‘Last Chance U’ Star RJ Stern Opens up on Docu-Series, Future in Football
RJ Stern joined a long list of Last Chance U fan favorites in the most recent season.
A talented receiver with a tragic family background, Stern’s yearning for more opportunities and his hopes of making something with his life became a key storyline in the show’s fifth season.
In a recent interview, Stern opened up on what it was like participating in Last Chance U and what his future in college football could be.
RJ Stern played at Laney College
Standing 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 185 pounds, RJ Stern enrolled at Laney College in hopes of jumping to another level.
Stern caught 23 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns in 2019, a season where Laney lost its top three quarterbacks to injury. Wide receiver Dior Walker-Scott, now at Hawaii, took over at quarterback in a Wildcat-like role.
Laney won six of its final eight games after opening 0-2.
Stern finished third on the team in receptions and receiving yards. His four receiving touchdowns tied for the team lead.
Stern is the grandson of famous author Marion Zimmer Bradley. He used football as a way to overcome personal problems he and his family faced.
Stern became a fan favorite on ‘Last Chance U’
After spending two seasons each at East Mississippi and Indepndence (Kan.) Community College, Last Chance U moved to Laney College in Oakland, Calif.
The show featured RJ Stern as a main character alongside coach John Beam, receiver Dior-Walker Scott, and cornerback Rejzohn Wright.
Walker-Scott joined Hawaii as a walk-on. Wright signed with Oregon State and rejoined his brother, Nashon.
Stern originally intended to play at Tusculum University, a Division II school in Tennessee. He later told Heavy he decommitted over personal issues.
RJ Stern just opened up about the show and his future
Although he isn’t playing college football this fall, RJ Stern is still making the media rounds and opening up about his journey.
In a recent interview with Sports Raid, Stern reflected on Last Chance U and the impact it has had on his life in recent months.
“My friends and family have been very supportive of me in this whole ordeal and the response I got from the rest of the world was immensely positive. The football world, as in coaches and players, have been showing me crazy love. It feels good when pros like Tarik Cohen and Calvin Ridley say you got game. It’s a form of validation of the things I’ve always believed.”
Stern said if professional football “doesn’t pan out as a player,” he could pursue a career in acting or coaching.
Stern hopes he can earn a scholarship spot elsewhere.
“For now, I’m just training and getting better,” Stern said. “That’s what anyone can do when they’re in standby. Stay ready so you never have to get ready.”
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