Adams State opened practice for the 2024 season on Friday, giving itself four weeks of preparations before its season opener against Western New Mexico University on Sept. 7.
“I’m excited about the returners we have. We’ve got a lot of guys with experience, but I think our coaches did a really good job in the spring going to find some good ball players that fit what we’re trying to do,” said Head Coach Jarrell Harrison.
An emphasis on reducing turnovers and eliminating mistakes at key moments of a game, which is what haunted the Grizzlies a year ago, is part of what Adams State will focus on in preseason workouts.
Harrison enters his fourth year as head coach. The Grizzlies have gone 1-10; 2-9; 3-8 over three seasons for a 6-27 won-loss record.
Players to Watch:
Adams State linebacker Christian Toeleiu is the defensive leader that Harrison and the Grizzlies are counting on this season. Injured a year ago, Toeleiu will rank as one of the best linebackers in a talented Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Harrison said. “His energy, his leadership, his approach to the game is great. He’s a great student as well, a guy you don’t have to worry about, but he’s also a playmaker. And so we’re excited to get him on the field.”
Returning linebacker Labarrio Mays and safety Traivian Denetso will help anchor the Grizzlies defense.
Quarterback Chase Nelson, a sophomore from Monmouth, Ore., is pegged to open the season as the starter. Nelson was the fourth quarterback to start for the Grizzlies last season when Adams State lost a succession of starting quarterbacks early in the season.
Nelson came off the bench to lead Adams State to victory over New Mexico Highlands in Week 5 of the 2023 season. Adams State found itself 2-1 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference at that point, but then lost six straight to end the season.
Alex Grado, a transfer from College of San Mateo, and Montana Neustadter, who also got playing time a year ago at quarterback for Adams State, will give the Grizzlies depth at quarterback.
Daylen Boddie, injured in game two of last season, returns to anchor the Grizzlies backfield. He’ll be assisted by a veteran offensive line led by three starters from a year ago – Matagi Dupont, Daniel Herrera and Nance Cabasag.
I’m excited about the returners we have. We’ve got a lot of guys with experience.
Head Coach Jarrell Harrison
Season outlook:
The Grizzlies enter the season with low expectations, showing up No. 9 on the RMAC Preseason Coaches Poll. Colorado School of Mines and CSU-Pueblo open as the preseason favorites, with Mines coming off a 2023 season that saw it play for the NCAA Division II title.
Adams State hosts both Mines and CSU-Pueblo this year at Rex Field.
The Grizzlies will take on another NCAA Division II playoff team from a year ago when it travels to Odessa, TX, to face UT-Permian Basin.
2024 Adams State Football Schedule
- Sept. 7 – Western New Mexico, 6 p.m., Rex Field.
- Sept. 14 – University of Texas-Permian Basin, 6 p.m., Odessa, TX.
- Sept. 21 – Western Colorado, 6 p.m., Gunnison
- Sept. 28 – CSU-Pueblo, Homecoming, 1 p.m., Rex Field
- Oct. 5 – Chadron State, Noon, Chadron, Neb.
- Oct. 12 – Colorado Mesa, 1 p.m., Rex Field
- Oct. 19 – Colorado School of Mines, 1 p.m., Rex Field
- Oct. 26 – New Mexico Highlands, 5 p.m., Las Vegas, N.M.
- Nov. 2 – Fort Lewis, 6 p.m., Rex Field
- Nov. 9 – Black Hills State, 1 p.m., Spearfish, S.D.
- Nov. 16, South Dakota Mines, 1 p.m., Rex Field