The Review

Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ricky Berl

The well-manicured grass crunches beneath the cleats of the players entering the field. For some, this is the first time they have stepped on this particular grass - grass that because of its location, is more important than ordinary sod.

This type of grass sets the scene for a college game played in front of approximately 22,000 crazed fans at Delaware Stadium.

The atmosphere can be overwhelming for the newcomers to this hallowed ground, freshman running back Phillip Thaxton said. The Week 2 Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week said it is difficult to imagine the courage it takes to walk out on the field among experienced players, but so far this season, the young bloods of the Hens' football team have risen to the occasion.

Delaware's freshmen warriors have proven themselves capable of the necessary warfare it takes to win games on the college battlegrounds, redshirt freshman defensive back Anthony Walters said.

The two freshmen have had a huge impact on the season so far. Of the top-10 team leaders in tackles, three are freshmen. Walters, who was the Week 3 CAA Rookie of the Week, is second on the team with 23 tackles.

"People don't expect much from us because we're freshmen. When we do good, it really stands out," Walters said. "It was a bit overwhelming trying to find my way at first, but everybody was real helpful. Every day we become more comfortable and we'll keep improving as a team."

The other freshmen who stand out on defense are redshirt freshmen linebackers Bernard Makumbi and Brian Void, who each have 14 tackles.

Thaxton, on the other side of the ball, has been crucial in helping score points for a potent Delaware offense. He ranks third on the team in total offense with 214 yards, trailing seniors quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Omar Cuff.

"Being behind Omar has definitely improved my game," Thaxton said. "He takes time to talk to me about the game and I learn so much just by watching him play."

Naturally, the strong leadership of the seniors and the coaching staff contributes to the excellent level of play from the freshmen so far, Thaxton said. Cuff continues to stand out and lead by example, rushing 92 times this season for 506 yards and 14 touchdowns. Thaxton continues to have a strong start to the season as Cuff mentors him on how to play the right way, he said.

Defensive leadership begins with sophomore defensive end Matt Marcorelle who has 16 tackles and 5.5 sacks, as well as sophomore defensive back Anthony Bratton, who has a team-high 29 tackles.

"Our defensive line is improving every day and our offensive line continues to get better," Thaxton said.

With strong upperclassmen leaders on both sides of the ball, it is easy to see how the freshmen have stepped up and delivered themselves, Walters said.

The freshmen give hope for a bright future at the university as the youth has stepped up and made a difference, Walters said.

"If we don't peak now and get consistently better over the next couple years, we're going to be really good," he said.

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