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PISCATAWAY – This time last year, Kyle Monangai was a relatively under-the-radar running back, an important piece of Rutgers football’s offense but not a high-profile name around the rest of the Big Ten.
A lot has changed since then.
Leading the Big Ten in rushing will do that.
Monangai had a dominant 2023 season, finishing with 1,262 rushing yards to lead the conference and become the Scarlet Knights’ first 1,000-yard rusher in 11 years. The Don Bosco Prep product garnered national attention with his tough, physical, bruising running style – a style that strengthened as games wore on and defenses became fatigued.
Now the question is what Monangai can do to build on it.
Dec 28, 2023; Bronx, NY, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai (5) celebrates his touchdown against Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter with Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Isaiah Washington (14) at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports
One thing is certain: Monangai won’t be catching anyone by surprise.
Rutgers football’s Kyle Monangai ready for ‘new challenge’
“I can’t sneak up on anybody anymore,” Monangai said following Rutgers’ first training camp practice on Monday. “But I welcome it. It’s a new challenge.”
Monangai, who earned All-Big Ten first-team honors by the USA TODAY Sports Network, last season had seven games with at least 100 yards and three with at least 150. He finished with eight touchdowns and averaged 5.2 yards per attempt.
As the campaign wore on, Monangai’s profile kept rising.
“I was watching a game, like a midseason game, and he might’ve been fifth or sixth in the league in rushing and you hear the color commentators talking about him like he’s just another guy,” coach Greg Schiano said. “Then you watch a game four or five weeks later and they’re…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/challenge-awaits-rutgers-footballs-kyle-080635283.html
Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press
Publish date : 2024-07-31 08:06:35
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