Delaware State soccer has landed a major addition at quarterback with the switch of Kaiden Bennett, a dynamic dual-threat playmaker previously of Sacramento State. The transfer marks a pivotal second for first-year head coach DeSean Jackson as he appears to be like to rebuild a Hornets program that hasn’t claimed a convention title since 2007.
From Breakout Star to New Starting
Bennett’s journey by way of faculty soccer has been a winding one, starting at Boise State as an early enrollee in 2019 earlier than redshirting at Nevada that very same 12 months. He ultimately discovered his stride at Sacramento State, the place after restricted motion in his first two seasons, he exploded onto the nationwide FCS scene throughout his junior marketing campaign in 2023.
That 12 months, Bennett accomplished 64.3% of his passes—second-best in Hornets historical past—whereas throwing for two,192 yards and 16 touchdowns. He added one other 577 yards and 6 scores on the bottom, amassing 2,767 complete yards and 22 touchdowns, each of which rank prime ten in Sacramento State’s single-season document books.
He began 10 of 13 video games and led the Hornets to the second spherical of the FCS Playoffs. Within the opening-round victory over North Dakota, Bennett showcased his versatility with 207 passing yards, a passing landing, 126 dashing yards, and two scores on the bottom. His signature second got here in a historic upset over Stanford—Sacramento State’s first-ever win towards a Energy Convention opponent—the place he tallied 279 passing yards and a landing, together with 100 dashing yards and one other rating. That efficiency earned him Large Sky Offensive Participant of the Week honors.
Regardless of being restricted to 2 begins in 2024 as a consequence of harm, Bennett leaves Sacramento State ranked 18th all-time in profession passing yards (2,508) and third in completion share (62.5%).
A New Period Underneath “D-Jax”
Bennett’s arrival in Dover comes at a vital time for Delaware State, which simply misplaced its beginning quarterback, Marqui Adams to the switch portal on July 25. Adams, an FCS Freshman All-American in 2023, had proven flashes of brilliance with 16 touchdowns throughout 19 video games however was sidelined by a season-ending harm halfway by way of final 12 months. Head coach DeSean Jackson, who was impressed by Adams’ playmaking skill throughout spring camp, now appears to be like to Bennett to fill the void and elevate the Hornets’ offense.
“Marqui is a playmaker, man,” Jackson mentioned earlier this 12 months. “He can do some particular issues along with his legs… he scored like a 50-yard landing [in the spring showcase].”
In Bennett, Jackson now inherits a confirmed playmaker who matches the mildew. The Folsom, California native brings expertise, composure, and athleticism to a crew in want of management and offensive manufacturing. With stops at 4 completely different packages, Bennett carries a depth of perspective and maturity that would show important for a Delaware State squad hungry for a brand new identification.
The DeSean Jackson Impact
For Jackson, a former NFL Professional Bowl large receiver and standout at California, the acquisition alerts the beginning of his program-building efforts. By touchdown a switch like Bennett—who orchestrated playoff runs and engineered wins over FBS opponents—Jackson is making it clear that Delaware State intends to compete at the next stage within the FCS panorama.
Zach McKinnell of The Bluebloods, one of many premier voices in FCS soccer protection, known as Bennett’s addition “a serious faculty soccer switch portal resolution,” highlighting his influence efficiency and skill to guide a program deep into the postseason.
Because the Hornets put together for a brand new season with new management, all eyes will probably be on Kaiden Bennett—the quarterback who’s already made historical past as soon as and will do it once more in HBCU soccer for Delaware State.
