NEWARK — Playing minor-league baseball and staying in great shape don’t always go together.

Jamie Jarmon learned that the hard way.

The former Indian River High standout admits that, after a couple seasons in the Texas Rangers’ farm system, he’d put on a few pounds when he joined the Delaware football program last year.

Jamie Jarmon

“It’s just easy to put on weight in baseball,” said Jarmon. “I mean we’re eating fast food every night.”

But it was a leaner, faster Jarmon that hit the practice field early Friday morning as the Blue Hens officially opened preseason camp.

After being tried at a few different positions when he first joined the Hens, Jarmon had only moderate success after settling at receiver last fall.

By losing 15 pounds in the offseason and getting a chance to learn the position, the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder thinks he’s better prepared to help Delaware this season.

Jarmon was at about 200 pounds when he was playing quarterback at IR.

“My body has changed tremendously,” he said. “I feel great.”

As for knowing what he’s doing out on the field, Jarmon hopes a year at wideout will make a big difference, too.

The sophomore played at QB and defensive back in his first spring with the Hens. He finished with 12 receptions for 90 yards last season in 10 games as the Hens’ passing game struggled overall.

“I have a lot more knowledge of what I need to do to get open now,” said Jarmon. “I can play a little bit faster versus running through and just thinking.

“I kind of know what to expect now going forward. I can focus more on doing things the right way.”

So far, coach Dave Brock likes what he’s seen from Jarmon. He said the receiver has been the squad’s most improved offensive player physically.

“He has one of the fastest 10-yard splits on our team,” said Brock. “He’s worked tirelessly to really improve himself as a receiver.

“He’s a dynamic player and a dynamic person. My experience with those kids over the course of my career is those kids usually end up winning for you. I’m pretty sure Jamie will do a great job for us.”

Hens add receiver

One of the newest Hens on the field on Friday was Charles Scarff, a wide receiver transfer from Rutgers.

At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Scarff is built more like a tight end — which he was for the Scarlet Knights. He had 12 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown for Rutgers in 2015.

In his first practice as a Blue Hen, Scarff pulled in a few passes during the non-contact session. He’s only been part of the program for a few days.

“He’s a guy who competed in the Big 10 at Rutgers and did a good job,” said Brock. “We’re really just trying to evaluate who he is, what he is and see what does his skill set kind of lend itself to.

“Without pads on it’s a little easier to throw it out on the perimeter and see what he can do. But if he gets the ball on the perimeter he’s going to be a hard guy to tackle. He’s got very, very soft hands for a big man. I’m excited about what I saw.”

Adderly staying at CB

After switching to receiver at the end of spring practice, sophomore cornerback Nasir Adderley is back on defense full-time.

He started at corner as a true freshman. Adderley is also expected to return punts.

“Realistically you’re looking at a guy who, down the road, has the potential to be a difference maker,” said Brock. “He’s one of our most improved players physically. His testing numbers were off the charts. We’re expecting huge things from him.

“I think the experiment in the spring just shows you how athletic he is. It’s not that he can’t do it, but we’re probably better served with him at corner.”

Extra points

The Hens will continue 7:20 a.m. practices through Aug. 13 before holding their first scrimmage on Aug. 13, at 3:30 p.m. ... A Kids Day Youth Clinic at noon and Media/Photo Day at 4:45 p.m. are set for Aug. 14 at Delaware Stadium. ... Third-year receiver Troy Gallen, who has missed most of the last two seasons with injuries, sat out Friday’s practice. But Brock expects him on the field soon.