HBCU football program looking to build off solid start

Delaware State University has consistently been at or near the bottom of HBCU football in recent years,  but it is looking to turn things around.

Delaware State University head coach Lee Hull continues to reshape the vision of culture change through the drastic changes he has made in leadership and the drive to succeed from last season to this season.

“We are going in the right direction for the culture change,” Hull said during the weekly MEAC coaches call. “The guys know what to expect and what the standards are and now they’re living up to that.”

Hull started coaching the Hornets prior to the 2023 season and ended the season with a 1-10 record. The team was picked to finish last in the MEAC this season.

Delaware State played Hawaii for its season opener Jaden Sutton led the Hornets by getting a touchdown, 43 receiving yards and carrying 4.7 yards as the HBCU played the FBS squad tough.

Delaware State University then picked up a poignant win over Sacred Heart University 17-15 in Week One.

Sutton led the Hornets rushing with 86 yards, spotlighted by a game-changing 39-yard rushing touchdown. Kristian Tate caught two passes for 43 yards and one touchdown.

Delaware State University now has a 1-1 record, one of the few HBCU football programs with an FCS win.

Hull indicates he feels his team is moving in the right direction.

“The first year was a coach-driven team, now it’s a player-driven team where the players are taking control of the program,” Hull said.  “That’s what you want, the most successful teams are player-driven teams and that’s where we’re going.”

As Delaware State University prepares for its first home game against Wagner College it is attempting to build confidence in itself.

“The players started feeling good about themselves and believing in themselves and believing in the coaches, believing in their players and everything that we’ve been doing,” Hull said.

The players have also been focusing on self-improvement and giving it their all while not worrying about the other team.

“So my biggest thing with our guys is to worry about the Hornets and getting one percent better each day,” said Hull. “Anybody can get beat if you go in with the wrong frame of mind.”

This game is arguably the Hornets’ most important of the season because they will get an opportunity to start a winning streak and keep going in the right direction for the culture change at this HBCU.

– Story by Tia Greene

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