet head coach also cited the off-the-field qualities of his 2016 newcomers.
“I was equally impressed with the character and academic credentials of these young men. Each should be a good fit for the team and the university.”
The 2016 Hornet newcomers include two of Delaware’s top high school players from last season.
Smyrna High School defensive tackle Jeff Campbell has accepted a scholarship offer from the Hornets. Campbell, a 2015 All-State and All-Henlopen Conference First Team selection, helped lead Smyrna to the 2015 state Division I championship, the first in team history.
The Hornets have also inked Cape Henlopen High School linebacker Mike Williams for the 2016 season. Williams was an All-Henlopen Conference First Team and All-State Second Team selection as a two-way star for the Vikings, where he played for former Delaware State Head Football Coach and Director of Athletics Bill Collick.
Delaware State’s 2016 newcomers also include two Hawai’i high school standouts and a another of Hawaiian descent from California. Offensive lineman Cade Pedro and wide receiver Fatu Sua-Godinet were teammates at Hawaii’s Kamahameha High School.
Joshua Fala will join the Hornets after a standout career at California’s Sierra High School.
Delaware State will also welcome star Pennsylvania running backs Nyfease West (North Penn HS) and Mike Waters (Imhotep Charter) to its ranks next season,
Quarterback Daniel Epperson (San Bernadino CC), linebacker Ted Noble (Contra Costa CC) and offensive lineman Peter Borum (Lackawanna CC) took the junior college route to DSU.
Nine states are represented in the Hornets’ 2016 newcomer class.
Delaware State is expected to sign additional players in the coming weeks.
“We still have offers on the table to other players we believe will help us next season,” Carter said. “We are off to a good start to the signing period, but always on the lookout for talented players to help rebuild our program.”
The Hornets will open the 2016 season at the University of Delaware on Thursday Sep. 1 in the renewal of the First State Rivalry .The home opener is Sep. 10 against Monmouth.
DELAWARE STATE FOOTBALL 2016 NEWCOMER BIOS
KEENAN BLACK FRESHMAN ATH 6-1/175 CONCORD, NC/CONCORD HS
High School: Earned four varsity letters at Concord HS, competing primarily at quarterback … SPC Conference Offensive Player-of-the Year after completing 174-of-290 passes (60.%) for 2,570 yards and 23 touchdowns, and rushing for 483 yards and 10 TDs on 123 carries as a senior in 2015 … helped lead team to state 3AA tournament semi-final appearances … All-SPC First Team as a junior … completed 109-of-193 passes (56.5%) for 1,530 yards during junior season … member of state 3A runner-up team as a sophomore in 2013 … All-SPC selection as a 10th grader … connected on 89-of-154 passes during sophomore campaign … member of state 3A runner-up team as a freshman.
Personal: Son of Trica and Endra Black … has one brother Dra, 22, and one sister, Erica, 21. … born 1/19/97 … plans to major in Physical Education at DSU … hopes to become a college coach … full name is Keenan Dieondra Black.
Coach Carter’s comments: “Keenan was North Carolina’s top quarterback in his division. He’s a smart player with a strong arm and the ability to make plays in and outside the pocket.”
PETE BORUM JUNIOR OT 6-7/350 SHAVER TOWN, PA./LACKAWANNA CC/LAKE-LEHMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Junior College: Attended Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pa. … helped lead team to a district championship … earned associate’s degree from the school.
High School: Three-sport standout at Lake-Lehman High School (football, basketball, baseball) … helped lead football team to Wyoming Valley Conference and District 2 championships as a senior … All-WVC selection during senior season … four-year varsity football letterman … also earned four varsity basketball letters … only male in school history with more than 1000 career points and 1000 rebounds .. basketball scoring and rebound leader as a sophomore and junior … team rebound leader as a freshman … four-year baseball letterman.
Club/AAU: Competed in AAU basketball.
Personal: Son of Peter and Ruthann Borum … has two brothers, Shane 23, and Chase, 10; and two sisters, Kende, 18, and Maddi, 15 … born 10/31/95 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. … mother is former Misericordia College basketball player … plans to major in Sports Management at DSU … hopes to become a college athletic director … full name is Peter Thomas Borum.
Coach Carter’s comments: “Pete is an extremely athletic big man who’s technically sound with good feet. He’s an outstanding pass blocker, but equally impressive in the run game.”
JEFF CAMPBELL FRESHMAN DL 6-1/280 SMYRNA, DEL./SMYRNA HS
High School: Four-year varsity letterman at Smyrna High School … helped lead Eagles to 2015 Delaware Division I State Championship, the first in team history, as a senior … 2015 All-State Second Team and All-Henlopen Conference First Team selection during senior season … also led team to 2015 Henlopen Conference North championship with 6-0 record as a senior … his senior-year team posted 12-1 overall record .. senior season statistics included 40 total tackles and four sacks … All-Henlopen Conference Honorable Mention as a sophomore.
Personal: Son of Debbie Steller and Jeff Campbell … has two sisters, Christine, 34, and Sheri, 23 … born 1/22/98 in Dover, Del. .. given name is Jeffery Campbell … plans to major in Wildlife Conservation at DSU … career plans include working to control population and wildlife practices ... member of Future Farmers of America …volunteer youth wrestling coach.
Coach Carter’s comments: “We are extremely excited to have Jeff from the state championship Smyrna Eagles. He will give good size and a physical presence in the middle of the line.”
MARLONE CARTER FRESHMAN DB 5-11/170 HAMPTON, VA./PHOEBUS HS
High School: Attended Hampton HS as a freshman and sophomore, and attended Phoebus HS as a junior and senior … First Team All-Conference selection as a senior … recorded 41 tackles, four interceptions, two sacks and seven pass break-ups during senior season … helped lead Phoebus to 11-2 overall record and state playoff berth in senior campaign … named to All-757 Team as a junior … had 32 tackles, six break-ups and two forced fumbles to help lead team to 8-4 overall record and state playoff appearance during 11th grade season.
Personal: Son of Keena Holloman and Marlone Carter, Sr. … has two brothers and one sister … born 7/13/98 in Philadelphia, Pa. … plans to major in Sport Management at DSU … hopes to be a college coach.
Coach Carter’s comments: “Very athletic corner with good cover and ball skills.”
BRIAN CAVICANTE FRESHMAN LB 5-11/225 PORTSMOUTH, VA/NORCOM HS
2015: Enrolled at Milford Academy Prep … season stats included 80 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
High School: 2014 All-Conference linebacker and utility player as a senior … competed in All-State Shootout … senior season defensive stats included 101 tackles, eight sacks, 10 tackles-for-loss and five forced fumbles … also rushed for 678 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior … ran for 878 yards and 11 touchdowns during junior year … sophomore year defensive stats included 40 tackles, six sacks and four other backfield stops … also a member of Norcum’s track and field team … helped lead track and field squads to indoor and outdoor state championships in the same school year for the first time in its history as a senior .. two-time state shotput champion.
Personal: Son of Michelle and Michael Cavicante … has one sister, Briana, 20 …plans to major in Movement Science at DSU … hopes to work in physical therapy … last name is pronounced KY-VIH-CONT-TAY
Coach Carter comments: “Brian is already on campus and will participate in spring drills. He has the skills to play inside and outside linebacker. Very athletic with a good head for the game.”
KAIDEN CRAWFORD FRESHMAN OL 6-4/285 PHILA., PA/SIMON GRATZ HS
High School: Played two varsity seasons at Simon Gratz ..helped lead Bulldogs to 2015 4A District 12 championship … team posted 12-4 overall record and 8-0 conference mark during the 2015 season ... also saw action at defensive end and tight end during high school career.
Personal: Son of Monique Atherton (mother), Johnnie Crawford (father) and Bruce Thomas (Step-father) … has two brothers, Malik, 18, and Azir, 14; and one sister, Trinity (11) … full name is Kaiden Joshua Crawford … nicknamed “Big Kai” … plans to major in Chemistry and minor in Physics at DSU … hopes to become a college professor … born 6/24/98 in Philadelphia.
Coach Carter’s comments: Kaiden is tall, rangy and athletic. He’s part of a very talented group of offensive linemen we’ve added to the team.”
ULISES DE LOS SANTOS FRESHMAN DT 6-4/290 UNION, NJ/UNION HS
High School: 2015 New Jersey All-State Third Team and All-Bergen County First Team selection as a senior … senior-year stats included 60 total tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and three sacks … tallied 19 tackles, including seven behind the line-of-scrimmage, in five games as a junior … had 19 tackles, including two sacks, in five contests during sophomore year …had 19 career tackles-for-loss … also saw action with varsity as a freshman.
Personal: Son of Sandy Rijo and Ulises De Los Santos, Sr. … born 4/18/98 in North Bergen, NJ … prefers to go by Uli De Los Santos …plans to major in Physical Education and minor in Communications at DSU.
Coach Carter’s comments: “Ulises is a real steal for us. He drew the attention of some major programs because of skill on the defensive line. I’ll be surprised if he’s not in our starting line-up on opening day tis coming season.”
JUWAN DeVONE FRESHMAN DL 6-3/230 BRONX, NY/CARDINAL HAYES HS
High School: Helped lead Cardinal Hayes to 9-3 record and state championship, first in team history, as a senior in 2015 … All-League and All-State Honorable Mention… two-time team Defensive Lineman of the Year as a senior … also member of school’s track and field team … ranked No. 2 in the city and a Top 10 state shot putter.
Personal: Son of Alicia DeVone … grandmother Arie DeVone … has one brother, Andrew … born 4/16/98 … plans to major in Nursing at DSU ….member of school’s Presidents’ Men and Student Advisory Council … active in volunteer programs to assist needy families and the disabled.
Coach Carter’s comments: “Has impressed coaching staff with his pass rush skills. Good size, speed and athleticism from the end position.”
DANIEL EPPERSON JUNIOR QB 6-1/200 WRIGHTWOOD, CAL./SAN BERNADINO JC/SERRANO HS
Junior College: Played two seasons at San Bernadino JC … Second Team All-Mountain League selection as a sophomore … passed for 2,767 yards and 27 touchdowns (six INTs) and rushed for 254 yards and four scores in two seasons … helped lead team to 2015 Mountain League Championship.
High School: Member of four Mojave River League championship teams, posting undefeated conference records each season … CIF championship runner-up during senior season … school’s all-time leader in quarterback career wins, passing yards and passing touchdowns … threw for 2,535 yards and 27 touchdowns (seven INTs), and rushed for 595 yards and eight scores as a senior … Mojave River League and Victory Valley Daily Press Offensive Player-of-the-Year as a senior … also All-CIF and All-Area First Team during senior season … tallied 1,473 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, and rushed for 393 yards and four scores as a junior … All-Mojave River League and All-Area First Team selection during junior season …junior year team also reached CIF Tournament semi-finals … passed for 142 yards, rushed for 21 and had 68 receiving yards as a sophomore … team also reached CIF championship game during his sophomore campaign.
Personal: Son of Misti Latham and Richard Epperson … has five brothers and four sisters … plans to major in Political Science and minor in Law Studies at DSU …hopes to become a sports agent … volunteers with Bestday Foundation … also attracted interest from UNLV.
Coach Carter’s comments: “Another talented player who was highly sought after by other schools. He has a great arm and the ability to extend plays. He’s already enrolled so we’ll get a good look at hime during spring camp.”
JOSHUA “SUA” FALA FRESHMAN OL 6-7/350 MANTECA, CAL./SIERRA HS
High School: Four-year varsity football letterman … listed among Top 10 Central Valley Athletes … First Team All-League, All-Area and All-Conference; and Second Team All-CIF as a senior … helped lead Timberwolves to State, Regional, Division and Section Championships during senior season … All-League and All-Area First Team selection as a junior … member of league championship team during junior year … named to All-League Second Team Second Team as a ninth grader ... also saw action along the defensive line.
Personal: Son of Joshua and Denise Fala … has two sisters, Tariana, 15, and Talia, 9; and one brother Kaleo, 10 … full name is Joshua Steven Fala … father and grandfather are church pastors … prefers to go by name Sua Fala … born 3/31/98 in Salinas, Cal. … plans to major in Business Administration and minor in Communications to DSU … dedicated volunteer at his church.
Coach Carter’s Comments: “Another one of the big, physical offensive linemen we recruited. He was good enough to play in the Poly (Polynesian) Bowl in California last year. Our coaching staff is impressed with his technique.”
RAYMIE FERREIRA FRESHMAN TIGHT END 6-3/225 LEBANON, PA/CEDAR CREST HS
High School: Football and basketball standout at Cedar Crest High School.
Club/AAU: Competed for Central Penn Ballers, Wildcats and PA Rens
Personal: Son of Glenni Ortega … has two sisters, Jamilah, 14, and Jiahnny, 12; and one brother, Luis, 17 … born 9/29/97 in Manhattan, NY … full name is Raymie Abraham Ferreira … plans to major in Physical Therapy and minor in Microbiology at DSU … also considered New Hampshire
GARFIELD HESLOP FRESHMAN DE 6-4/220 YONKERS, NY/MONROE COLLEGE/ARCHBISHOP STEPINAC HS
Junior College: Played two seasons for the Monroe (NY) College Mustangs.
High School: Played three varsity football seasons at Archbishop Stepinac … helped lead team to 31-4 overall record during his three seasons … team was 12-0 during his junior year, 10-1 during sophomore season and 9-3 in his season campaign … member of conference and state championship team as a junior.
Club/AAU: Competed for North Yonkers Nights, Eastchester Blue Devils and Yonkers Gladiators club teams.
Personal: Son of Lannzie Hogue-Heslop and Garfield Heslop … has two brothers, Gavin and Garrison …Gavin Heslop is a member of Stony Brook University football team … cousin of former NFL (Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers) and Syracuse University player Doug Hogue … born 3/12/94 in Yonkers, N.Y. … plans to major in Engineering and minor in Engineering Physics at DSU … earned associates degree in Criminal Justice from Monroe (NY) College…. volunteers as youth football coach … also considered Syracuse, Maine, Stony Brook, Rhode Island and Central Connecticut.
Coach Carter’s comments: “He will bring good speed and athleticism to our defensive line. High energy guy with a nose for the ball.”
TED NOBLE JUNIOR LB 6-1/235 ROCHESTER, NY/CONTRA COSTA (CAL.)
Junior College: Attended Contra Costa JC in San Pablo, Cal. … earned associates degree in Social Behavior and Development … two-year football letterman … helped lead the school to two conference championship and one bowl game victory.
High School: Attended Olympic High School in Charlotte, NC … earned North Carolina All-4A First Team honors in each of his two varsity seasons.
Personal: Son of Shazette Allison and Ted Noble … born 6/6/93 … full name is Ted Keemar Jalonte Noble, Jr. … plans to major in Integrated Studies at DSU and minor in Business … hopes to operate his own recreation center one day … founder of non-profit organization “The Bigger Picture.”
Coach Carter’s comments: “Physical, physical, physical. He plays hard and fast. Well suited for the Mike linebacker position, but can excel at the other LB spots as well. Another recruit whose already on campus so we’re eager to see him in action this spring.”
CADE PEDRO FRESHMAN OL 6-5/285 OAHU, HI/KAMEHAMEHA HS
High School: Two-year varsity letterman at Kamahameha High School … All-Honolulu Star-Advertiser Honorable Mention as a senior … also earned two varsity basketball letters … 3.0 grade point average.
Club/AAU: Competed for OTB Basketball for three years … helped lead team to Las Vegas Silver Championships in 2012 and ’13.
Personal: Son of James and Leianne (“Lay-Anne”) Pedro … has two sisters, Kylee, 24, and Halee (“Hal-Lee”) ,15; and one brother, Wyatt, 22 … full name is Cade Mahikoa Pedro … great-great grandfather Chick Daniels was a famous Waikiki beachboy who gave surf instruction and outrigger canoe rides along with Olympic great Duke Kahanamoku … Chick Daniels entertained celebrities on Waikiki Beach, including Shirley Temple, Doris Duke and Elvis Presley with his ukulele and song … great grandfather Joseph ”Sonny” Nicolas was a famous Hawaiian musician who entertained many on famous “Hawaii Calls” radio program … Nicholas recorded with many greats, including Don Ho and Kui Lee … plans to major in Sports Management at DSU … career plans include owning a sports marketing company … Special Olympics volunteer … member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes … also considered offers from Southern Oregon and Western New Mexico … born 3/2/98 in Honolulu, HI.
Coach Carter’s comments: “Cade is another one of our talented offensive line recruits who impressed our staff with his size, feet and work ethic.”
FATU SUA-GODINET FRESHMAN WR 6-0/180 KAILUA, HI/KAMEHAMEHA HS
High School: Three-sport standout at Kamehameha HS (football, basketball, track and field) … First Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State football selection as a senior in 2015 … All-State Honorable Mention as a sophomore … helped lead team to 9-2 record during sophomore season … earned three varsity football letters … Second Team All-Conference basketball selection as a junior … member of four state championship track and field teams … also member of record-setting 4x100 meters relay team.
Personal: Son of Pio and Carol Sua-Godinet … has two sisters, Fran, 24, and Noelle, 14; and one brother Kekoa, 28 … born 9/11/97 in Hawaii … father Pio played football at Long Beach State … uncle Tony Godinet played at University of Hawaii; uncle Moe Tauilo played at Portland State; and uncle Kose Godinet played at UC Davis ... given first name is Fatulototele
Coach Carter’s comments: “Very versatile player who competed at quarterback while in high school. Was the best athlete on his team. An exciting runner who will pose problems for opposing defenses.”
MIKE WATERS FRESHMAN RB 5-8/195 PHILA., PA/IMHOTEP CHARTER
High School: Helped lead Imhotep to 15-0 season and first PIAA Class 3 State Championship in school history as a senior in 2015 … rushed for 201 yards and three touchdowns in 40-3 win over Erie Cathedral in state title game … also rushed for 220 yards and five scores in earlier playoff win … rushed for 981 yards and 20 TDs during senior year … helped lead team to 53-6 record in his four varsity seasons … rushed for nearly 3,000 yards and 51 touchdowns during his scholastic career.
Personal: Son of Nyema Munford … has two brothers, Maurice ,5, and Lamar, 10
Coach Carter’s comments: “Mike’s a do-everything back who was a major contributor to a state championship team. He’s has the size, speed and vision to excel at this level.”
NYFEASE WEST FRESHMAN RB 5-11/195 LANSDALE, PA/NORTH PENN HS
High School: Three-year varsity letterman at North Penn HS … No. 2 in school history with 4,098 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns … All-League First Team and Second Team All-State, All-Eastern Pennsylvania and All-Southeastern PA selection as a senior in 2015 … also 2015 Reporters Athlete-of-the-Year … rushed for 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns during senior season … helped lead Knights to National League championship and district championship runner-up as a senior in 2015 … All-League Second Team after rushing for 1,056 yards and a 15 touchdowns as a junior in 2014 … ran for school sophomore record 1,643 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2013 … helped lead team to Continental League title and district championship runner-up during sophomore year … All-League Second Team and Third Team All-Southeastern Pennsylvania as a sophomore.
Personal: Son of Godparents Michael and Corla West … born 3/6/97 in Philadelphia … plans to major in Business Administration at DSU … also attracted interest from Temple, Villanova and Rhode Island.
Coach Carter’s comments: “One of the top runners in his division in Pennsylvania, which is home to some great high school football. Another back with all the tools to succeed at this level.”
ISIAH WILLIAMS FRESHMAN TIGHT END 6-2/255 BRONX(NY)/CARDINAL HAYES HS/JIREH PREP (NC)
High School: All-CHSFL 4A Defense First Team as a senior … Turkey Bowl MVP and Team Spirit Award recipient during senior year … team captain … helped lead Cardinal Hayes to CHSFL 4A championship as a junior … earned three varsity letters … freshman team Offensive Lineman of the Year … also competed in basketball.
Club/AAU: Competed for NY Patriots
Personal: Son of Eric Yvette Williams … has one brother, Travon, 21 … born 3/7/97 in Bronx, NY … plans to major in Sports Management at DSU … hopes to become a coach or sports agent .. also considered Old Dominion, Bryant, Maine and Western Illinois.
Coach Carter’s comments: “Physically gifted tight end. Good pass catcher and run blocker. Very impressive at the point of attack.”
MIKE WILLIAMS FRESHMAN LB 6-3/225 MILLSBORO, DEL./CAPE HENLOPEN HS
High School: 2015 All-Henlopen Conference First Team and Delaware All-State Second Team selection as a senior … recorded 31 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks on defense during senior season … All-Henlopen Conference and All-State Third Team during junior season … had 85 tackles, including 1 for loss and four sacks as a junior … also rushed 538 yards and six touchdowns during 11th grade year … for helped lead Vikings to 8-2 record as a junior in 2014 … played for Bill Collick, former Delaware State head coach and Director of Athletics, at Cape Henlopen HS… also standout member of track and field team.
Personal: Son of Nicole Hollins and Marcus Green … has one sister, Miquaine, 19; and one brother Marcus, 6 … born 1/14/98 in Metairie, LA ...also considered Maine … earned high school’s Community Service Award.
Coach Carter’s comments: “Mike’s a tall, rangy athlete who plays well in space. Plays well against the run, but performs well enough against the pass to stay in the game in all situations.”
COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
