Quotables
Chris Ash on the hire of new RB coach Jafar Williams:
“It was important that the person who filled the running back coaching position was someone who is a great fit with this coaching staff. I think we accomplished that with the addition of Jafar. He is someone who knows this league and has had success in the Big Ten. Jafar also knows the Northeast region which is a great asset in recruiting.”
Rutgers O-line coach AJ Blazek on offensive linemen:
“There is a fine line, especially with O-linemen. They have to make an impression but also mean business because O-linemen are not always the biggest, sexiest guys that are always on the stage. They are the guys that when there is a street fight, their buddies line up behind them.”
Fat Cat Top Five
Top Five RU players in the NFL Draft
5.) Paul James
4.) Quentin Gause
3.) Steve Longa
2.) Keith Lumpkin
1.) Leonte Carroo
Bobby’s Crystal Ball
Rutgers will get at least two commits over the weekend
Recruiting Tidbits
Damon Hayes – Wise (Md.)
The cornerback has remained solid to his Rutgers commitment and welcomed head coach Chris Ash for an in-home visit this weekend.
“We mainly discussed his plan to me and how I fit. It sounds like he's knows what he's doing,” Hayes said. “He has a vision and if you are not in line, then you are a hindrance in his eyes and that's a great way of thinking I believe. He wants the best for the program and the players on and off the field. He just stressed it to me that he really wants me to be a part of it"
The impending snowstorm may force Hayes to miss out on his planned visit to Wake Forest this weekend.
DB Tyree Rodgers – Camden Catholic
The RU staff reached out to Rodgers and expressed interest which was mutual. However, the staff has yet to issue an offer as was talked about. At this point, it looks like Rodgers will remain firm to Old Dominion and not visit Rutgers. Maryland just offered Rodgers as well.
QB Tylin Oden – Spring Hill (Tenn.)
Yesterday, Oden announced his decommitment from Louisville as he remains a priority target for Rutgers and is scheduled to visit officially next weekend. He shared what it is like during this new phase of his recruitment.
“Lots of excitement, lots of wonder on what the future holds and what these experiences are going to be like. Excitement would be the word.”
Rutgers had also offered quarterbacks Lindsey Scott and Ty Pigrome and Oden is fully aware of how things are playing out. He talked about keeping an eye on the other quarterback recruits Rutgers is pursuing.
“I believe you have to look at that, wherever you are headed. Competition doesn’t really affect me honestly. But I do keep up with that.”
As of now, Oklahoma State is Rutgers’ main competition as Oden cancelled a weekend visit to Iowa State. Things are trending well for the Scarlet Knights and Oden’s standing with Rutgers has also pushed him ahead of Pigrome, who is not expected to visit Rutgers on Sunday as was originally planned. Oden has clearly moved ahead in the pecking order.
OL Yasir Durant – Imhotep Charter (Pa.)
The Philly lineman out at San Diego State right now on an official visit and will visit Texas Tech next weekend.
“Right now, it is down to Rutgers, Texas Tech and San Diego State,” Durant said. “I will probably pick a leader when I come back from San Diego State.”
Rutgers offensive line coach A.J. Blazek visited Durant at home this week and he mentioned how that went.
“The visit was good, he got to meet my mom and everything. He talked about playing time and said the best five will play and it doesn’t matter what year they are. He said I really fit into their system.”
Weekend Visitors
K Alex Barbir – South Forsyth (Ga.)
The Rutgers commit is expected to arrive this afternoon as he is weighing his options between the Scarlet Knights and Penn State. It looks as though he will take his official visit to Penn State the following week, but has not publicly confirmed that as of yet.
OL Nick Krimin – St. Joe Metuchen
Now checking at 310 pounds, the 6-foot-6 Krimin has remained firm to Rutgers despite some efforts made by the Miami coaching staff. He was also recently visited at home by offensive line coach A.J. Blazek.
“It was a good experience,” Krimin said of the visit. “It is nice to see they really care about the program and they have everything under control.”
LB Tavante Beckett – Indian River (Va.)
The outside linebacker is still committed to Virginia Tech but will be at Rutgers this weekend. Indian River head coach Glenwood Ferebee talked about the possibility of him flipping from the Hokies to the Scarlet Knights.
“It depends on how everything goes for him. I know education is the biggest thing for him and then playing time; how fast he can actually get on the field. All of that is going to play into it. You never can tell. Virginia Tech has been a top 10 defense ever since Bud Foster was there so I am sure they have plenty of linebackers that are coming back. So I think it is going to come down to playing time and how fast he can get on the field."
Bennett also has plans to visit Virginia Tech officially next weekend.
1/22 UPDATE-It appears Beckett will no longer visit Rutgers this weekend , more here
DB Ross Taylor-Douglas – Michigan
He has played a lot of different positions out at Michigan, but never really settled in at one role. Coming out of high school, he projected as a defensive back but switched to receiver and then running back last season. He has been likened to former Michigan and ,Auburn defensive back Blake Countess and has been said to thrive better in Zone coverage than man-to-man, which is what Michigan is running under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Academically, Taylor-Douglas already has his degree as he came to Ann Arbor as an early enrollee. The Michigan Degree was important to him and coming to Rutgers would enable him to couple that with a quality Master’s Degree, which would likely be in something that is very challenging. Taylor-Douglas is very serious about academics and was the valedictorian of his high school class. If the visit goes well, there is a very good chance Taylor-Douglas would commit before the weekend is over.
TE Korab Irdizi – Bergen Catholic
The late bloomer flew under the radar until a stellar senior season and could be a steal when all is said and done. Idrizi commented to Scarlet Nation about this coming weekend, saying he was extremely excited.
“I can't wait to see the type of culture and the message coach Ash is getting across to the program.”
LB Dele Harding – Eastern Christian (Md.)
Linebacker has been a popular position in this class with all three RU starters from last season gone. Harding is a former Michigan commit, who already received an in-home visit from Chris Ash and things seem to be getting better for Rutgers as more time passes.
ATH K.J. Gray – St. Peter’s Prep
Gray looks as though he is Rutgers to lose and would be RU’s first Prep commit since Savon Huggins.
"I just want to feel welcomed by the new staff and I want my parents to enjoy the visit,” Gray told Scarlet Nation.
Gray has been told he could play on either side of the football as there is need at both wide receiver and cornerback.
DB Ke'Shan Pennamon – University Christian (Fla.)
The Wisconsin commit is looking around and picked up the RU offer that might have otherwise gone to Tyree Rodgers. That may be a bit of a gamble by the coaching staff as Rodgers may have been the more likely of the two to commit this weekend.
OL Mike Lonsdorf – Immaculata
The UConn commit was offered by Rutgers this week and will make the short trip to Piscataway. Scarlet Nation saw Lonsdorf this summer at the Rutgers Big Man Academy and came away impressed. However, the former RU staff did not show much interest. A solid senior year has upped Lonsdorf’s stock even more and Rutgers is in a good place with him going into the weekend. With the staff looking to take five o-lineman, there is plenty of room for a new big man commit.
QB Lindsey Scott Jr. – Zachary (La.)
Scott is scheduled to be on campus Sunday, fresh off a visit to Maryland and intends to follow that up with an LSU visit. The weather could potentially affect Scott’s ability to get to Rutgers on Sunday. Meanwhile, Maryland OC Scott Shafer was the head coach at Syracuse when Scott committed there. The Louisiana product also has an offer from LSU, which could make matters a little more difficult for Rutgers.
"I'm going to sit down with my parents and talk about LSU and make some choices about what I'm going to do that last week and then probably visit LSU on the 29th," Scott said in his latest interview, conducted by our LSU site, TigerBait.com. "I have two visits scheduled this weekend to Maryland then I'm flying up to Rutgers on Sunday for an official there."
DT Julius Turner – Meridian (Miss.)
A current Louisiana Tech commit, Turner is one of the few defensive tackle recruits Rutgers is faring well with at this point. The biggest hurdle may be the distance in this one, but the need at defensive tackle could be a major selling point for Rutgers.
WR Mo Jabbie – South Brunswick
Fresh off a strong senior season, Jabbie is not doing any interviews until after his visit and that could possibly extend to after signing day. He was recently visited by Ash, OC Drew Mehringer and WR coach Zak Kuhr all at the same time.
Chris Ash on the hire of new RB coach Jafar Williams:
“It was important that the person who filled the running back coaching position was someone who is a great fit with this coaching staff. I think we accomplished that with the addition of Jafar. He is someone who knows this league and has had success in the Big Ten. Jafar also knows the Northeast region which is a great asset in recruiting.”
Rutgers O-line coach AJ Blazek on offensive linemen:
“There is a fine line, especially with O-linemen. They have to make an impression but also mean business because O-linemen are not always the biggest, sexiest guys that are always on the stage. They are the guys that when there is a street fight, their buddies line up behind them.”
Fat Cat Top Five
Top Five RU players in the NFL Draft
5.) Paul James
4.) Quentin Gause
3.) Steve Longa
2.) Keith Lumpkin
1.) Leonte Carroo
Bobby’s Crystal Ball
Rutgers will get at least two commits over the weekend
Recruiting Tidbits
Damon Hayes – Wise (Md.)
The cornerback has remained solid to his Rutgers commitment and welcomed head coach Chris Ash for an in-home visit this weekend.
“We mainly discussed his plan to me and how I fit. It sounds like he's knows what he's doing,” Hayes said. “He has a vision and if you are not in line, then you are a hindrance in his eyes and that's a great way of thinking I believe. He wants the best for the program and the players on and off the field. He just stressed it to me that he really wants me to be a part of it"
The impending snowstorm may force Hayes to miss out on his planned visit to Wake Forest this weekend.
DB Tyree Rodgers – Camden Catholic
The RU staff reached out to Rodgers and expressed interest which was mutual. However, the staff has yet to issue an offer as was talked about. At this point, it looks like Rodgers will remain firm to Old Dominion and not visit Rutgers. Maryland just offered Rodgers as well.
QB Tylin Oden – Spring Hill (Tenn.)
Yesterday, Oden announced his decommitment from Louisville as he remains a priority target for Rutgers and is scheduled to visit officially next weekend. He shared what it is like during this new phase of his recruitment.
“Lots of excitement, lots of wonder on what the future holds and what these experiences are going to be like. Excitement would be the word.”
Rutgers had also offered quarterbacks Lindsey Scott and Ty Pigrome and Oden is fully aware of how things are playing out. He talked about keeping an eye on the other quarterback recruits Rutgers is pursuing.
“I believe you have to look at that, wherever you are headed. Competition doesn’t really affect me honestly. But I do keep up with that.”
As of now, Oklahoma State is Rutgers’ main competition as Oden cancelled a weekend visit to Iowa State. Things are trending well for the Scarlet Knights and Oden’s standing with Rutgers has also pushed him ahead of Pigrome, who is not expected to visit Rutgers on Sunday as was originally planned. Oden has clearly moved ahead in the pecking order.
OL Yasir Durant – Imhotep Charter (Pa.)
The Philly lineman out at San Diego State right now on an official visit and will visit Texas Tech next weekend.
“Right now, it is down to Rutgers, Texas Tech and San Diego State,” Durant said. “I will probably pick a leader when I come back from San Diego State.”
Rutgers offensive line coach A.J. Blazek visited Durant at home this week and he mentioned how that went.
“The visit was good, he got to meet my mom and everything. He talked about playing time and said the best five will play and it doesn’t matter what year they are. He said I really fit into their system.”
Weekend Visitors
K Alex Barbir – South Forsyth (Ga.)
The Rutgers commit is expected to arrive this afternoon as he is weighing his options between the Scarlet Knights and Penn State. It looks as though he will take his official visit to Penn State the following week, but has not publicly confirmed that as of yet.
OL Nick Krimin – St. Joe Metuchen
Now checking at 310 pounds, the 6-foot-6 Krimin has remained firm to Rutgers despite some efforts made by the Miami coaching staff. He was also recently visited at home by offensive line coach A.J. Blazek.
“It was a good experience,” Krimin said of the visit. “It is nice to see they really care about the program and they have everything under control.”
LB Tavante Beckett – Indian River (Va.)
The outside linebacker is still committed to Virginia Tech but will be at Rutgers this weekend. Indian River head coach Glenwood Ferebee talked about the possibility of him flipping from the Hokies to the Scarlet Knights.
“It depends on how everything goes for him. I know education is the biggest thing for him and then playing time; how fast he can actually get on the field. All of that is going to play into it. You never can tell. Virginia Tech has been a top 10 defense ever since Bud Foster was there so I am sure they have plenty of linebackers that are coming back. So I think it is going to come down to playing time and how fast he can get on the field."
Bennett also has plans to visit Virginia Tech officially next weekend.
1/22 UPDATE-It appears Beckett will no longer visit Rutgers this weekend , more here
DB Ross Taylor-Douglas – Michigan
He has played a lot of different positions out at Michigan, but never really settled in at one role. Coming out of high school, he projected as a defensive back but switched to receiver and then running back last season. He has been likened to former Michigan and ,Auburn defensive back Blake Countess and has been said to thrive better in Zone coverage than man-to-man, which is what Michigan is running under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Academically, Taylor-Douglas already has his degree as he came to Ann Arbor as an early enrollee. The Michigan Degree was important to him and coming to Rutgers would enable him to couple that with a quality Master’s Degree, which would likely be in something that is very challenging. Taylor-Douglas is very serious about academics and was the valedictorian of his high school class. If the visit goes well, there is a very good chance Taylor-Douglas would commit before the weekend is over.
TE Korab Irdizi – Bergen Catholic
The late bloomer flew under the radar until a stellar senior season and could be a steal when all is said and done. Idrizi commented to Scarlet Nation about this coming weekend, saying he was extremely excited.
“I can't wait to see the type of culture and the message coach Ash is getting across to the program.”
LB Dele Harding – Eastern Christian (Md.)
Linebacker has been a popular position in this class with all three RU starters from last season gone. Harding is a former Michigan commit, who already received an in-home visit from Chris Ash and things seem to be getting better for Rutgers as more time passes.
ATH K.J. Gray – St. Peter’s Prep
Gray looks as though he is Rutgers to lose and would be RU’s first Prep commit since Savon Huggins.
"I just want to feel welcomed by the new staff and I want my parents to enjoy the visit,” Gray told Scarlet Nation.
Gray has been told he could play on either side of the football as there is need at both wide receiver and cornerback.
DB Ke'Shan Pennamon – University Christian (Fla.)
The Wisconsin commit is looking around and picked up the RU offer that might have otherwise gone to Tyree Rodgers. That may be a bit of a gamble by the coaching staff as Rodgers may have been the more likely of the two to commit this weekend.
OL Mike Lonsdorf – Immaculata
The UConn commit was offered by Rutgers this week and will make the short trip to Piscataway. Scarlet Nation saw Lonsdorf this summer at the Rutgers Big Man Academy and came away impressed. However, the former RU staff did not show much interest. A solid senior year has upped Lonsdorf’s stock even more and Rutgers is in a good place with him going into the weekend. With the staff looking to take five o-lineman, there is plenty of room for a new big man commit.
QB Lindsey Scott Jr. – Zachary (La.)
Scott is scheduled to be on campus Sunday, fresh off a visit to Maryland and intends to follow that up with an LSU visit. The weather could potentially affect Scott’s ability to get to Rutgers on Sunday. Meanwhile, Maryland OC Scott Shafer was the head coach at Syracuse when Scott committed there. The Louisiana product also has an offer from LSU, which could make matters a little more difficult for Rutgers.
"I'm going to sit down with my parents and talk about LSU and make some choices about what I'm going to do that last week and then probably visit LSU on the 29th," Scott said in his latest interview, conducted by our LSU site, TigerBait.com. "I have two visits scheduled this weekend to Maryland then I'm flying up to Rutgers on Sunday for an official there."
DT Julius Turner – Meridian (Miss.)
A current Louisiana Tech commit, Turner is one of the few defensive tackle recruits Rutgers is faring well with at this point. The biggest hurdle may be the distance in this one, but the need at defensive tackle could be a major selling point for Rutgers.
WR Mo Jabbie – South Brunswick
Fresh off a strong senior season, Jabbie is not doing any interviews until after his visit and that could possibly extend to after signing day. He was recently visited by Ash, OC Drew Mehringer and WR coach Zak Kuhr all at the same time.
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