PISCATAWAY – Rutgers’ quarterback competition has officially begun.
The Scarlet Knights took the field for their first spring practice Tuesday, giving incumbent starter Gavin Wimsatt and Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis their first opportunities to make an impression to earn the starting job.
Both quarterbacks made it clear they’re embracing the competition.
“We’re competing for our jobs every day,” Wimsatt said following practice. “Competing only raises our level of play. At the end of the day we’re just trying to make the team better and build off of last year.”
There’s still a long way to go before Rutgers’ season opener against Howard on Aug. 31, plenty of time to sort out who will ultimately win the starting job.
But coach Greg Schiano and offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca brought in a signal-caller in Kaliakmanis who previously played for Ciarrocca at Minnesota, is familiar with his system, and like Wimsatt, is accepting of the fact he’s going to have to earn the job.
Dec 28, 2023; Bronx, NY, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) warms up before the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
“Super competitive with each other,” Kaliakmanis said. “We’re not competing against, we’re competing with. That’s what I noticed from this team so far. And l love that. I love that everybody’s hungry, everybody wants to work.”
There’s no question that Rutgers, which also has Ajani Sheppard and true freshman AJ Surace as scholarship quarterbacks, needs more consistency at the position.
Wimsatt made strides in 2023, but still needs to improve in some areas, particularly his accuracy – Wimsatt completed 48 percent of his passes last season. But Wimsatt’s running ability – he rushed for 497 yards and…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/heres-rutgers-footballs-quarterbacks-saying-173935848.html
Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press
Publish date : 2024-03-26 17:39:35
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
