PISCATAWAY – Not too long ago, the idea that Rutgers football could have multiple true freshmen stepping up and making big plays would’ve seemed hard to believe.
But that’s changing quickly.
Just take a look at who’s seen considerable playing time through the Scarlet Knights’ first five games.
True freshman wide receivers Ben Black and KJ Duff have touchdown catches against Big Ten opponents. True freshman safety Kaj Sanders started the season opener and so far has 13 tackles. Even add in second-year cornerback Bo Mascoe, who was unavailable most of last year but this season has been a key piece of the cornerback rotation and has made 17 tackles in five games.
The infusion of young talent stepping up in key spots shows that Rutgers in recent recruiting cycles has been able to add more players who have the capability of playing right away – a luxury the elite programs in the Big Ten have enjoyed for a while, but one that Rutgers has been working to build.
More of that could be on display when Rutgers hosts Wisconsin on Saturday (noon, Big Ten Network) at SHI Stadium looking to bounce back from its loss to Nebraska.
Oct 5, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Ben Black (2) catches a pass for a touchdown against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Malcolm Hartzog Jr. (7) and defensive back Marques Buford Jr. (3) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
“I think it says two things,” Schiano said. “No. 1, as you said, the quality of prospect that we are able to attract to Rutgers. And I think it says a lot about the coaching staff. The amount of time they spend with these young guys helping develop the program. What does that mean? Spending a lot of time developing your younger players.”
That process has gone a long way.
“It just…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/contributions-freshmen-says-state-rutgers-080508954.html
Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press
Publish date : 2024-10-09 08:05:08
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