From Wesley to Delaware State, this walk-on receiver continues to shine

Jerrish Halsey had options after the final Wesley College football season in the spring of 2021.

There was a scholarship waiting for him at Division II Shippensburg (Pa.) University or a chance to stay in Dover and walk on at Division I Delaware State.

The Rahway, New Jersey, native bet on himself and walked on at Delaware State University.

After a breakout performance against Virginia University of Lynchburg (seven receptions, 134 yards and two touchdowns), Halsey’s gambit is paying dividends.

“It was a tough process, especially since Shippensburg wanted to give me a full ride,” Halsey says, “But I chose to come to Delaware State and walk on because I wanted to be a part of something special.”

The DSU coaching staff is happy to have him.

“I’m so proud of Jerrish because he’s a kid that wants to be great,” Hornets head coach Rod Milstead said. “He works hard every week and has done everything we’ve asked him to do.”

Redshirt freshman quarterback C.J. Henry said Halsey is one of the team's most reliable receivers.

“Just having a guy that you know when you throw the ball to him, it’s a good chance he’s going to go get it and make something happen. He’s a great player to have in our offense,” Henry said.

During Wesley’s spring finale, the 5-foot-10, 160-pound Halsey came up with a huge game against longtime rival Salisbury, hauling in five passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns.

At DSU, Halsey admits the first season was challenging, but he said he worked hard in the off-season and has not been shy about asking for more touches of the ball this year.

“Jerrish came to me this week and asked what he had to do to get more playing time, and he made the most of it today,” Milstead added. “We’ve rewarded him with a full scholarship, and he’s going to graduate in December. Football’s been great for him.”

Now that Halsey has proven he’s great at catching footballs and scholarships, there are two goals left in his football journey, and he’s confident both are within reach.

“We want to win the MEAC and make history at DelState,” he said. “I want to play at the next level also. It’s great to get the ball rolling, but there’s still a whole season left and lot more work to be done.”

Hive notes

Henry, former Delaware High School Player of the year at Hodgson, earned Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rookie of the week honors following his three-touchdown performance against VUL on Saturday. Henry, subbing for an injured Jared Lewis, completed nine of his 14 pass attempts for 115 yards, with each touchdown going to a different receiver — Halsey, Rahkeem Smith and Nico Stout.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware State walk-on receiver Jerrish Halsey continues to shine