the summer is all about position battles. We obviously know about the highly publicized QB battle between Laviano and Rettig, but what under the radar battles stand out to you and why? Lets see your predictions.
For me, its the battle for MLB between Kaiwan Lewis and Isaiah Johnson. A run stuffing veteran vs the young energetic sideline to sideline guy. In order to build a great defense, the triangle consisting of your two DTs and MLB must be solid. With Hamilton and mera/jpo/wilkins/wiafe I feel pretty good. Just gotta get that mike lb solidified.
I predict Lewis ultimately wins the job.
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Other notable battles :
(SS) Jacobs vs Hester - two DePaul HS stars going at it for one of the most important positions on the field. Maybe a guy like Andre Hunt can grab reps here also as he showed well during limited time last year.
(FS) Stephenson vs Cioffi vs Hampton - Stephenson is becoming more and more of a sure thing but he will be tested by Cioffi, who seems to always make plays and the promising, improving Saquan Hampton, the pride of Mercer County!
(RB) James vs Martin/Hicks/Peoples/Goodwin - We know James can play, but we also know he has a hard time staying healthy. Martin/Hicks/Peoples have all shown me they can make guys miss and create yards that aren't supposed to be there - a true sign of a good rb. Goodwin flashes a nice slashing style of running that coach Flood seems to like, but he goes down too easily in my opinion. This is the B1G East baby, we need yards after contact!
(FB) Marquez vs Bergen vs Gross - very important battle in Rutgers pro offense. Bergen is the 6th year guy and ultimate team player, which a FB needs to be. Marquez has shown flashes of being very good but lacks the consistency this position requires. A couple of years ago he was getting a lot of reps when Burton was banged up and he played well. Razhon Gross is the former state champ wrestler who is built like a bulldozer. He is reportedly having a great off-season and could be on the brink of grabbing the starting spot. This will be a good battle between 3 hammers.
(XWR) Patton vs Agudosi - The guy opposite our star flanker Leonte Carroo. With safeties cheating towards Leonte, the x in our offense has the opportunity to make plays. Both guys have great size and leaping ability. Both need to have more consistent hands though. Ive always wanted to see more of Agudosi and it seems he is finally coming on but Patton is a great kid according to coaches and is getting every opportunity to lock down the spot. A good performance from this position this year could really take the offense to a new level.
(2nd TE) - Flanagan vs Scarff - two walk-ons who undoubtedly are great finds by the coaching staff. If we want to run the ball and be a play-action team, the #2 TE has to perform. Lets see who steps up between these guys.
For me, its the battle for MLB between Kaiwan Lewis and Isaiah Johnson. A run stuffing veteran vs the young energetic sideline to sideline guy. In order to build a great defense, the triangle consisting of your two DTs and MLB must be solid. With Hamilton and mera/jpo/wilkins/wiafe I feel pretty good. Just gotta get that mike lb solidified.
I predict Lewis ultimately wins the job.
---
Other notable battles :
(SS) Jacobs vs Hester - two DePaul HS stars going at it for one of the most important positions on the field. Maybe a guy like Andre Hunt can grab reps here also as he showed well during limited time last year.
(FS) Stephenson vs Cioffi vs Hampton - Stephenson is becoming more and more of a sure thing but he will be tested by Cioffi, who seems to always make plays and the promising, improving Saquan Hampton, the pride of Mercer County!
(RB) James vs Martin/Hicks/Peoples/Goodwin - We know James can play, but we also know he has a hard time staying healthy. Martin/Hicks/Peoples have all shown me they can make guys miss and create yards that aren't supposed to be there - a true sign of a good rb. Goodwin flashes a nice slashing style of running that coach Flood seems to like, but he goes down too easily in my opinion. This is the B1G East baby, we need yards after contact!
(FB) Marquez vs Bergen vs Gross - very important battle in Rutgers pro offense. Bergen is the 6th year guy and ultimate team player, which a FB needs to be. Marquez has shown flashes of being very good but lacks the consistency this position requires. A couple of years ago he was getting a lot of reps when Burton was banged up and he played well. Razhon Gross is the former state champ wrestler who is built like a bulldozer. He is reportedly having a great off-season and could be on the brink of grabbing the starting spot. This will be a good battle between 3 hammers.
(XWR) Patton vs Agudosi - The guy opposite our star flanker Leonte Carroo. With safeties cheating towards Leonte, the x in our offense has the opportunity to make plays. Both guys have great size and leaping ability. Both need to have more consistent hands though. Ive always wanted to see more of Agudosi and it seems he is finally coming on but Patton is a great kid according to coaches and is getting every opportunity to lock down the spot. A good performance from this position this year could really take the offense to a new level.
(2nd TE) - Flanagan vs Scarff - two walk-ons who undoubtedly are great finds by the coaching staff. If we want to run the ball and be a play-action team, the #2 TE has to perform. Lets see who steps up between these guys.