2021 FCS Season Preview: Delaware
College Sports Journal Projection: 2nd
In the last decade, Delaware has struggled over all since their title game appearance in 2010. They made the playoffs in 2018, but were easily dispatched.
This spring, it all came together for the Blue Hens and they went unbeaten in the regular season and won two playoff games before falling in the semifinals to South Dakota State.
Their issue over the years had been easily identifiable, but hard to fix. The Blue Hens have needed a capable quarterback to lead the offense. Nolan Henderson looks to be that guy for the Blue Hens.
His role has increased year after year as he has shown improvement. As a freshman he looked like he could be that guy and as he has gotten more playing time, he has proven to be the guy.
Impact Players
QB Nolan Henderson is the key to the Blue Hens offense. He was injured in the last game of the spring but looks ready to go. Henderson protects the ball well and can contribute some in the run game if needed. Look for a big year from him this year.
RB DeJoun Lee took the opening kickoff of the spring to the house and set the tone for Delaware. He was the offensive player of the year for the spring in the CAA and will look to build off that campaign
DB Nijuel Hill snagged three interceptions in the spring to go along with 25 tackles. Hill is an aggressive corner who will matchup against the top guy on the opponent’s offense.
Key Game: October 23 vs. James Madison
Delaware
| Home | Time/Results | Away | Venue | Match Day | TV/Streaming | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Delaware  | 34 - 24 |  Maine | Alfond Stadium | Orono, ME | - | - |
St. Francis (PA)  | 10 - 27 | Delaware | Delaware Stadium | Newark, DE | - | - |
| Delaware |  Rutgers | SHI Stadium | Piscaaway, NJ | - | - | |
Albany  | Delaware | Delaware Stadium | Newark, DE | - | - | |
| Delaware |  Rhode Island | Meade Stadium | Kingston, RI | - | - | |
| Delaware |  Stony Brook | LaValle Stadium | Stony Brook, NY | - | - | |
James Madison  | Delaware | Delaware Stadium | Newark, DE | - | - | |
Dixie State  | Delaware | Delaware Stadium | Newark, DE | - | - | |
William and Mary  | Delaware | Delaware Stadium | Newark, DE | - | - | |
| Delaware |  Richmond | Robins Stadium | Richmond, VA | - | - | |
Villanova  | Delaware | Delaware Stadium | Newark, DE | - | - |
Worst Case: The Blue Hens scuffle on offense, reverting to their 2018/2019 style of play and miss the playoffs.
Best Case: Delaware builds on their strong spring and earns a playoff seed and thus remains a contender for a FCS National Championship.
Jamie is a proud 2002 graduate of James Madison University. He’s witnessed the growth of the program from no one in the stands in 1998, to the hiring of Mickey Matthews, to the 2004 National Championship, to the 2008 team, to the struggles in the early 2010s, and finally the rebuild under Mike Houston. He also allegedly really enjoys Washington, DC-based Stanley Cup winners.
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