Rams Optimistic about the 2024 Football Season

The anticipated return of the Bluefield University football season is finally here after a long off-season, and the Rams look to keep their momentum rolling after going 5-5 in 2023.

Football season for some is one of the most highly anticipated times of the year, like for Jaylen Holmes, a defensive lineman who was a freshman for the Rams last year.

“The most anticipated return of the season for me is the rush of adrenaline and feeling of accomplishment,” said Holmes, who spoke about the new and returning players to keep an eye on this season.

Some of those promising returning players are defensive lineman Quincy Robinson, linebacker Layton Fowler, quarterback Nathan Herstich, wide receiver Gage Chambers, and kicker Riley Stubbs. In 2023, Robinson counted for 44 solo tackles and 31 assisted tackles, and Fowler recorded 26 solo tackles and 27 assisted tackles. Herstich threw 30 touchdowns and rushed for 3,101 yards, Chambers had 25 receptions and 418 receiving yards, and Stubbs punted for 896 yards and made 75 percent of his field goals.

“The thing I am most excited for about the season is just getting back onto the field and helping out the team any way I can,” said Stubbs, who also spoke about what his goals are this season. “My goal for this season is to do better than what I did last year. I want to either become an All-American or a First Team All-Conference player again.”

New players looking to have a breakout season are defensive lineman Chris Reynolds, defensive back Jahmarri Chandler, and offensive lineman Kameron Jackson. Chandler is a transfer from Guilford College. Reynolds is a red-shirt sophomore who has All-Conference and Fellowship of Christian Athletes achievements. Jackson is a freshman from Albany, GA, where he earned All-Region and All-State honors.

The team has already played four games (as of 09-21-24), winning the opener, but dropping the last three in a row. In the season opener on August 30, the Rams defeated Thomas University 35-17. Herstich threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Stubbs was perfect on five extra points, while Robinson had six tackles and three sacks for 25 yards.

The following week, September 7, BU lost to the University of the Cumberlands, 31-9, in the 2024 home opener. Herstich had 175 passing yards and 44 rushing yards. Chambers had 35 receiving yards, Stubbs had a 31-yard field goal, and Leyton Fowler had 12 tackles.

On September 14, the team played at Lindsey Wilson College, where they lost 44-20. Herstich had 250 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 35 rushing yards. Chambers had 41 receiving yards, Robinson had nine tackles, and Fowler had six tackles. On September 21, the Rams had their worst showing of the season in a 69-37 loss at Campbellsville University. Despite giving up the most points of the season, Herstich threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns. He also made history during the game, surpassing 10,000 career passing yards. Robinson had six tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble.

Fans are encouraged to come out to Mitchell Stadium to support the Rams at home or follow the Rams on the road at burams.com.