JR Strauss was restless for most of August and sleepless for the week leading up to Villanova’s football opener against Colgate.

He knew the opportunity to make his first start for the Wildcats was drawing near. He couldn’t contain his anticipation.

Strauss, a former Exeter standout, made a team-high eight tackles from his inside linebacker spot in Villanova’s 24-17 victory over Colgate last Saturday at home.

“It was an awesome feeling,” Strauss said. “It was a surreal moment for me. It’s been a very long time (since he started a game). My adrenaline was really pumping. I was thinking about that game for probably a month.

“The energy was high. Everyone was hyped. I was just really excited to get out there.”

Strauss and the Wildcats will play before a much larger crowd when they travel

See Full Page