The final whistle at Thorne Stadium didn’t just signal the end of a playoff game; it marked the closing of a legacy.
For four years, senior running back Nicholas Tramble led the Davis Falcons with the same grit he displayed on every snap. His final carry might not have secured a win, but the standard he set through discipline, humility, and heart will resonate within the program long after his cleats are hung up.
“During those final moments, realizing this was it, I was just grateful I had the opportunity to play the game and be in the moment. I wouldn’t change anything; it’s been nothing short of a blessing. I’ve built lifelong bonds and been able to experience the world through the sport.”
Nicholas Tramble
As Tramble walked off the field, he and Davis, head football coach Kelvin Chatham, shared a final word.
“I told him how proud I was of him, not just for the way he competed, but for the man he’s grown into,” said Chatham. “I reminded him that his best days are still ahead, and that everything he’s shown in this program proves he’s going to accomplish great things. He earned every bit of what he’s become.”
This moment was the result of four years of growth, dedication, and maturity.
“I saw a young kid walk into our program, and I watched him walk off that field as a young man understanding discipline, accountability, and leadership,” said Chatham.
Junior running back Bryderick Lydell-Robins saw that leadership on Tramble’s final carry.
“He demonstrated strong perseverance in overcoming challenges and remained the best leader for achieving success,” said Lydell-Robins.
As the scoreboard lights dimmed and the team huddled one last time, emotion filled the air not just for the loss, but for the legacy left behind. For Tramble, the game was never just about yards gained, but about lessons passed down.
Tramble recalls the struggles he faced as a freshman on varsity and the doubt he faced from those who didn’t initially see him as a capable back.
“I had to believe before anyone else did,” said Tramble. “I had a lot of responsibilities and weight on my back. I was expected to go out and make plays, but most people didn’t see when I was working late nights trying to be the best version of myself.”
Ultimately, he had to rely on himself. Playing varsity early built his resilience.
“I understood the speed of the game and adapted to defenses more quickly,” said Tramble.
“From the moment Nick started playing, he stood out,” said Davis offensive coordinator George Penrice. “He has always been fast and competitive, but what set him apart was his leadership and character.”
Penrice said it didn’t take long to identify Tramble as the key player in the offense.
“It was clear from the moment Nick stepped on the field as a freshman that we could trust him to lead the offense,” said Penrice.
Year after year, Tramble proved them right. He carried that responsibility each season, going all the way to his final game in the first round of the playoffs. Defenses crafted game plans around stopping him, and although it frustrated him at times, he kept working.
That growth didn’t happen overnight. It was built through countless offseason workouts, long practices in the August heat, and quiet leadership that often spoke louder than any pregame speech.
“Blocking for Nick was special because he made my job easy,” said senior offensive lineman Maximus Jackson. “When I made a mistake, he would have my back by making the guy miss or breaking a tackle.”
“My offensive line is my rock; without them, I don’t have any of this success,” said Tramble.
As a senior, Tramble led 6A Region II District 14 with 1,110 rushing yards, 1,500 all-purpose yards, 14 touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown.
“Nicholas was our standard-bearer,” said Chatham. “Every practice, he showed up with purpose and set the pace for everyone else, demanding a lot from himself and raising the level of the entire offense.”
While highlight reels showcase his speed and vision, teammates say it’s his humility and constant gratitude that defined him as the kind of leader who made everyone around him better.
As a leader, Tramble knew he was fulfilling a higher purpose.
“Leading after a loss is tough, but you use your losses as fuel to take out on your next opponent moving forward,” said Tramble.
Tramble encourages underclassmen to confront adversity directly.
“Embrace it,” said Tramble. “If you put yourself in uncomfortable situations early, you will be more comfortable in critical moments in the future.”
“Nicholas embodied what we mean when we say ‘win the day.’ In the classroom, he handled his business as an A/B student,” said Chatham. “In the locker room, he was the voice and example others followed. At practice, he brought intensity, focus, and consistency. He showed what it looks like to represent this program the right way.”
Even as the carries added up, what mattered most wasn’t the yardage; it was the message. For Tramble, leadership meant consistency, not speeches, example, not ego.
The lessons he leaves behind provide next year’s Falcons with a blueprint for how to prepare, compete, and conduct themselves, encouraging the next group to raise their expectations.
Tramble is currently committed to Prairie View A&M University, where he plans to study business management and minor in real estate.
As the Falcons prepare for the 2026 season, the foundation Nicholas helped establish remains strong, grounded in accountability, respect, and a relentless work ethic that won’t fade after graduation.
“I want people to remember I loved being overlooked and doubted it only fueled me to be a better player,” said Tramble.
About Nicholas Tramble:
Class: 2026
IG: @d1.n1ck
Twitter: @__thereal15
Position: Running back
Height & weight: 5-feet-9, 165 pounds
Favorite artist: Rod Wave
Status: Committed to Prairie View A&M University
Favorite subjects: Math
