Kenny Carter (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

DOVER — Delaware State coach Kenny Carter has already said the Hornets are likely using two quarterbacks to start the season.

What DelState also has, are two running backs who can play too.

Delaware State has found a complement to the shifty Brycen Alleyne. It’s true freshman Mike Waters and the duo’s running ability was on display Saturday as the Hornets held their final scrimmage before the start of the new season.

Waters comes to DSU from Imhotep Charter in Philadelphia, where he racked up the honors.

“I love Mike Waters, man,” Carter said during the week. “Shoot, he’s the 3A Player of the Year in Pennsylvania. He’s very tough, very smart with a high football IQ. We love him and he’s going to be a really good counter guy with Brycen. We tell them, don’t try to be each other, just be who you are.”

Alleyne (5-6, 160) led DelState in touchdowns a year ago with five as a true freshman. He is the Hornets’ top returning rusher.

Waters (5-10, 190) brings some strength to the running back group. A year ago he led Imhotep Charter to its first even Pennsylvania state title and a 15-0 season with 51 touchdowns as a senior.

“He’s not very tall but he’s stacked together and he’s strong,” Carter said. “That’s a great combination.”

“Each of those guys (Waters and Alleyne) are equally dangerous as runners and pass catchers,” Carter said. “We’re trying to put them in position to get out in space, where they can turn any play into a big gain.”

Carter also reaffirmed sophomore Kobie Lain and newcomer Dan Epperson, a junior college transfer, are co-starters as of now at the quarterback position.

In Saturday’s scrimmage, Lain and Epperson each took turns with the first and second units. Third-stringer senior Gilbert Rivera also rotated in for a few snaps.

“Right now, its Kobie and Dan or Dan and Kobie at starting quarterback,” Carter said. “They are evenly matched and making equal progress in the offense and their decision-making. I’m comfortable with either guy on the field.”

Defenively, Carter mentioned new linebackers junior Garfield Heslop, another junior college transfer, and freshman Brian Cavicante as players he thinks can help out key returners like Malik Harris and Rashawn Barrett. He aslo had compliments for the defensive line.

“Our defense is really flying to the ball and getting good pressure on the quarterback, primarily from the linebacker position,” Carter said. “Our linebackers have been free to make plays because the upfront guys,  particularly Javon Barnes and Ulises De Los Santos, are doing such a good job.”

Delaware State, who went 1-10 last season in Carter’s first year as a college head coach, has one more week of practice before it opens 2016 with a trip to instate rival Delaware on Thursday, Sept. 1 (7 p.m.).

“Each day we’re closer to where we need to be,” Carter said. “I was pleased with the intensity on both sides of the ball (in the scrimmage) and more guys are beginning to separate themselves in key positions.”