NORFOLK, Va.— A 2012 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football championship is unlikely for Delaware State University, according to a poll of league head coaches and sports information representatives announced Friday afternoon.
The Hornets were picked to finish 10th in this year's MEAC according to a poll revealed during the conference's annual kickoff luncheon at the Sheraton Waterside Hotel. The Hornets, who were also 10th in the final 2011 MEAC standings, received a total of 78 votes in this year's poll.
DSU returns 45 letter winners from its 2011 team that posted a 3-8 overall record and 1-7 mark in the MEAC.
"Based on our performance last season, I'm not surprised at our ranking for this year," said Delaware State head coach Kermit Blount. "The good news is we have an opportunity to prove throughout the season that we are better than a 10th place team. I believe our players and coaches are looking forward to the challenges before us this season."
The MEAC also announced its list of 2012 preseason honors, including two Hornets. Delaware State wide receiver/kick returner Travis Tarpley of Danville, Va. was selected to the Preseason All-MEAC First Team, setting a Hornet single-season record with 66 receptions last season and topping all MEAC players in all-purpose yards at 144.2 per game during the 2011 season. Tarpley was also second in the MEAC in receiving yards (66.8 pg) and tied for second in receptions (6.0 pg) last season.
Delaware's wide receiver Justin Wilson of Windsor, Conn. was named to the 2012 Preseason All-MEAC Second Team after 54 receptions for 563 yards and a team-high six touchdown catches despite missing three games due to injury last season. He was the 2011 preseason MEAC Player-of-the-Year.
The university kicks off the 2012 season at home against VMI on Sep. 1 at 2 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
