Former Sam Houston State running back Remus Bulmer — the first FCS product to use the new redshirting rule to save a year of eligibility late in a career — has made his decision to play his final season at The Citadel, he told HERO Sports Friday afternoon. The other finalist was Western Illinois, among many candidates.
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Bulmer, who rushed for more than 2,000 career yards for the Bearkats from 2015-18, told HERO Sports on Sept. 24 that he didn't feel he was being utilized correctly at Sam Houston State, so he left the team before this season would count (less than four games played) — opting to redshirt in 2018 and use the grad transfer rule to find another home for 2019. He was one of the top returning running backs, statistically, in the FCS coming into this season.
"I chose The Citadel because of the education they will give me and the connections from the school will have me set for life," Bulmer told HERO Sports on Friday. "There were many other schools that wanted me but Western Illinois is the only other school that I considered since they are in the best conference in the FCS (the Missouri Valley Football Conference). But I'd rather go somewhere to play but will have my future set. I loved Sam Houston and everything about it. I graduated here so I'll always be a Bearkat."
Bulmer wrapped up classes at Sam Houston State on Friday, thus the timing of the announcement.
The Citadel wrapped its 5-6 season with an impressive 43-14 win over Charleston (S.C.) crosstown rival Charleston Southern last week in a game rescheduled from September because of the hurricane. This year the Bulldogs lost at Alabama — but were tied with the Crimson Tide 10-10 at halftime before 'Bama pulled away. Three losses came by a touchdown or less, including to both Southern Conference playoff teams (Wofford and ETSU), and one of their non-conference losses was to FCS playoff team Towson. The roster was relatively young this year, and it would seem bodes well for 2019.
Bulmer is fired up about contributing to what could be a very strong Bulldogs' program next fall.
"Citadel wants to use me as a running, catching , and blocking back," Bulmer added. "I love how the offense gets down in the dirt and gets physical. It reminds me of how things were when i first started playing ball. Considering they run the ball a lot more then pass, it fits me well. But after all i just feel it’s smart to go play ball and receive an amazing degree from a prestigious school because football is going to end some day but the degree and opportunity they are giving me in the classroom will last forever."
As a grad student, Bulmer will not participate in the military academy work, it'll be strictly academics and football. He can sign during the early national signing period in a few weeks and will be eligible for spring football. The Citadel can't comment about him until then.
Bulmer first made a name for himself as a freshman in 2015 when he busted loose for 100+ yards in the FCS Playoffs against Big Sky Champion Southern Utah.