Latvian Ralfs Rusins (Rūsiņa) is definitely making a name for himself in college football.
He has been pencilled in as a starting defensive end Thursday, November 17 when the Liberty University Flames who play in the NCAA Big South Conference take on Coastal Carolina in the final regular season game of the year for the Flames. The Liberty Flames (NCAA Div. I) have already sewn up the Big South title for only the second time in their history and after this game they will begin preparing for the FCS playoffs which begin November 26.
A native of Carnikava, Latvia, Rūsiņš only joined the Liberty University team this school year after playing for the Riga Lions in Latvia. At 6’5″, 295 lbs Rusins, a freshman, is listed as a tight end on the roster but will be starting at defensive end.
According to Juris Miņins of the Latvian website Sportcentrs.com, Rusins is the first Latvian-born athlete to have played NCAA Div. I football. Previously he said that Latvians have played on NCAA Div. II and III teams and on high school teams.
The Flames are coached by former Nebraska Huskers and Canadian Football League quarterback Turner Gill.