Eastern Michigan Athletics
From Hoosier Roots to EMU: Delbert Mimms III’s Journey
8/25/2024 2:00:00 PM | Football
EMU opens the season Saturday, Aug. 31, at UMass
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Delbert Mimms III's journey to Eastern Michigan University is one marked by perseverance, ambition, and a deep love for football that began almost as soon as he could walk. Now, as he prepares for his senior season, the former NC State running back is ready to make his mark in Ypsilanti, bringing with him a relentless work ethic and a passion for the game instilled in him by his father.
Growing up in Indianapolis, Ind., Mimms had football in his blood. His father, a former All-American at Indiana State University, surrounded young Delbert with the sport from the moment he was born. "When I was like three or four, there were little footballs everywhere," Mimms recalls with a smile. "I just wanted to follow in his footsteps and really just wanted to be better than him."
For a kid growing up in Indiana, where basketball often reigns supreme, Mimms's decision to pursue football might have seemed unusual. But at Ben Davis High School, a football powerhouse in Indianapolis, Mimms thrived. His talent on the field earned him a spot at NC State, where he spent the last three seasons primarily as a short-yardage and goal-line back. However, Mimms wanted more. He wanted to be a three-down back, someone who could contribute in all phases of the game. That's what led him to Eastern Michigan.
"My play has to be at the highest level it's ever been," Mimms says, reflecting on his mindset going into the 2023 season. "At NC State, I was only there to be a short-yardage, goal-line back, but here I want to be that first down, second down, and third down back. I want to be that guy who can break one loose for 60 yards if needed."
Mimms's transition to Eastern Michigan wasn't just about football; it was also about adjusting to life in a new place. Having spent the last few years in North Carolina, the Indiana native had to reacquaint himself with Midwest winters. "I got here in January, and it was all snow on the ground," Mimms recalls, laughing about the stark contrast to the mild winters down south. But the cold weather wasn't the only adjustment. Learning a new offense and integrating himself into a team filled with new faces was equally challenging.
One of the key factors that attracted Mimms to Eastern Michigan was the consistency and persistence of the coaching staff, particularly Head Coach Chris Creighton and Running Backs Coach Issac Reed. "Once they knew I was interested, they were on me every day," Mimms says. "They called and texted me every day, and after my second visit, when I committed, they wanted to move me in as soon as possible. You could tell they really wanted me here."
The feeling of being wanted and the strong sense of camaraderie Mimms has found at Eastern Michigan have made his transition seamless. "This is probably the closest team I've ever been a part of," he says. "Even after a short time here, I see some of these guys being at my wedding. That's crazy to say, but it's true."
Mimms knows that success on the field isn't just about his individual performance—it's about the team, especially the offensive line in front of him. Developing a strong bond with the linemen has been a priority for him. "I hang out with those guys all the time," he says. "We joke around in practice, out of practice, during camp. Just being able to get close with those guys and hear their stories makes us closer, and that camaraderie is going to be key for us this season."
In addition to building relationships with his teammates, Mimms has been putting in the work to develop chemistry with the team's quarterbacks— Cole Snyder (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern/Rutgers/Buffalo), Jeremiah Salem (Germantown, Tenn./Houston), and Drew Viotto (Sault Ste Marie, Ontario/Walled Lake Western/Minnesota). "Whenever these guys put in a group chat that they're going to throw, I show up," Mimms says. "It's about being there, getting those nicks and crannies, learning what they see out there, and understanding what they need from me as a route runner and in pass protection."
As a veteran player coming from the ACC, Mimms is particularly excited about playing in the Mid-American Conference, especially the nationally televised "MACtion" games. "It's kind of like Monday Night Football," he says. "I'm excited for it, knowing that the entire country is going to be watching."
When Mimms isn't on the field, he enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. "I like to go bowling, roller skating, and I love going to the range," he says. "Some of the old linemen invited me to go hunting with them, so I might try that too. I also like fishing, but I haven't found a good spot here in Michigan yet."
One of the highlights of his time in Michigan so far has been exploring the local food scene. Mimms has already found a few favorite spots. "The food has been great," he says. "I like to cook at home too, so sometimes I'll go to these places and think, 'I'm going to make that one day.'"
As the season approaches, Mimms is focused on the team's theme for the year: BET, which stands for Believe, Excellence, and Together. "BET means we have to believe as a team, believe that we're going to make everything happen, and believe in the coaches," Mimms explains. "We have to be excellent in everything we do—we're not going to be perfect, but we have to chase perfection. And we have to stay together as a team, especially when things get hard. That's what's going to make us strong in the end."
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Delbert Mimms III's journey to Eastern Michigan University is one marked by perseverance, ambition, and a deep love for football that began almost as soon as he could walk. Now, as he prepares for his senior season, the former NC State running back is ready to make his mark in Ypsilanti, bringing with him a relentless work ethic and a passion for the game instilled in him by his father.
Growing up in Indianapolis, Ind., Mimms had football in his blood. His father, a former All-American at Indiana State University, surrounded young Delbert with the sport from the moment he was born. "When I was like three or four, there were little footballs everywhere," Mimms recalls with a smile. "I just wanted to follow in his footsteps and really just wanted to be better than him."
For a kid growing up in Indiana, where basketball often reigns supreme, Mimms's decision to pursue football might have seemed unusual. But at Ben Davis High School, a football powerhouse in Indianapolis, Mimms thrived. His talent on the field earned him a spot at NC State, where he spent the last three seasons primarily as a short-yardage and goal-line back. However, Mimms wanted more. He wanted to be a three-down back, someone who could contribute in all phases of the game. That's what led him to Eastern Michigan.
"My play has to be at the highest level it's ever been," Mimms says, reflecting on his mindset going into the 2023 season. "At NC State, I was only there to be a short-yardage, goal-line back, but here I want to be that first down, second down, and third down back. I want to be that guy who can break one loose for 60 yards if needed."
Mimms's transition to Eastern Michigan wasn't just about football; it was also about adjusting to life in a new place. Having spent the last few years in North Carolina, the Indiana native had to reacquaint himself with Midwest winters. "I got here in January, and it was all snow on the ground," Mimms recalls, laughing about the stark contrast to the mild winters down south. But the cold weather wasn't the only adjustment. Learning a new offense and integrating himself into a team filled with new faces was equally challenging.
One of the key factors that attracted Mimms to Eastern Michigan was the consistency and persistence of the coaching staff, particularly Head Coach Chris Creighton and Running Backs Coach Issac Reed. "Once they knew I was interested, they were on me every day," Mimms says. "They called and texted me every day, and after my second visit, when I committed, they wanted to move me in as soon as possible. You could tell they really wanted me here."
The feeling of being wanted and the strong sense of camaraderie Mimms has found at Eastern Michigan have made his transition seamless. "This is probably the closest team I've ever been a part of," he says. "Even after a short time here, I see some of these guys being at my wedding. That's crazy to say, but it's true."
Mimms knows that success on the field isn't just about his individual performance—it's about the team, especially the offensive line in front of him. Developing a strong bond with the linemen has been a priority for him. "I hang out with those guys all the time," he says. "We joke around in practice, out of practice, during camp. Just being able to get close with those guys and hear their stories makes us closer, and that camaraderie is going to be key for us this season."
In addition to building relationships with his teammates, Mimms has been putting in the work to develop chemistry with the team's quarterbacks— Cole Snyder (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern/Rutgers/Buffalo), Jeremiah Salem (Germantown, Tenn./Houston), and Drew Viotto (Sault Ste Marie, Ontario/Walled Lake Western/Minnesota). "Whenever these guys put in a group chat that they're going to throw, I show up," Mimms says. "It's about being there, getting those nicks and crannies, learning what they see out there, and understanding what they need from me as a route runner and in pass protection."
As a veteran player coming from the ACC, Mimms is particularly excited about playing in the Mid-American Conference, especially the nationally televised "MACtion" games. "It's kind of like Monday Night Football," he says. "I'm excited for it, knowing that the entire country is going to be watching."
When Mimms isn't on the field, he enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. "I like to go bowling, roller skating, and I love going to the range," he says. "Some of the old linemen invited me to go hunting with them, so I might try that too. I also like fishing, but I haven't found a good spot here in Michigan yet."
One of the highlights of his time in Michigan so far has been exploring the local food scene. Mimms has already found a few favorite spots. "The food has been great," he says. "I like to cook at home too, so sometimes I'll go to these places and think, 'I'm going to make that one day.'"
As the season approaches, Mimms is focused on the team's theme for the year: BET, which stands for Believe, Excellence, and Together. "BET means we have to believe as a team, believe that we're going to make everything happen, and believe in the coaches," Mimms explains. "We have to be excellent in everything we do—we're not going to be perfect, but we have to chase perfection. And we have to stay together as a team, especially when things get hard. That's what's going to make us strong in the end."
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