Delaware Football: WR Jake Thaw talks family, football, and his future

Entering his final year as a college football athlete, Delaware Blue Hens wide receiver Jake Thaw is focused on the task at hand. A former Michigan Wolverines walk-on, he understands that every year is an opportunity for growth. Speaking to the receiver on Tuesday, we discussed his path to Delaware and life in football.

Player Spotlight: Jake Thaw

Coming into Delaware, Jake Thaw chose to wear the No. 15. While that selection isn’t as interesting as it may have been in year’s past, the reason behind the number is what makes it special.

“My dad actually wore the number in high school and while he played college football,” Thaw told me. “Then when my brother began college, he started wearing it, too. Choosing No. 15 is showing my respect and appreciation for them.”

Thaw’s older brother, Ben, played as a defensive back at Wesleyan University, a D3 college football program in in Middletown, Connecticut. Now, Ben is a defensive position coach who’s made stops at Wake Forest, Austin Peay State, and Lehigh University. He’s also been an inspiration to the younger Thaw brother.

“I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” said Jake. “He’s been an incredible influence to me in my life, and constantly gives me guidance.”

And it’s clear that his brother’s guidance has helped him persevere throughout his college football career.

Changing Shades of Blue

As a walk-on at Michigan, some fans may know of Jake Thaw only from a moment in the Rose Bowl years ago. Thaw mishandled a punt return, but ultimately fell back on top of the ball – saving the Wolverines’ chances at a victory.

The team wound up victorious, but it’s a moment Shaw has not forgotten. Yet while we didn’t rehash negative memories, his time at Michigan still sticks with him today.

“I tell the rest of the guys on the team, ‘every year you have a chance to improve’. No one would have expected me to get playing time as a walk-on at Michigan,” explained Thaw. “So I remind them that nothing is written in stone, and you have the opportunity to determine how your year, your career, plays out.”

And when opportunity came knocking, Thaw took it.

After leaving Michigan, Thaw transferred to the University of Delaware as a graduate transfer.

“They showed a lot of interest in me,” Thaw said of Delaware. “I’m a loyal guy, and they really went out of their way to make me feel at home. The program also has a rich history of football, so the decision was easy.”

The Blue Hens versatile playmaker also cited special teams coach Rocco DiMeco as another influence for his decision to come to Delaware. And so far, it’s looked like a great decision for Thaw.

FCS to FBS

Jake Thaw’s first season with Delaware was a productive one. He was the team’s second-leading receiver and had five receiving touchdowns. However, his prowess was as a returner, where he finished the year as All-CAA Second Team as a punt returner.

Now, Thaw looks to be the team’s primary receiving option while also handling return duties. With that in mind, for a successful season, both Thaw and his quarterback must be on the same page. And the key word Thaw used when describing what’s most important between a receiver and his quarterback was the word, “timing”.

Now, that timing gets figured out in the offseason, and displayed when it matters most – in the games. And while some receivers can have a diva-like mentality, Thaw just wants to see his team win games.

“My favorite route is an option route because it gives me flexibility,” began Thaw. “But I can’t lie. When it’s man coverage and I’m running an option, there’s nothing that makes me feel better than my teammate coming open on a hitch and walking into the endzone.”

And with the Blue Hens entering their first year in the FBS this season, winning games could come at a premium. Yet like many players who’ve played at multiple levels in college football, Thaw believes Delaware won’t be too outmatched from a talent perspective.

“Playing in a power conference and playing in the FCS, I can say that the talent gap isn’t as wide as people make it seem,” said Thaw. “There’s excellent players at both levels. The only difference may be that a linebacker at the P4 level may be just a little faster, or make a read a little quicker. Yet with that said, I like the group of guys that we have and I think we’re fully prepared entering this season.”

That type of confidence is to be respected. And, if anyone has shown the ability to turn words-to-action, it’s Jake Thaw.

Thaw will enter the 2025 season with hefty expectations. He’s has been named to multiple watch lists ahead of the year, and nominated for his diligence off the field, too. And if Thaw can hit his potential this season, it should be a great year for Delaware football.