Delaware State's Core has caught on as a tight end

DOVER — E.J. Core had always thought of himself as a receiver.

So when former Delaware State assistant coach Bryan Bossard told the youngster he wanted him at tight end, Core didn’t like the sound of it.

“It’s like, now I’ve got to learn how to block 290-pound linemen instead of blocking 185-pound corners and safeties,” he said. “It was more like a mindset thing.

“But once he got me comfortable with the basics and learning what it is to be a tight end, I was like, ‘OK, it’s cool.’ And after last season, I see that tight end is actually fun.”

Last season is when Core realized that he could be a tight end and still catch passes.

He finished the season with a team-leading 30 receptions for 424 yards and a touchdown. Not bad for a player who caught just six passes in his first three seasons.

Now people are expecting more big things from Core. The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder was named to the second team on the All-MEAC preseason squad after making second team in 2023.

Hornet quarterback Marqui Adams believes that Core is just starting to show what he can do on the field.

“He definitely got better throughout the season,” said Adams. “He started making more plays. His yards after catch were very good, also.

“I feel like this year is going to be a big year for him. I definitely thought we developed a good connection. And even in the summer we developed great chemistry. It’s definitely a big year for us.”

Core was at his best at the end of last season. In DSU’s final four games, he pulled in 15 passes for 223 yards.

With all four of those contests being MEAC games, Core left an impression on the league’s coaches. Still, Core said he wasn’t expecting to see his name on any all-conference teams.

“During the games, players would come up and say, ‘Yo, I’ve seen your film bro,’” said Core. “I would just be like, ‘Wow, that’s cool to get recognition from other players and other coaches.’

“I didn’t really think people paid attention. It definitely took me by surprise.”

This year, Core said all he is doing is trying to pick up where he left off last season. He still has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

“I guess I really showed Coach Hull I was a playmaker,” said Core. “So my main goal is just trying to stay consistent for the sake of the team so we can try to win some games.”

Core said he likes the feel of this year’s DelState squad. The Hornets, who open the season on Aug. 24 at Hawaii, are in their second season under coach Lee Hull.

They’re trying to improve on last year’s 1-10 record.

“I think last year, because it was our first year together — we’re all from different places with a new coach — we didn’t really have the team camaraderie,” said Core. “Now, after the spring going into the summer camp, you can just tell we’re more comfortable.

“It’s not like our coach is new so we’ve got to tiptoe around him. We’re just free to be ourselves. It’s definitely a better experience.”

Extra points

•Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager was among 80 players named to the watch list for the 88th Maxwell Award, The award goes to the country’s top college football player.
Schager briefly entered the NCAA Transfer Portal before opting to stay at Hawaii.
“It’s been a long time,” Schager was quoted when camp opened. “It always goes by quick. It’s crazy how fast everything flies by. I’m just ready, and everyone’s excited. You can feel the energy out there. It’s like waking up on Christmas morning.”

•Among the Downstate players on DelState’s roster are running back Amir Beverly (First State Military), defensive lineman Sam Arkuwoille (Dover), offensive lineman Byron Evans (Dover) and offensive lineman Jaydon Mifflin (Sussex Tech). The Hornets also have 10 players on the roster who list Dover as their hometown but don’t name their high school alma mater.