Mohamed Toure is out for the season. This Rutgers linebacker is ready to step up if called on

PISCATAWAY – It’s been a little more than two years since Dariel Djabome slept in a car the night before going through workouts in front of Rutgers football coaches with the hope of earning an offer.

Now the Quebec native is on the cusp of what could be a big season, his third in a Scarlet Knights uniform.

“I feel really prepared for this season,” Djabome said Tuesday.

That’s good news for Rutgers’ defense as the linebacker could be stepping into an expanded role following the news that Mohamed Toure is out for the season with a torn ACL, a brutal blow for the Scarlet Knights with the opener against Howard at SHI Stadium (6 p.m., Big Ten Network) a week away.

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Djabome has shown steady improvement each season and made the most of his opportunities. Last season he played in 10 games and registered 15 tackles, 10 of which came against Maryland and two more in the Pinstripe Bowl win over Miami.

“I think he’s made a big move,” coach Greg Schiano said. “Defensively as a linebacker he’s done great, I think he’s had a really, really fine camp. And special teams he’s been a real standout on all our special teams. You’re talking about a valuable member of our team. He’s big, he’s strong and he’s fast. He’s a violent hitter. Those are pretty good traits for a linebacker to have.”

It’s unclear what role Djabome will be in this season.

Piscataway, NJ — April 16, 2024 — Linebacker, Dariel Djabome during Rutgers football spring practice.

Not only is Toure out, but Tyreem Powell’s status for the opener is also uncertain as he recovers from the Achilles tear he suffered in the winter.

Schiano said Tuesday that he wasn’t going to rush Powell back if he’s not ready.

Regardless, Rutgers has some depth at linebacker. It’s going to need it.

Dariel Djabome a key piece of…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/mohamed-toure-season-rutgers-linebacker-080623996.html

Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press

Publish date : 2024-08-23 08:06:23

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.