The University of Delaware turns to younger players this season as it seeks its first NCAA playoff berth since 2010.
When the Blue Hens kick-off their 2016 campaign Friday night at home against Jacksonville, they’ll do so with team dominated by first or second year players.
Nearly 60 percent of their roster is made up of those with two years of experience or less.
“I find that the young guys have a lot more energy. They’re always flying around, even in the locker room. They’re always flying around, excited about everything. So, there’s a lot of positive energy going around," said defensive end David Tinsley, one of just seven seniors on the UD squad this season. "I feel like our job as the fifth year guys is to focus that energy."
Much of that youth joins Tinsley on the Hens' defense and Head Coach Dave Brock says he’ll be watching that side of the ball closely.
“You want to see how they react when the lights are on and the stage is a little bit bigger – there’s more significant consequences to mistakes [and] greater glory for plays made. So, it will be interesting," said Brock. "And they’ll be sprinkled throughout the special teams – so they’ll play a lot of football.”
The Hens will also have new faces at quarterback where junior Blake Rankin, a transfer form Rutgers in his second year at UD, and redshirt freshman Joe Walker will split time. Neither has taken a snap in a college game, but will have some experience around them with 4 of 5 offensive line starters back – along with running backs Jalen Randolph and Wes Hills, who combined for over 1,600 yard rushing a year ago.
The Hens welcome Jacksonville to Delaware Stadium for a 7 pm Friday kick-off. UD is coming off a 6-6 season. Jacksonville was 9-2 a year ago.
