HBCU school sparks major buzz with bold talent move
Delaware State football just made its boldest statement yet—and it didn't come on the field.
In a move that's turning heads across the HBCU sports world, Hornets head coach DeSean Jackson has landed James Woods, a Division III All-Conference defensive back from Brevard College. The unorthodox pickup is just the latest sign that Jackson is building something special in Dover—starting with grit, not glamour.
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Since taking over at Delaware State, Jackson has thrown out the conventional recruiting playbook. Instead of chasing stars, he's chasing heart. 'We want guys who've been overlooked, who play with a chip,' Jackson said at his spring press conference. Woods fits that mold perfectly. Despite playing in the non-scholarship USA South Conference, the 6-foot, 180-pound DB posted four interceptions and two touchdowns in just seven games last season—numbers that earned him a national nod from D3Football.com.
Delaware State University head football coach DeSean Jackson.William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Woods' transfer is no ordinary step up. Only a handful of Division III athletes make the jump directly to the FCS each year, and even fewer to high-profile HBCU programs. In 26 career games, Woods totaled 112 tackles, five interceptions, three forced fumbles, and three touchdowns—production that rivals some FBS prospects. His 60-yard pick-six last season wasn't just highlight-worthy—it was a statement.
Jackson's roster now includes JUCO transfers, under-the-radar high schoolers, and small-college standouts. Woods is emblematic of this approach—bringing hunger, instinct, and a chip on his shoulder. Delaware State finished 1–10 last season, but with Jackson's new wave of talent, expectations are changing fast. This isn't just a rebuild—it's a reinvention.
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Related: NBA legend and HBCU trailblazer dies at 88
Delaware State fans, circle your calendars. With DeSean Jackson pulling the strings and James Woods bringing the fire, the Hornets are poised to shock the HBCU landscape. Don't blink—this underdog story is just getting started.
Related: Shaquille O'Neal turns heads with untold HBCU story
Related: TNT apologizes for false death report of HBCU legend during Inside the NBA
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