By Andy Walter

DOVER — Delaware may have changed its football head coach.

But it didn’t change its location.

And, as much as anything, the fact that Newark is only an hour from Dover is what made Elijah Sessoms still want to become a Blue Hen.

“I’m a homebody,” said the Dover High tight end. “I love being home and near home. ... Being able to stay home, that’s really what got me. That’s why I chose UD and I stayed with UD.”

Sessoms was one of six high school recruits who still signed with Delaware on Wednesday despite the fact that it hired Ryan Carty as head coach last Friday. The six had verbally committed to former coach Danny Rocco and his staff.

Wednesday’s early NCAA signing day was a busy day for both the Blue Hens and Delaware State, as well as at a handful of local high schools.

At Smyrna, standout running back Wayne Knight changed his mind and signed with James Madison. He had verbally committed to Stony Brook in the summer but switched to the Dukes, who are leaving the FCS division and moving up to FBS beginning next season.

“Sat down and had a talk with Jesus, he rerouted me,” Knight posted on Twitter.

James Madison also landed Dover resident Joseph Simmons, an offensive lineman who played at Salesianum.

At Indian River, linebacker T.J. Burke signed with FCS program Lehigh.

Middletown had three FBS signings with quarterback Braden Davis committing to South Carolina, defensive end Tomiwa Durojaiye committing to Kentucky and Kody Harris-Miller going to Army.

The University of Delaware’s other commitments included defensive lineman Dominick Brogna (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), tight end Thomas Chernasky (Western Wayne, Pa.), wide receiver Isaiah Cherry (John F. Kennedy Memorial, N.J.), safety Gary Siegler (Benedictine College Prep, Va.) and offensive lineman Steven Demboski (Pascack Valley, N.J.).

Delaware did lose linebacker Colby Reeder, who announced on Wednesday that he’ll use his last season of eligibility at FBS Iowa State. Blue Hen kicker Ryan Coe had already announced that he’s transferring to Cincinnati.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this 2022 Blue Hen class as each member embodies both the quality of player and person that we want to represent Delaware football,” Carty said in a press release. “I’ve been able to connect with each of them and can’t wait to get a chance to meet them in person on campus.

“They are going to be joining at such an exciting and important time in our team’s journey. I’m certain that they will add to our talent and buy into our mentality and vision of this storied program.”

Sessoms was surrounded by many of his football and basketball teammates and coaches as he signed his paperwork at Dover High on Wednesday.

One of his three brothers, Ian, and his mom, Yenetta, sat by his side. Sessoms had on a blue-and-old UD T-shirt and there was a UD banner next to a Dover one on the table.

“I was surprised she’s not crying,” Sessoms joked about his mom.

“It feels great,” he added. “I’ve always dreamed of this moment. This is a big step in my life and what I want to do.”

The fact that Carty’s background is with coaching offense didn’t hurt Sessom’s opinion of his new coach.

“I did a little research when they said that he was the head coach,” said Sessoms. “And I was like, ‘OK, I like this guy.’”

Hornets sign four

Three of the four signings that Delaware State coach Rod Milstead announced on Wednesday were transfers.

That group includes cornerback Nasir Clerk from East Carolina, defensive lineman Brian Dallas and receiver/kick returner Devin Palmer from Lackawana Community College and tight end Tahmir Ellis from Plainfield, N.J.

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Clerk is from Willingboro, N.J. He played in one game with the Pirates.

“I’m excited about the young men who have committed to Delaware State and our program,” said Milstead. “Clerk is a big-time player with major college experience. He has great size and skill for the corner back position. He’s an outstanding addition to our program.”

Sports editor Andy Walter can be reached at 741-8227 or walter@iniusa.org.

Follow Andy Walter on Twitter at DSNSports.