Hampton University football preview: Trent Boykin looks to take Pirates to first winning season since 2018

HAMPTON —Trent Boykin isn’t nervous for Hampton University’s football season opener against Morgan State on Saturday. Asked how he’s feeling, he gave a simple answer: He’s comfortable.

Boykin was tabbed the interim in May, and when he takes the field on Saturday, it’ll be the first time he’s been a head coach in a college football game in almost 15 years.

“Having done this before, having been in this program before, I think again, that’s what’s keeping me even-keeled,” Boykin said. “I’ve been here for four years. People are saying, ‘Oh, but now you’re the head coach’ and all that, but I’m still the same guy. I know the guys, I know the system. I may get more phone calls about tickets and things like that, but I think it’s just more nervous excitement than being nervous.”

After a long fall camp, Boykin said it’s refreshing to finally be shifting into game mode. A win Saturday over a scrappy Morgan State team would officially start the Pirates on their journey to their first winning season since 2018. Hampton enters this season with an experienced roster, Boykin said, and he expects the Pirates to continue to improve in 2024.

Standouts

Elijah Burris, RB, Sr., 5-10, 205: Burris was one of the best running backs in the Coastal Athletic Association last year. He played in just seven games because his season was cut short due to injury, but still finished second in the conference with 803 yards and an average of 100.4 yards per game. His stats landed him on the 2024 Black College Player of the Year Award watch list. The All-CAA running back is feeling 100% healthy, and the Pirates’ offense will likely run through him again. If Burris can replicate his production from last year, Hampton will be in a good spot.

Darren Burton, DB, Soph., 5-11, 185. After making an immediate impact as a freshman last year, Burton is primed for a solid sophomore campaign. He played in all of Hampton’s games last year and totaled 24 tackles and an interception. His Pro Football Focus defense grade of 76.8 was the second-highest of any Pirate, and his coverage grade of 80 led the team. Burton’s talents are starting to garner him some national attention. Earlier this month, he was named to the watch list for the Aeneas Williams Award, which is given to the best defensive back in HBCU Division I football.

Xavier Marshall, LB, graduate, 6-2, 195: The “biggest hitter on the team” is back for another year after his 2023 season was cut short due to injury. Marshall brings a wealth of experience to Hampton’s defense, and he will be an anchor in the linebacker room. He played three years for Richmond prior to joining the Pirates and started in every game he played. Marshall will play a crucial role on and off the field.

Dorrian Moultrie, WR, graduate, 5-11, 190: After HU lost its top two receivers from last season, Moultrie’s role will likely grow in 2024. The Georgetown transfer finished No. 3 on the team last year with 24 catches and 213 yards. Moultrie’s experience from last season will be important, considering he’s the only returning wide receiver who brought in more than 10 catches for Hampton last year.

Chris Zellous, QB, redshirt Jr., 6-3, 220: Zellous showed sparks of what could be last year. He finished with 1,497 yards passing and 13 touchdowns while adding 559 rushing yards and a team-high nine rushing touchdowns. There’s room for improvement, though, as Zellous racked up 14 interceptions last year. If he continues to improve, Hampton will be in good hands with Zellous functioning as a solid cornerstone of the offense.

Storylines

Boykin’s audition continues: Boykin is the interim head coach this season, but he’ll have the next four months to make his case to Hampton athletics director Anthony Henderson that he deserves the job. He certainly has the backing of his players, who have lauded him throughout camp and said they don’t view him as an interim. Boykin agreed with the sentiment and has said he’s not worried about the future. He’s focusing on the 2024 season. Henderson could be looking to make a big hire of his own, similar to what he’s done to multiple sports since he got the job.

Another tough schedule: Hampton saw an improvement in its second year as a member of the CAA, going 3-5 in the conference after an abysmal 1-7 in year one. Unfortunately for the Pirates, the schedule will only get tougher in 2024. Hampton will play all three of last year’s co-CAA champions in Richmond, Albany and Villanova, with the Spiders and Wildcats making the trip to Armstrong Stadium. To make matters worse, seven of Hampton’s opponents were ranked or receiving votes in the preseason FCS Top 25 poll. The tough schedule isn’t a surprise, considering the CAA is arguably one of the best FCS conferences. That being said, Hampton is 5-1 in non-conference play over the past two seasons and has a favorable slate this year. So there’s still a solid shot the Pirates can come away with their first winning season since 2018.

Who is QB1?: When people say there’s something in the water in Hampton Roads, they aren’t referring to the plethora of college football fall-camp quarterback battles. But they certainly could be. Hampton is the latest to find itself with one, with incumbent starter Chris Zellous and 2022 starter Malcolm Mays once again locked in a dead heat for the starting spot. Boykin told The Pilot on Wednesday he planned to name a starter Thursday. That information may remain within the locker room as Zellous and Mays were listed with an “OR” in between them on the two-deep chart Hampton sent out in its weekly game notes. Boykin said he liked both players, they received equal reps with the starters during camp and thought they could both play against Morgan State.

2024 schedule

Aug. 31: vs Morgan State, 6 p.m.

Sept. 7: vs Virginia Union, 6 p.m.

Sept. 14: at Norfolk State, 4 p.m.

Sept. 21: vs Howard, 4 p.m. at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.

Sept. 28: at William & Mary, 6 p.m.

Oct. 5: vs Rhode Island, 2 p.m.

Oct. 19: at North Carolina A&T, 1 p.m.

Oct. 26: vs Elon, 2 p.m.

Nov. 2: vs Villanova, 1 p.m.

Nov. 9: at Towson, 1 p.m.

Nov. 16: vs Richmond, 1 p.m.

Nov. 23: at Albany, 1 p.m.

Michael Sauls, (757) 803-5774, michael.sauls@virginiamedia.com