By Tim Mastro

DOVER — In the age of the transfer portal, it’s always an unknown what a team might look like from year-to-year.

But there’s consistency at Delaware State. Football coach Rod Milstead said the Hornets returned about 92% of its roster from last fall into spring practice.

“Most of our guys came back so we’re excited about that,” Milstead said.

The Hornets spring camp ran from March 14 until the first week of April. They were unable to hold their annual spring game however due to health and safety protocols.

Delaware State posted the top defense in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference last fall and Milstead hopes to see more of the same in 2022.

The Hornets recorded the lowest amount of points allowed per game (22.5) and yards allowed per game (325.3 per game) this past season. They return all of the main players from that unit.

“You got the number one defense in the MEAC and all those guys are coming back,” Milstead said. “We lost nobody. We’re excited to see what they’re going to do and how well they’ll take their craft to the next level.”

Milstead confirmed Jared Lewis will be the starting quarterback after playing in 10 games a year ago. Lewis finished the year with 20 touchdowns and 1,364 yards.

The one group which might look a little different is the receiving core that Lewis will be throwing to.

The Hornets lost two of their top three receivers in Trey Gross and Kwannah Kollie due to graduation. Bizzet Woodley and Jerrish Halsey are the returning receiving leaders while there’s some new faces Milstead said should get in the mix.

“We think we have a lot of young, fast receivers that will give us a spark,” Milstead said.

The Hornets kick off their fall season at home on Saturday, Sept. 3 against Lincoln at 2 p.m.

NFL teams eye Gross

Trey Gross’ final season at Delaware State caught the eyes of some NFL scouts.

Gross led the MEAC in receiving touchdowns with 13 — five more than second place. He also recorded 625 yards on 48 catches.

Gross was able to compete in the 2022 HBCU Legacy Bowl in February, giving him another opportunity to perform in front of NFL scouts.

The NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 28 and ends on Saturday, April 30.

In an interview with NFL Network, Gross said his message to teams is he will let his game speak for itself.

“I’m consistent, I’ve been doing this all year round,” Gross said. “I’m the same person. What they saw, is what they’re going to get.”

Gross began his career at Delaware State as a walk-on but quickly earned a scholarship by the end of his freshman year. He left Delaware State as No. 3 in team history with 29 receiving touchdowns, No. 5 in receptions with 146 and No. 6 in receiving yards with 2,120.

Something else which might help Gross find his way onto a roster is he has ample experience playing special teams as well. He contributed a pair of blocked punts during his career as a Hornet and was also in as blocker for some kick returns, which he says shows his versatility.

“I have the IQ and the athleticism to help my teammates score,” Gross said.