Five key storylines to watch with Rutgers football set to begin spring practices

Even while Rutgers football prepared for its appearance in the Pinstripe Bowl, plenty of people outside the program began looking ahead to the 2024 season.

For good reason.

The Scarlet Knights will return the bulk of their stout defense. They’ll be bringing back the Big Ten’s leading rusher in Kyle Monangai. And in a revamped Big Ten that’s now without divisions, there was already plenty of consideration about what Rutgers’ potential could be.

There’s still a long way to go before we get that answer, but the team’s preparation will hit another level on Tuesday as Rutgers kicks off its spring practices, culminating with the Scarlet-White Game on April 27 at SHI Stadium (3 p.m.).

This is by far the most momentum the Scarlet Knights, who beat Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl to earn their first winning season since 2014, have had since Greg Schiano’s return to Piscataway.

Spring practices are a critical time for development and progress. Here are five key storylines to watch as the Scarlet Knights return to the practice field:

Dec 28, 2023; Bronx, NY, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano after the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The quarterback battle between Gavin Wimsatt and Athan Kaliakmanis

This will easily be the most-watched battle.

Wimsatt returns as the incumbent starter, but Rutgers brought in Kaliakmanis, who previously was at Minnesota, to add competition to the QB room. Can Kaliakmanis supplant Wimsatt? He has familiarity with offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, whom he played for with the Golden Gophers.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Kaliakmanis last season completed 53.1 percent of his passes. He threw for 1,838 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions – Minnesota’s receivers struggled with drops, which dented…

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Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press

Publish date : 2024-03-21 08:04:29

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