Football Position Previews: Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers

Photo by: Mikey Reeves

Football Position Previews: Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers

7/29/2025 10:14:00 AM | Football

NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football team is preparing for its first year at the FBS level, a historic season that kicks off at home against Delaware State on Thursday, August 28 at 7 p.m. Throughout fall camp, positional previews will be posted online to spotlight the different units that make up the 2025 Fightin' Blue Hens.

QUARTERBACKS
Pass Game Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, and Quarterbacks Coach Sean Goldrich oversees the unit in his fourth season with the Blue Hens.

"I think we've actually done a nice job of balancing out the room," Goldrich said. "We have some more pocket-style guys that are really going to do a great job of processing information, locating the football, and getting the ball out on time. We also have some great athletes in the room, too. Guys that can run really well, and are able to make some people miss in the open space."

The unit is very experienced, led by returnees Zach Marker and Nick Minicucci, who combined to start eight of 11 games a season ago. Marker has thrown for 1,689 yards and 13 touchdowns over nine games in his two seasons in the 302 after three seasons at Iowa Central Community College. Minicucci has appeared in 15 games, throwing for 1,299 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first two seasons in Newark.

Sophomores Braden Streeter and Austin Troyer also return, as Streeter played in two games in 2024 as a freshman.

Joining the QB room this season are UCF transfer Riley Trujillo and freshman EJ Archield Jr., who are both looking for their first collegiate action. Trujillo was an ESPN Top 300 recruit out of high school, while Archield Jr. was a three-star by On3.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Assistant Head Coach - Offense, Offensive Coordinator, and Wide Receivers Coach Terence Archer leads the room in his fourth season at UD.

"I really feel good about our depth," Archer said. "I told our guys going into [camp] there is no depth chart right now. We got some guys from last year who made some big plays for us, and hopefully will continue to do so. We brought in some good players, freshmen and transfers, that I think can help us."

In a unit that features incredible depth with 18 wide receivers, the returning leaders are Jake Thaw and Max Patterson. Thaw, the second-leading receiver a season ago for the Hens, finished the campaign with 41 receptions, 334 yards, and five receiving TDs. Thaw also provides a boost on special teams, earning All-CAA Second Team as a punt returner. Patterson appeared in all 11 games last year in his first season in Newark, making five starts with 25 catches and 286 yards.

Junior Ja'Carree Kelly was a steady presence for UD last season, appearing in all 11 games with eight starts. Kelly recorded 17 catches for 171 yards and one touchdown. Graduate Nick Laboy also played in every game in 2024 for the Hens, making four starts with 15 catches, 164 yards, and a touchdown.

Sean Wilson showed flashes in his lone career game during his freshman campaign, tallying two touchdown receptions on his first two career receptions in a blow-out win over Sacred Heart.

Other returners include Luke Brown, Donovan Lewis, Matthew McKinley-Daniels, Ashton Navarrete, Declan O'Brien, Dan Parisi, and Nick Tyree.

A trio of FBS transfers joined the room, including Thomas Amankwaa (Rutgers), Kyre Duplessis (Coastal Carolina), and Brandon Rehmann (West Virginia). Emmanuel Doku (Willingboro, N.J. / Holy Cross Prep), Ty Salazer (State College, Pa. / State College Area), and Calvin Thomas (Gainesville, Fla. / Gainesville) joined the fray as true freshmen.

TICKET INFORMATION
Don't miss your chance to be part of the action at Delaware Stadium this fall. Get your single-game tickets for the 2025 Delaware home football season today!

Season tickets offer the best seats at the best price for every home game and come with great benefits, such as ticket priority for away games and invites to exclusive member-only events. Partial Plans offer fans flexible options and price savings over individual games.

For more information or to secure your seats, visit BlueHens.com/fbtickets.

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