DeSean Jackson talks beating Michael Vick & Norfolk State, losing top running back

DeSean Jackson recently joined Kay Adams’ Up & Adams show on Wednesday and talked about a myriad of topics, including his time as head coach of Delaware State. Jackson recently concluded a historic season leading the Hornets and is still reeling from the opportunity to be a Division I head coach.

“To coach last year and to be at a Division I, obviously at an HBCU, it was kind of surreal. To this moment, I still don’t see how I’m a head coach in collegiate football. Never predicted that.”

Jackson took a 1-11 team and turned them into an 8-4 contender that was a game away from winning the MEAC championship and making the Cricket Celebration Bowl. Jackson talked about the accomplishment of turning Delaware State into a winning football program.

“To take a team that was 1-11 and obviously pull off what we pulled off last year… the biggest thing is just pouring into these young men and trying to help change their futures and their lives.”

He also spoke about emerging victorious in his first coaching matchup against Michael Vick and his Norfolk State Spartans.

“The game at Lincoln Financial Field, to see all those fans come out and support me and my brother Michael Vick was a blessing moment.”

Jackson also opened up to Adams about losing players via the transfer portal.

“I tell my players, man, come dedicate a year with me and hopefully I can get you to a bigger destination. I think that’s everyone’s dream, to be able to go play at a Power Four or Power Five.”

A perfect example of this philosophy is former Delaware State star running back Marquis Gillis, who committed to Arizona State this offseason. Jackson spoke about Gillis’s big move.

“Having one of my running backs, Marquis Gillis, go to Arizona State, man, and he’s getting some good money in his pockets. I’m like, ‘Hey, let me get a loan.’ So it’s just good to see these guys go live out their dreams.”