University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Football Battles Heat, Sees Improvement on Both Sides of the Ball in First Scrimmage
8/13/2016 8:41:00 PM | Football
"Offensively we are working hard on the passing game and I think it showed today," said Brock. "We are doing some things that are really, really good. As we get going towards the second and third week (of preseason), we will rededicate ourself to the run game. That's our DNA. Overall I'm very pleased. We have a long way to go, but we feel great about the progress we are making.”
Among the notable plays of the day included a 30-yard scoring toss from sophomore quarterback Joe Walker to sophomore tight end Ryley Angeline, a 30-yard touchdown pass from junior wide receiver Diante Cherry to senior running back Jalen Randolph off a fake, and a short scoring pass from senior quarterback Blake Rankin to sophomore tight end Owen Tyler. Defensively, sophomore cornerback Nasir Adderley made a nice interception in the end zone to thwart one scoring opportunity.
Delaware closed out the scrimmage with several two-minute drill game situations. Rankin hit junior wide receiver Charles Scarff across the middle and the first-year transfer from Rutgers rambled about 25 yards down to the three-yard line to set up a 20-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Frank Raggo with just 13 seconds left. Raggo had converted a 37-yard field goal earlier in the scrimmage.
“I felt pretty good, felt confident out here with the guys we go to battle with every day,” said Walker, who started the final 10 games of the season a year ago. “It was good to see the linemen, the receivers out on the perimeter, and the running backs out here working hard and doing what we practice every day. We preach to play hard and play physical. I think our chemistry is better and everyone else looks more comfortable. The game is slowing down for me and I'm gaining more and more knowledge as time goes on.”
The team's second scrimmage is scheduled for next Saturday, Aug. 20, at 3:30 p.m. at Delaware Stadium.
Sunday will be another big day for Blue Hens football as the team will take part in the inaugural Kids Day Clinic inside Delaware Field House. The site was moved from Delaware Stadium due to the threat of excessive heat. Boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age will hit the field and learn hands-on skills from the student-athletes and coaches in attendance.
Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. with the hour-long event set to begin at 12 noon. Kids will have the chance to get autographs of UD players and coaches afterwards. Autograph cards will be provided.
Later Sunday, the Delaware football team will take part in the annual Media/Photo Day inside Delaware Stadium. The free event will be held from 4:45 p.m. until 6 p.m. Fans of all ages are welcome to come out and meet the players, take photos, and get autographs.
Delaware will return to morning drills on Monday with a 7:30 a.m. start time.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Scott Selheimer | selheime@udel.edu | Office: 302-831-8007 | Cell: 302-562-5129
