Fort Worth, Texas - Reflecting on his opening match against Arizona Christian University, Ernest Ceasar III remembers the game that propelled him to his All-American achievement during his sophomore season.
“The very first play of the game, I scored an 80-yard touchdown,” Ceasar recalled. “That game set the tone for the entire season, and I put up some unbelievable numbers.” His performance that day—20 carries for over 200 yards and five touchdowns—was just the beginning. Over the course of that season, Ceasar consistently averaged 10 yards per carry, amassing nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards and achieving the second-most rushing yards in the entire NAIA.
“Those games helped put my name out there and showed what I was capable of. That’s what led to the All-American honor,” Ceasar said. “I knew I had to step up and work harder after that.”
When Ceasar first arrived at Texas Wesleyan, his build and athletic ability immediately caught the attention of those around him. Nick David West, a senior running back and one of his closest friends, recalls the unique qualities that set Ceasar apart.
“He’s got a unique build that lets him do special things,” West explains. “He’s so small that he can stop and start like he goes from zero to 100 in three seconds. Nobody can stop him because he’s hard to grab.”
Ceasar’s journey has been shaped by an understanding of how unpredictable football can be. "Football is a game of inches," Ceasar said, quoting one of the core lessons he learned.
"You can work as hard as you want, but sometimes it comes down to the smallest detail—a step here, a block there—that makes the difference between winning and losing. That stuck with me," Ceasar said. This understanding helped shape his work ethic and focus on the field.
"You have to be ready for every inch, every moment,” Ceasar said. “There were times when I wasn’t giving it my all, and it showed in my game. I had to learn to give 100% every day because that one inch can change everything."
This level of care and commitment is echoed by Dr. Jill Gerloff, one of Ceasar’s academic mentors and assistant athletic director for academic services and retention. Gerloff has seen Ceasar grow not just as an athlete but as a student and a leader within the Texas Wesleyan community.
“What sets Ernest apart is his discipline and focus, both on and off the field,” Gerloff said. “He’s always been someone who takes his responsibilities seriously, and that’s a quality you don’t always see. He’s shown tremendous growth over his time here.”
It wasn’t always this way. Both West and Gerloff recall Ceasar’s early years, when his athletic ability carried him through, but his discipline off the field wasn’t as developed.
“Our freshman and sophomore year, he wasn’t the most punctual guy,” West said. “He was athletically gifted, but he wasn’t always showing up on time or being as prepared as he could be.”
Ceasar saw this in himself. “I wasn’t always as focused as I needed to be, but I realized I had to make sacrifices if I wanted to be great,” he said. “It took time, but I eventually found the balance between being a student and an athlete, and that’s what got me here.”
His teammates vouch for the fact that his discipline has changed as the All-American matured. His focus shifted from relying solely on his talent to honing his skills in every area of his life. “Junior and senior year, he became the guy who’s always on time, never missing meetings, never missing practice,” West said. “He knows the plays, he’s attentive in meetings, and he’s always helping the younger guys. There’s no excuse not to be prepared when Ernest is setting that example.”
Ceasar’s drive to excel indeed didn’t stop with earning All-American honors. He has gone on to set a new program record for the most touchdowns scored in a single season (2024-2025). His consistency and determination stood out in the running back's performance against Langston University, where he broke the record with his 33rd touchdown of the year. Recognized as the SAC Oklahoma Ford Dealers Offensive Player of the Week, Ceasar's achievements have been nothing short of historic. Ending the season with 40 rushing touchdowns after gaining another rushing TD in the playoff game against Benedictine College on Nov. 30.
Ceasar, now a senior, understands how far he’s come. “I’ve learned that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a grind, a constant grind. Every practice, every meeting, every play—it all matters. I’ve embraced that mindset, and it’s helped me become a better player and a better leader. I’m grateful for the journey.”