Hampton University Athletics

Delbert Cowsette is entering his third year with the Hampton University football program, serving as the defensive line coach under head coach Donovan Rose. Making his return to the program, Cowsette was a collegiate standout who went on to play in the NFL, and he brings a wealth of experience to the Pirates.

In 2010, Cowsette tutored two All-Americans on the defensive end: Kenrick Ellis and Brandon Peguese, which helped the Pirate defense finish in the top three nationally in total defense in 2010. The Pirate defense also finished No. 1 in red zone stops.

Ellis was named an SBN Black College, Phil Steele, Walter Camp, Associated Press and Sports Network FCS All-American – on top of being named the BoxToRow.com/BASN HBCU Defensive Player of the Year, also earned the CFPA FCS Defensive Tackle of the Year award.   Ellis was also named to the Sweet 63 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) All-America team.  He was also named First Team All-MEAC.

Peguese was named a Football Championship Subdivision All-Star on Defense by the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), Peguese was also a member of the Black College Football Defensive Team, First Team Sports Network FCS All-American and First Team All-MEAC selection. He also ranked second in the conference in tackles for loss with 23.5 for a total of 94 yards

Cowsette was a four-year player for the University of Maryland, where he was team captain his senior year while earning All-ACC honors. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in geography (with a double minor in sociology and graphic design), Cowsette was drafted by the Washington Redskins and played for the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears from 2000-06.

Cowsette began his coaching career in 2007 as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, before moving on to become an assistant defensive line coach in 2008-09.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Cowsette is married to Alena Cowsette. They have three children: Laila (7), Delbert II (4) and Joseph Cowsette. He is a co-founder of the Premiere Intermediate Football League (wwwgopifl.com), and he owns the non-profit youth organization In Between The Lines (www.ibtlsports.com).