DeSean Jackson’s Mega Camp Puts HBCU Recruiting on the Map

The sweltering heat at Alumni Stadium in Dover, Delaware, didn’t stop over 400 high school athletes from chasing their dreams. And it definitely didn’t stop DeSean Jackson.

The former NFL All-Pro turned Delaware State head coach paced the turf with his signature energy, personally guiding drills, evaluating talent, and igniting what he hopes is a new era for HBCU football.

“Man, shoot, there’s a lot of great talent out here today,” Jackson told HBCU Gameday. “Anytime we get a chance to get out here, get eyes on guys, and evaluate their movement, speed, and competitiveness, that’s a win.”

But Jackson’s first-ever high school mega camp was more than just a recruiting event. It was a statement.

In the era of the transfer portal, high school seniors are often overlooked in favor of experienced collegiate transfers. Jackson is flipping that script.

“The high school level is getting overlooked right now,” he said. “That’s why these camps are so important, for exposure and visibility.”

More than 50 college programs, from D1 to D3, showed up to scout talent, representing the kind of collaboration Jackson believes is critical for long-term HBCU success.

By bringing the athletes to the campus, Jackson showed them, and their families that HBCUs can be not just an option, but a destination.

Jackson isn’t just hunting for future stars. He’s building a program rooted in energy, purpose, and pride and he’s doing it his way.

“It’s a blessing,” he said. “To be in a position to help change the dynamic here, that’s what I’m here for. It’s about changing the culture, creating energy and we’ve already seen the shift.”

That shift includes revitalizing alumni engagement, opening direct pipelines to high school coaches, and putting Delaware State on the map in football-rich territories like Florida, Georgia, and the DMV.

With Jackson at the helm, Delaware State joins a growing list of HBCUs led by former NFL stars looking to rewrite the narrative. Like Deion Sanders did at Jackson State, and Eddie George at Tennessee State, Jackson is leveraging his platform to elevate the entire ecosystem.