‘Chaos management’: Ragas sets records on special teams

Senior Nico Ragas (jersey No. 1) is a wide receiver for the Panthers, yet his highest accolades have come from his performance as a punt and kickoff returner on special teams, where he holds two Chapman records. Photo courtesy of Ragas.

Selecting a college to commit to as a student-athlete is a big and often difficult decision. Factors such as quality of the program, academic experience and extracurriculars can all weigh on the mind.

However, one particular factor stuck in senior football player Nico Ragas’ mind when choosing Chapman – a vision of himself at the university since he was young. 

“When I was little, about 10 years old, I came to an offensive and defensive camp that was held at Chapman,” Ragas said. “I met (head coach Bob Owens) and ever since then we have stayed in contact.”

During his time playing for the Panthers, under the mentorship of Owens, Ragas has had the opportunity to impact the game as a wide receiver, but does the majority of his damage on special teams. Ragas holds the Chapman record, and Division III record amongst active players, for most kick returns for touchdowns. He also has tied the record for the longest touchdown return in a game.

Recruiting Coordinator and wide receivers coach Augustino Adams, who has worked with Ragas in all his years at the university, believes much of the athlete’s success can be attributed to his adaptability and ability to think on the fly.

“You have got to have a degree of chaos management,” Adams said. “Somebody always misses (a tackle), not on purpose, but because everything is always moving and there is no set play. You have got to have a special thing about you, where you can respond on the run.” 

Ragas believes that his skill as a kickoff and punt returner was improved by his time playing wide receiver, as both positions have a similar objective: dynamic playmaking.

“The first step is to catch the ball,” said Ragas. “After that it’s being a playmaker with the ball in your hands after the catch. It’s reading blocks and having that team chemistry.”

Ragas’ magic touchdown returns have been notable not only for their frequency, but also their circumstance – he seemingly performs his best when he is needed the most.

“His touchdown returns came at crucial points where we could have lost the game, or where the guys were down and he sparked them.,” Adams said. “You see a guy like him and his efforts, and it inspires you.”

While Ragas has racked up quite a few accolades and a reputation for his speed, he attributed much of his success to his teammates. 

“Without those other 10 guys, my records wouldn’t be possible,” Ragas said. “On special teams, there are 11 guys. If someone isn’t doing their job, you aren’t going to get anything done.”