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Written By
Written By
Written By
The quarterback position will see a competition between AJ Surace and Boston College transfer Dylan Lonergan. Surace has waited his turn for two seasons as QB2. Lonergan started nine games at Boston College, with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. He is also a former Nick Saban recruit at Alabama.
The running back room returns production in Antwan Raymond and Ja’shon Benjamin. Benjamin was second on the team in rushing, while Raymond was an All-Big 10 performer rushing for 1,241 yards at over five yards per carry. Clay Thevenin transfers in from Louisiana Tech making this a very deep room.
The wide receiver room returns production in KJ Duff, Dylan Braithwaite, Ben Black, and tight end Logan Blake. Duff is one of the best in the Big Ten and accounted for 1,084 yards at over 18 yards per reception. The additions of true freshman Dyzier Carter and tight end Kameron Anthony (Ball State) provide even more weapons.
The offensive line room returns experience in Kwabena Asamoah, Terrence Salami, Dantae Chin, Mashood Giwa, and Tyler Needham. Several young players, including true freshmen will need to develop. The additions of Isaiah Cook (Delaware State) and Everett Small (Eastern Michigan) provide depth.
The defensive line room returns some experience in Zaire Angoy, Farell Gnago, and Keshon Griffin. Doug Blue-Eli is also returning from an injury. The additions of Jaedin Lee (Maine), Malachi Davis (Toledo), Rondo Porter (Appalachian State), J’Dan Burnett (Tulsa, All-AAC), and true freshman Rinaldo Callaway III provide needed playmakers.
The linebacker room returns production in Abram Wright and Moses Walker. Look for DJ McClary and Kamar Archie to develop in Year 2. The additions of Sean Allison (Drake) and Ty Morris (Rice) provide much needed starting experience to this unit.
The secondary returns experience in Kaj Sanders, Jeese Ofurie, Kevin Levy, and Chris Joines. The additions of Mikey Munn (South Dakota), Kevyn Humes (Maryland), Zahmir Dawud (Villanova), and Bradlee Jones (The Citadel) provide more options for this unit.
Both kicker Jai Patel and punter Jakob Anderson return. They are two of the best in the Big Ten. Rutgers continues to be one of the more aggressive programs in trying to block kicks.
Greg Schiano is a solid coach, but this is a big year for him and the Scarlet Knights. The defense was dreadful last season and can only improve. The offense has two of the best playmakers in the Big Ten but will need a new quarterback to emerge. Making a bowl is crucial this season.
