Buena Vista, Va. – The 2024 Southern Virginia University football season concluded with a promising foundation built by a talented class of newcomers, giving the Knights high expectations for the future.
Head Coach Joe DuPaix reflected on the season's growth and challenges, emphasizing the team's steady progress:
"I was really proud of our team and their progress. When you take 80 freshmen from so many different parts of the country and integrate them into our program, it takes time and trust to build unity. Each and every week, our guys got better, and we've been able to develop a lot of talent."
The Knights' defense, bolstered by standout freshmen such as Spike Adams, Kutlur Matheson, CJ Williams, Amarie Gilchrist, Damarion Bonds, and Jemaar Robinson, was a force to be reckoned with. The unit led the entire conference in forced fumbles (11), with Isaiah Thomas and Matheson leading the charge, forcing three and two fumbles, respectively. The defense also topped the conference in fumbles recovered, securing 12 on the season.
On offense, a young rushing corps led by Tyreeck Hall, Devin Watson, and Tre Kelso combined for nearly 1,000 yards on the ground. Hall, a freshman, stood out with 500 rushing yards and seven of the team's 20 touchdowns, earning USA South All-Conference Second Team honors.
The passing game also showed significant development, spearheaded by Watson, who threw for an impressive 1,600 yards, placing him sixth on the program's all-time single-season leaderboard. Watson's performance earned him USA South Honorable Mention recognition. The Knights' passing offense ranked third in the conference, averaging 216.7 yards per game, signaling a bright future for the aerial attack.
The youthful energy of the freshman class was complemented by an established core of returning players who provided stability and leadership. Coach DuPaix highlighted the development of young leaders:
"Seeing players like Spike Adams and Devin Watson develop not only on the field but also as leaders of our program was great to see. I could go down the roster and point out so many examples of physical, academic, social, and spiritual development. We have great men on our team, and I look forward to 2025!"
The 2024 season was marked by growth, resilience, and glimpses of the Knights' potential. With a talented roster, dynamic young players, and a strong coaching staff, Southern Virginia football is poised for a bright future in 2025 and beyond.
For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_ftbl on Instagram.
