Sacred Heart RB Chestnut excited to improve on an already impressive college career
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (BVM) — On Sept. 2, Sacred Heart junior running back Julius Chestnut was named to the 2020 FCS Preseason All-American Second-Team — the only player in the Northeast Conference this season to earn such a distinction.
“My mom told me about the award,” Chestnut said. “I was actually a little surprised. Since I made All-American third team for the 2019 season, I wasn’t expecting to be on the second team. I was also very happy.”
As a sophomore, Chestnut rushed for 1,495 yards, the second most in the FCS. That was also the second-highest single-season total in SHU history. He carried the ball 293 times, leading all of the FCS as well as setting the Pioneers’ single-season record. Chestnut also finished the 2019 season with four straight 100+ yard games, bringing his total to nine 100+ yard games for the year.
“Coming off of a productive year inspires me to do even better. I love this sport and this is what I want to do in the future,” Chestnut said.
Mark Nofri, going into his eighth season as Sacred Heart’s head coach, reflects on Chestnut’s honors and hopes he can carry it into this upcoming season.
“I am happy and proud of Julius,” said Nofri. “He had a great year last year and proved he is one of the top RB’s in the league and all of FCS. It was well deserved. But again this is a new season and new year. I want to see him improve and be even better this year.”
Chestnut was named to the All-NEC First-Team, First-Team All-ECAC as well as the All-New England team in 2019. Coach Nofri acknowledges his on the field honors as well as his character off it.
“Great kid. Does all the right things on and off the field,” said Nofri. “Works hard in the weight room and class room. Always has a smile on his face and glad he is a Pioneer. He has earned the respect of his peers because of his work ethic and leadership skills.”
With the 2020 NEC football season postponed, Chestnut will have to wait to take the field for SHU for his third season, but he is making sure he is ready for the season to start.
“When I found out the season was being postponed, I was a little crushed,” said Chestnut. “But it didn’t surprise me. I still work out almost daily. I am ready to play as soon as they say GO!”
Coach Nofri is also making sure the team stays in good spirits and prepared for a season, even if it is not happening soon.
“Everyone including coaches and players are disappointed about not playing,” said Nofri. “Especially when you see other teams on TV playing football. They are trying to stay positive and working out together. It could be worse and not be at school at all. But we are trying to stay together and improve as a team as much as we can. We will be ready to play, when and if there is a spring season.”
For Chestnut, making sure he improves on his stellar sophomore season is crucial to SHU football’s success in 2020.
“I always try to improve my speed. So I have been working more on that,” said Chestnut. “I hope to continue to do well and help my team win as many games as possible and win another NEC Championship!”
