Palmyra’s Ives Headed to Nebraska
The decision to attend Nebraska came so quickly for Palmyra senior running back Kwinten Ives, that he still can’t believe his good fortune.
Ives has accepted a scholarship to Nebraska, which recently hired former Temple coach Matt Rhule as its head coach.
Ives has accepted a scholarship to Nebraska, which recently hired former Temple coach Matt Rhule as its head coach.
“It feels great,” Ives said. “I never expected this.” One of the Nebraska assistant coaches who was most familiar with Ives was new running backs coach E.J. Barthel, who held the same job at Connecticut before being recently hired by Rhule.
Barthel was recruiting Ives at UConn. The two continued to have a dialogue when Barthel went to Nebraska. Another coach very familiar with Ives is Nebraska special teams coordinator Ed Foley, a Cherry Hill East graduate. Few people know South Jersey as well as Foley, who has also coached with Rhule at Temple, Baylor and with the Carolina Panthers.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Ives had a big senior season at Palmyra.
In just nine games, he rushed for 1,617 yards (10.3 avg.) and 26 touchdowns. He also had 15 receptions for 240 yards and three scores.
In just nine games, he rushed for 1,617 yards (10.3 avg.) and 26 touchdowns. He also had 15 receptions for 240 yards and three scores.
As a linebacker/defensive back he had 56 tackles, five pass breakups and four interceptions, one that he returned for a touchdown. Ives also had a kickoff return for a touchdown.
Ives was a two-year full-time starter and rushed for 3,176 career yards (10.0 avg.) and 45 touchdowns. He also caught 22 passes for 465 yards and six touchdowns.
“He did everything for us,” Palmyra coach Jack Geisel said. “I am so happy for him, and I know the people at Nebraska are excited about Kwinten joining the program.”
Ives said that he was recruited to be a running back. He is an excellent all-around athlete and Rhule has always put a priority on multi-sport performers. Ives is also a top-flight basketball player, who entered the season with 907 career points.
In an opening loss to Cinnaminson, he had 19 points and nine rebounds, giving him 501 boards for his career.
He said he chose Nebraska earlier this month, shortly after making an official visit to the Big 10 school.
“I just really liked he way everybody made me feel comfortable there,” he said. “They made me feel a part of the team and not just like another player.”
Of course, playing in the Big 10 is a major bonus. “It’s such great competition,” he said.
Not surprisingly, Ives, who said he enjoyed the recruiting process, is glad it’s over and now he can enjoy the rest of his senior year.
“It’s a big weight taken off and I don’t have to worry about it,” he said.
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He will play basketball and then gear his training for football at Nebraska and in the Big 10.
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He will play basketball and then gear his training for football at Nebraska and in the Big 10.
“I am excited to keep improving,” he said. “I am looking forward to the next level at Nebraska.”
Author: Marc Narducci
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