Responsible to both set the edges in the run game and act as pass-catching targets for the quarterback, the Delaware tight end room returns experience while adds youth heading into the 2025 season.
The position room experienced an early-camp hit when Caleb Fauria decided to step away from the team. The 2024 All-CAA Third Team selectee was poised for more receiving targets after having 12 catches for 134 yards and a touchdown last year, but Fauria made the decision that was best for his health and future. Delaware Assistant Special Teams Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach Garrett Smith viewed this as an opportunity for others to step up in camp. “When one guy is gone, the next guy has to be the next man up.”
Senior Elijah Sessoms will receive an increased opportunity in 2025. The Dover native has appeared in every game the last two seasons, making 10 receptions for 94 yards in that span. When asked about his readiness for stronger challenges in 2025, Sessoms replied, “I’ve always tried to keep myself prepared for the next step, but I feel like this movement is good for not only the football program but the entire school.” Paying tribute to the tight ends he respected as leaders when he was an underclassman: Braden Brose, Bryce De Maille, and Luke Frederick, Sessoms feels a responsbility to carry the torch for the room today. “I absolutely love the fact that I can have an impact on the development of these younger guys.”
Connor Witthoft, who made most of his impact as a blocker last season for the Hens, is prepared to take a leap within year two in the offense. “I think we saw the switch flip in the spring (with Connor). He started coming in for extra film and did a really good job taking care of his body. He busted his tail all summer long,” Smith described. Prior to transferring to Delaware, Witthoft had 9 receptions for 82 receiving yards and a touchdown through four seasons at New Mexico. Describing hardships of battling injuries and leaving his support system from the west coast last year, Witthoft focused on strengthening his physical and mental health in the offseason. “I believe this is the best shape I’ve been in my entire college career.”
Mixing into the room’s experience are a trio of young talent in sophomore Jackson Whitacre and freshmen Jaxson Bowman, Scott Moore. Whitacre, who redshirted last season, was a two-way player at Shore Regional High School, earning two All-Shore selections as a defensive lineman in 2022-23. “It’s been really fun to see Jackson, who has come a long way from spring ball until now,” Smith claimed.
Bowman was also a two-way player as a four-year starter at Cherry Hill High School East. The 6’5″ vertical threat, who held offers from West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Boston College, and Temple, recorded 12 touchdowns and just under 600 receiving yards in his high school career. Moore, another 6’5″ tight end, signed with the program in February. The 3-star prospect, who has been making an early impact in preseason camp, had 23 touchdowns and over 1,200 all-purpose yards in his final two years at Girard High School in Kansas. “Those guys have done a phenomenal job picking up the offense very quickly at their age,” Smith added.
Rounding out the room are sophomore Newark, Delaware native Logan Klein and freshman Maddox Sills.
“Each year, every position group is different. There’s usually a couple guys that lead and a couple new guys step in,” stated Smith when summarizing the transformation of the tight end room since his arrival in 2022. “I think the cool thing about the group in the tight end room is there’s nobody that’s selfish. They all want to see each other be successful.”
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