CLEVELAND, Miss. – Fall camp is officially underway for Delta State University football, as 108 Statesmen reported to Chadwick-Dickson Fieldhouse on Thursday, Aug. 7 to begin preparations for the 2019 campaign.
 
"The waiting game is finally over," head coach Todd Cooley said. "With such a large group returning, we're excited to get started on Friday, Aug. 9 with practice one at 9:30 AM."
 
The Statesmen will use Thursday, Aug. 8 as acclimation and orientation day while taking headshots and promotional materials for the season.
 
"The first two days of camp are always a rush," Cooley added. "You have so many boxes to check, pictures to take and academic meetings to finish before you can ever think about toeing the line. I know our players and staff are hungry to get out there for the first time on Friday."
 
Camp Delta's first practice will begin at 9:30 AM on Friday, Aug. 9 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. All practices are open to the public. A complete list of practice times is below.
 
"Our family has been chomping at the bit since the end of last year and I hope you plan on joining us for the ride," Cooley said.  
 
Coming off an injury-riddled 2018 season, the Statesmen were recently picked to finish 6^th in the Gulf South Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. Reigning NCAA DII national champion Valdosta State was tabbed the league's frontrunner.
 
Senior defensive end Eric Sadler, junior center Innis Claud V and redshirt sophomore punter Sam Barge were all named to the Preseason All-GSC Team. Four junior college transfers were also named to the GSC's Top Newcomers team, including Deion Dampiere (RB | Mendenhall | Co-Lin), Rodrick Jarrett (LB | Brandon | Co-Lin), Rico Owens (RB | Greenwood | Co-Lin) and Dayreke Snow (DB | Newton | Gulf Coast).

Delta State welcomes Tusculum University to Cleveland on Thursday, Sept. 5 to kick off the campaign. Game time is set for 6 PM at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.
 
CAMP DELTA SCHEDULE (DAY | TIME | LOCATION)
Friday, Aug. 9 – 9:30 AM – Parker Field-McCool Stadium
Saturday, Aug. 10 – 9:30 AM – Parker Field-McCool Stadium
Sunday, Aug. 11 – 2:30 PM – Parker Field-McCool Stadium
Monday, Aug. 12 – 9:30 AM – Parker Field-McCool Stadium
Tuesday, Aug. 13 – 9:30 AM – Parker Field-McCool Stadium
Wednesday, Aug. 14 – 9:30 AM – Parker Field-McCool Stadium
Thursday, Aug. 15 – 9:30 AM – Parker Field-McCool Stadium
Friday, Aug. 16 – 9:30 AM – Parker Field-McCool Stadium
Saturday, Aug. 17 – 9:30 AM – Parker Field-McCool Stadium
Sunday, Aug. 18 – 5 PM – Parker Field-McCool Stadium
Monday, Aug. 19 – Classes begin