Fat Cat Top Five
Top Five RU Kick Returners
5.) Chris Parker
4.) Justin Goodwin
3.) Josh Hicks
2.) Jawuan Harris
1.) Janarion Grant
Bobby’s Crystal Ball
Rutgers’ next three commits will be defensive players
Recruiting Tidbits
DT Dalyn Wade-Perry – Pope John
The RU staff has maintained a strong relationship with Wade-Perry through the summer and it has been a group effort when it comes to recruiting the national prospect from New Jersey.
"I talk to Coach [Matt] Hewitt the most since he's from my neighborhood. Other than that, I usually talk to coaches [Shane] Burnham, [Jay] Niemann, and [Chris] Ash,” Wade-Perry told Scarlet Nation. “They've been telling me they think I can take this recruiting class to another level and really start a movement. Also, they think I have the ability to come in and play right away if I'm ready to work."
Wade-Perry is down to a final eight that consists of Rutgers, Stanford, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Florida, UCLA and Notre Dame. However, he has made no indication of when he is planning to make a final decision.
DE Brendan Bordner – Hilliard Bradley (Ohio)
Rutgers recruiting has turned towards the defensive line and Bordner has become one of the main targets in the class of 2017. Things are looking very good for Rutgers as Bordner has a return trip set up later this month.
"I talk to Coach [Vince] Okruch and Coach Burnham most of the time, but also Coach Ash and [Rick] Mantz as well. I'm trying to make sure I come back out to Rutgers soon, I think I'm going on the 30th [of July],” Bordner said. “It's possible I will decide on the 30th but I want to visit West Virginia first."
Bordner held upwards of 30 offers and recently narrowed his list down to a top eight.
LB Ed Warinner – Olentangy Liberty (Ohio)
The class of 2018 Ohio product is the son of Ohio State offensive coordinator Ed Warinner, so he is quite familiar with RU head coach Chris Ash. The RU staff has targeted Warriner early and continues to make an early push for his services.
"I talk to Coach Okruch once a week every week, if not more," Warriner said. "He pretty much just checks in on me and sees how things are going. He asked about camps, and we've talked about me coming out for a game this fall.”
Warinner currently holds a total of six FBS offers, although Rutgers is the only Power Five school in that group thus far.
DB Exree Loe – Johnstown (Pa.)
The recent Pitt decommit is closing in on his top five and things are looking good at this point for Rutgers to be included in that group of finalists.
"I'm looking to narrow my choices down to a top five soon,” Loe told Scarlet Nation last night. “I'm still in pretty good contact with Rutgers. I haven't talked to them in a while because they are on vacation so I just let them enjoy time with their family instead of bothering them."
DT Jaohne Duggan – Liberty (Pa.)
Duggan was on campus twice during the month of June, but is looking forward to getting back to Piscataway shortly after the dead period concludes.
“I have been communicating with the coaches and I am going to be getting down there again on the 18th [of July] with my parents,” Duggan confirmed.
Despite being contacted by a host of Power Five schools after his committment, Duggan confirmed with Scarlet Nation that he is not planning to look around.
DE Bobby Roundtree – Largo (Fla.)
The highly sought-after defensive end recently narrowed his list to a top 11, with Rutgers right there in the thick of things. Roundtree told Scarlet Nation he is still uncertain of when a decision could come as he is in a bit of holding pattern. However, that does not necessarily mean he is going to wait things out too long. Roundtree has yet to visit Rutgers so the longer his recruitment plays out, the better the chances are for the Scarlet Knights.
OL Carter Warren – Passaic Tech
The class of 2017 standout offensive tackle continues to hear from the RU staff on what is pretty much a daily basis. However, Warren does not appear to be in any rush to make a decision. He has a visit set for UNC later this month and that trip could play a factor. However, the way things are playing out now, it appears as though Rutgers is in a good spot with Warren.
DB Harrison Hand – Cherry Hill West
The class of 2017 defensive back remains one of two priority South Jersey targets for Rutgers. The RU staff continues to stay on Hand as it is looking to really solidify the southern part of the state with his commitment. Scarlet Nation has learned that Rutgers is currently in good shape with Hand, although a few new offers could shake things up a bit as a number of schools seem to be close to offering. The consensus is that Hand is not likely to stray too far away from home for college, although Clemson and Florida have both been upping their interest. A strong performance at this weekend's The Opening could also open the eyes of some top-level programs as Hand has been enjoying a tremendous offseason.
QB Shelton Applewhite – DePaul
Wednesdays are the day that the RU staff has asked Applewhite to call and check in as he remains a priority recruit in the class of 2018. And when Applewhite becomes a junior this fall, the communication between him and the Rutgers staff is expected to increase a whole lot more.
“My main recruiters are Coach [Drew] Mehringer and Coach Busch. They both tell me that I need to get on the banks as much as possible,” Applewhite said. “I love the energy and love they show me at Rutgers. I can see a big change in the new coaching staff they have over there.”
LS Kevin Laughlin – Red Bank
The class of 2017 long snapper recently took part in the Rutgers specialists camp and continues to maintain contact with the coaching staff. There is a chance he could be offered a preferred walk-on spot before his senior year is over.
“I love everything about Rutgers. When I visited during spring practice, there was an incredible energy that made the program exciting to be around,” Laughlin said. “Coach Ash and the staff are doing a tremendous job of turning the program around and bringing the best out of the current guys on and off the field. The success in recruiting is unbelievable.”
Laughlin is also hearing from Maryland and a host of FCS and Ivy League schools.
Possible Prep Schoolers to Keep an Eye On
Michigan signee NJ WR Brad Hawkins is still waiting to hear from the NCAA in regards to his status as they are evaluating a few of his classes from earlier in his HS career. Hawkins transferred from one of the Academy High Schools in Camden to Camden High School after his sophomore year. Hawkins will likely land at Suffield Academy in Connecticut or he could even explore the JUCO ranks. ScarletNation.com has learned that Rutgers is aware of the situation and could be someone to watch if Hawkins ends up at Suffield
A late target for the Rutgers staff in 2016 who made an official visit, Wisconsin signee Ke'Shan Pennamon from Florida didn't qualify so he will do a prep year. While Rutgers liked him as a RB he was recruited by most school to play CB.
Talent rising at St.Joseph Montvale
Not too many if any school in the Garden State has more players with Rutgers offers than Auggie's Hoffman's Green Knights.
In the class of 2017 OL Rob Martin (PSU) and Josh Fedd Jackson along with LB Louis Acceus lead the way while the class of 2018 have legacy S Evan Stewart, DE Dorian Hardy and most recently TE Matt Alaimo who was one of the top players we saw at the Rutgers passing camp. Recent Rutgers commit Tyler Hayek started his career at the school before transferring to Wayne Hills.
Small but explosive slot /return man '17 Jordan Scott has run an electric 4.3 forty yard dash on mutliple occasions. Scott didn't have the size to make too much of an impact last season, his first with the SJR program after transferring from Rahway but he has added 15 pounds of muscle which should help him break more tackles. While he doesn't seem close to a Rutgers offer, a strong senior season could propel him onto the radar. 2018 CB/WR Faraad McCombs transferred into the program halfway during the season leaving NYC's Poly Prep to play closer to home. He has the size colleges covet and he is one prospect Rutgers is watching closely this fall.
Specialist to watch
With NJ P Zach Feagles committing to his father's alma mater Miami FL, the search continues for a punter in the class of 2017. Keep a close eye on Ethan Torres of Bishop O'Connell in Northern Virgina. Torres was the top punter at the Rutgers specialist camp and was also a finalist at UVA and Notre Dame's camps this summer. Torres is a Ray Guy top prospect award winner
Top Five RU Kick Returners
5.) Chris Parker
4.) Justin Goodwin
3.) Josh Hicks
2.) Jawuan Harris
1.) Janarion Grant
Bobby’s Crystal Ball
Rutgers’ next three commits will be defensive players
Recruiting Tidbits
DT Dalyn Wade-Perry – Pope John
The RU staff has maintained a strong relationship with Wade-Perry through the summer and it has been a group effort when it comes to recruiting the national prospect from New Jersey.
"I talk to Coach [Matt] Hewitt the most since he's from my neighborhood. Other than that, I usually talk to coaches [Shane] Burnham, [Jay] Niemann, and [Chris] Ash,” Wade-Perry told Scarlet Nation. “They've been telling me they think I can take this recruiting class to another level and really start a movement. Also, they think I have the ability to come in and play right away if I'm ready to work."
Wade-Perry is down to a final eight that consists of Rutgers, Stanford, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Florida, UCLA and Notre Dame. However, he has made no indication of when he is planning to make a final decision.
DE Brendan Bordner – Hilliard Bradley (Ohio)
Rutgers recruiting has turned towards the defensive line and Bordner has become one of the main targets in the class of 2017. Things are looking very good for Rutgers as Bordner has a return trip set up later this month.
"I talk to Coach [Vince] Okruch and Coach Burnham most of the time, but also Coach Ash and [Rick] Mantz as well. I'm trying to make sure I come back out to Rutgers soon, I think I'm going on the 30th [of July],” Bordner said. “It's possible I will decide on the 30th but I want to visit West Virginia first."
Bordner held upwards of 30 offers and recently narrowed his list down to a top eight.
LB Ed Warinner – Olentangy Liberty (Ohio)
The class of 2018 Ohio product is the son of Ohio State offensive coordinator Ed Warinner, so he is quite familiar with RU head coach Chris Ash. The RU staff has targeted Warriner early and continues to make an early push for his services.
"I talk to Coach Okruch once a week every week, if not more," Warriner said. "He pretty much just checks in on me and sees how things are going. He asked about camps, and we've talked about me coming out for a game this fall.”
Warinner currently holds a total of six FBS offers, although Rutgers is the only Power Five school in that group thus far.
DB Exree Loe – Johnstown (Pa.)
The recent Pitt decommit is closing in on his top five and things are looking good at this point for Rutgers to be included in that group of finalists.
"I'm looking to narrow my choices down to a top five soon,” Loe told Scarlet Nation last night. “I'm still in pretty good contact with Rutgers. I haven't talked to them in a while because they are on vacation so I just let them enjoy time with their family instead of bothering them."
DT Jaohne Duggan – Liberty (Pa.)
Duggan was on campus twice during the month of June, but is looking forward to getting back to Piscataway shortly after the dead period concludes.
“I have been communicating with the coaches and I am going to be getting down there again on the 18th [of July] with my parents,” Duggan confirmed.
Despite being contacted by a host of Power Five schools after his committment, Duggan confirmed with Scarlet Nation that he is not planning to look around.
DE Bobby Roundtree – Largo (Fla.)
The highly sought-after defensive end recently narrowed his list to a top 11, with Rutgers right there in the thick of things. Roundtree told Scarlet Nation he is still uncertain of when a decision could come as he is in a bit of holding pattern. However, that does not necessarily mean he is going to wait things out too long. Roundtree has yet to visit Rutgers so the longer his recruitment plays out, the better the chances are for the Scarlet Knights.
OL Carter Warren – Passaic Tech
The class of 2017 standout offensive tackle continues to hear from the RU staff on what is pretty much a daily basis. However, Warren does not appear to be in any rush to make a decision. He has a visit set for UNC later this month and that trip could play a factor. However, the way things are playing out now, it appears as though Rutgers is in a good spot with Warren.
DB Harrison Hand – Cherry Hill West
The class of 2017 defensive back remains one of two priority South Jersey targets for Rutgers. The RU staff continues to stay on Hand as it is looking to really solidify the southern part of the state with his commitment. Scarlet Nation has learned that Rutgers is currently in good shape with Hand, although a few new offers could shake things up a bit as a number of schools seem to be close to offering. The consensus is that Hand is not likely to stray too far away from home for college, although Clemson and Florida have both been upping their interest. A strong performance at this weekend's The Opening could also open the eyes of some top-level programs as Hand has been enjoying a tremendous offseason.
QB Shelton Applewhite – DePaul
Wednesdays are the day that the RU staff has asked Applewhite to call and check in as he remains a priority recruit in the class of 2018. And when Applewhite becomes a junior this fall, the communication between him and the Rutgers staff is expected to increase a whole lot more.
“My main recruiters are Coach [Drew] Mehringer and Coach Busch. They both tell me that I need to get on the banks as much as possible,” Applewhite said. “I love the energy and love they show me at Rutgers. I can see a big change in the new coaching staff they have over there.”
LS Kevin Laughlin – Red Bank
The class of 2017 long snapper recently took part in the Rutgers specialists camp and continues to maintain contact with the coaching staff. There is a chance he could be offered a preferred walk-on spot before his senior year is over.
“I love everything about Rutgers. When I visited during spring practice, there was an incredible energy that made the program exciting to be around,” Laughlin said. “Coach Ash and the staff are doing a tremendous job of turning the program around and bringing the best out of the current guys on and off the field. The success in recruiting is unbelievable.”
Laughlin is also hearing from Maryland and a host of FCS and Ivy League schools.
Possible Prep Schoolers to Keep an Eye On
Michigan signee NJ WR Brad Hawkins is still waiting to hear from the NCAA in regards to his status as they are evaluating a few of his classes from earlier in his HS career. Hawkins transferred from one of the Academy High Schools in Camden to Camden High School after his sophomore year. Hawkins will likely land at Suffield Academy in Connecticut or he could even explore the JUCO ranks. ScarletNation.com has learned that Rutgers is aware of the situation and could be someone to watch if Hawkins ends up at Suffield
A late target for the Rutgers staff in 2016 who made an official visit, Wisconsin signee Ke'Shan Pennamon from Florida didn't qualify so he will do a prep year. While Rutgers liked him as a RB he was recruited by most school to play CB.
Talent rising at St.Joseph Montvale
Not too many if any school in the Garden State has more players with Rutgers offers than Auggie's Hoffman's Green Knights.
In the class of 2017 OL Rob Martin (PSU) and Josh Fedd Jackson along with LB Louis Acceus lead the way while the class of 2018 have legacy S Evan Stewart, DE Dorian Hardy and most recently TE Matt Alaimo who was one of the top players we saw at the Rutgers passing camp. Recent Rutgers commit Tyler Hayek started his career at the school before transferring to Wayne Hills.
Small but explosive slot /return man '17 Jordan Scott has run an electric 4.3 forty yard dash on mutliple occasions. Scott didn't have the size to make too much of an impact last season, his first with the SJR program after transferring from Rahway but he has added 15 pounds of muscle which should help him break more tackles. While he doesn't seem close to a Rutgers offer, a strong senior season could propel him onto the radar. 2018 CB/WR Faraad McCombs transferred into the program halfway during the season leaving NYC's Poly Prep to play closer to home. He has the size colleges covet and he is one prospect Rutgers is watching closely this fall.
Specialist to watch
With NJ P Zach Feagles committing to his father's alma mater Miami FL, the search continues for a punter in the class of 2017. Keep a close eye on Ethan Torres of Bishop O'Connell in Northern Virgina. Torres was the top punter at the Rutgers specialist camp and was also a finalist at UVA and Notre Dame's camps this summer. Torres is a Ray Guy top prospect award winner
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