Quotables
Jawan Jamison on the art of splitting carries:
"You've still got to give it your all, because if you're going to split it, you've got to get them when you're in there. You've got to show out, get it done and run hard every play that you're in there, because you're switching out."
Jim Panagos on the key to working with young linemen:
"The biggest thing with young defensive linemen is teaching them consistency, that they do what they have the ability to do every play. It's my job to show them how to do every single play."
Tim Wright on if he is more of a vocal leader or a leader by example:
"I think I like bringing both to the table. Sometimes, it can't be all action. Sometimes guys need a little more talking to get them pepped up to the moment…I feel like I'm going to be a great captain and I'm going to lead by example and vocally."
Mason Robinson on what he brings to the table as a captain:
"I'm out there trying to help any way I can, whether it's bringing energy, leading by my actions, help guys get going, anyway I can. At the end of the day, we're all chasing that common goal, which is to win. In order to do that, we need leaders and we need guys that are going to take leadership. We all need to stick together and find a way to get it done, and since I've been here a couple years and been around the block, I feel like I can help."
Jamil Merrell on what position he is best at and why:
"I would say I am best at [defensive] end, because of my speed going at tackles. That gets them the most."
Duron Harmon on Steve Longa:
"He reminds me a little bit of 20 [Khaseem Greene]. He plays really well, just a runner."
Wayne Warren on going into his final season at Rutgers:
"It's been a journey, I'm going into my fifth year. It seems like just yesterday I stepped on campus as a freshman and went from playing scout team quarterback to corner to safety. It's been a while but time flies when you're having fun. I'm having a lot of fun."
Fat Cat Top Ten[/B]
Top 10 Freshmen most likely to play this season
10.) Derrick Nelson - He has been the best of the freshman offensive lineman, working in at guard and he is also starting to learn the center position. Injuries to the offensive line contingent could move Nelson up into the two-deep, although seeing the field this season remains a bit of a longshot for him.
9.) Quanzell Lambert - A week ago, Lambert would have been in the top five in this category but a high ankle sprain may have him destined for a redshirt. If he can make a speedy recovery, playing time is a possibility. However, that type of injury usually sidelines players longer than a regular ankle sprain. Lambert looks to be the middle linebacker of the future and getting him some early playing time seemed like a good move. Now, injury has thrown a crimp into those plans.
8.) Desmon Peoples - As seen yesterday with the injury to Paul James, running back is a precarious position. Peoples may be only a couple of hits away from his first collegiate action. He has a few veterans in front of him but the running back contingent is not that deep. An injury here and there could mean the difference between Peoples playing or redshirting. Nevertheless, he has had a slight cause of fumbl-itis through the spring. If it comes down to a battle between Peoples and Ben Martin for the No.3 running back spot, those fumbles could hurt.
7.) Davon Jacobs - He came into camp a much bigger version of what he was as a high school senior. Jacobs led the RU defense in tackles during the second scrimmage and has made a few notable plays through camp. His situation will depend upon what the safety position looks like a few games into the season. Lorenzo Waters has been sidelined and Wayne Warren was held out of Thursday's scrimmage so it is conceivable the staff could look for Jacobs to provide depth at safety.
6.) Julian Pinnix-Odrick - The Montclair product has shown flashes at defensive end and a lot could depend how the players in front of him perform. Failure to get pressure through the first few games could have the coaching staff looking for an alternative at the 'E" defensive end position. That alternative could be Pinnix-Odrick if he continues to progress the way he has over the last week and a half. He'll be watching the play of Marcus Thompson and Jamil Merrell and their performances could play a big part in whether or not JPO sees the field.
5.) Ruhann Peele - Most seasons, there would be no debate about Peele playing, especially since he put together such a strong training camp. Yet, the crowded wide receiver bunch brings up the question of whether or not to redshirt Peele. The group is loaded with veterans Tim Wright, Quron Pratt, Brandon Coleman, Mark Harrison, Jeremy Deering and Miles Shuler. There just may not be enough touches to go around. But if Peele can outplay some of his fellow wide receivers, veterans and freshmen, through the next couple of weeks it'd be hard to justify sitting him down.
4.) Leonte Carroo - Carroo's combination of speed and strength does not give the impression that he's a true freshman. He has shown throughout the summer that he could be a contributor in his first year of college football. He'll likely see action during the first game of the season and has the ability to make an immediate impact. Amongst a crowded wide receiver contingent, Carroo will still likely get his share of touches.
3.) Steve Longa - Even before there were some injury concerns at the linebacker position, Longa was figuring into the mix for playing time. He is currently playing the weakside position but will probably debut on special teams. He caught the eye of the RU coaches early in training camp and that has continued. Still only 17 years old, Longa is trying to grasp all the intricacies of the RU defense, but he looks to be a big part of Rutgers future. It seems the RU staff doesn't intend to wait when it comes to acclimating Longa to college football.
2.) Darius Hamilton - It's not often one of the top recruits in the nation winds up redshirting his freshman year and Hamilton doesn't look like he will be an exception to that rule. Hamilton started off the summer at defensive end but halfway through he switched over to defensive tackle, the position he has been playing his whole life. He'll begin the season backing up Scott Vallone at the 3-technique and will likely see most of his playing time in pass rushing situations.
1.) Kyle Federico - The kicking job looks to be his for the next four years, barring any catastrophic stretch. Federico has been solid, especially considering he is fresh out of high school. Enrolling early for the spring semester proved to be a great benefit, although Federico seemed very much at ease during his first bout of spring practice. No freshman may carry greater responsibility this year as wins and losses could come hinge on the right foot of Federico.
Bobby's Crystal Ball[/B]
RU commit Kemoko Turay will have a big season at Barringer and crack the NJ top 30
Training camp risers and fallers[/B]
Here's a look at a handful of Scarlet Knights who have been on the rise this summer and also a look at a few players whose stock has fallen.
Risers[/B]
Paul Carrezola - He has made some tough catches through camp and looks to have added more strength. Carrezola ousted D.C. Jefferson as the starting tight end and his put together his most consistent body of work since arriving at Rutgers.
Andre Civil - The fourth-year junior seemed to be counted out of the starting lineup before the summer, but his solid play forced the staff to find a spot for him. That spot is at right guard, where he is likely to start in the season opener.
Al Page - The 265-pounder is an imposing force and is starting to get better each week. He looks like he will be a solid No.2 at the nose tackle position. Page is very physical and has come quite a ways when it comes to using his hands in the trenches.
Marcus Cooper - A tall corner that can move, Cooper has crept up into the starting lineup. Cooper played very well in coverage this summer and even saw some work at safety in sub-packages. Cooper may quietly become a valuable piece of the RU secondary this season.
Keith Lumpkin - The former basketball player now has the look of an offensive tackle. Lumpkin added some size and it looks like things are starting to click for him. He looks to be part of the two-deep this season and is positioning himself to be a front runner for a starting tackle spot next season.
Fallers
Michael Larrow - The fourth-year junior defensive end saw his 2011 season end six games in due to a leg injury. He started five of those games but is now on the outside looking in at the two-deep. It's been quite a drop for Larrow who just wasn't able to stand out through training camp.
David Osei - There were conversations throughout spring practice in which Osei was a serious candidate for one of the starting guard positions. Through the summer, those talks have quieted. He looks a little lighter than he was last year and the once-promising center, who started opening day 2011, is no longer a one of RU's top seven offensive linemen.
Dallas Hendrikson - The Iowa native has been demoted to third-team center. He once figured to be the future starter at the position and now he will have to jump Matt McBride just to grab hold of a backup role. Hendrikson just didn't seem to have the strength to compete for a starting job this summer.
Kenneth Kirksey - The defensive tackle spent most of the summer working on his conditioning after being bothered by injury earlier in the year. The few times he did make his way into live action, he wasn't able to make enough noise to push for a spot on the two-deep.
Recruiting Tidbits[/B]
TE Taylor Marini (Lake Mary, Fla.)
Marini and his Lake Mary teammates open up their 2012 season tonight, hosting Spruce Creek at 7:30. The 6-foot-4 Rutgers commit is hoping to have a bigger role in the team's Pro Style attack this fall.
"I've proven myself this offseason, I believe, to be able to be a more vital part of the passing game," he said.
Speed training and heavy lifting were a major part of Marini's summer regimen. He keeps in contact with Jim Panagos twice a week and is planning out a fall official visit to Piscataway.
"I have to look at my schedule and see when my bye is," he explained. "I plan on coming up to New Jersey that weekend."
According to Lake Mary's schedule, the Rams have a bye the weekend of Oct 12-13, which would leave Marini an opportunity to attend Rutgers' home contest with Syracuse should he choose to do so.
DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (Don Bosco Prep)
A member of the Rivals250, Muhammad has become the marked man for the Ironmen this year after being overshadowed by several seniors last fall. He says he has been busy preparing for the increased attention.
"Everything's been going great," said Muhammad. "I've been working on basically getting bigger and getting faster--that's most important. I'm working on stopping the run and becoming a more physical player."
In terms of scheme, Muhammad's role has not changed much since last year, but he does realize he must undertake more of a leadership role being a senior.
"There's not much difference, but basically, but I have to get everyone's motor going," he said. "I'm just working hard, playing even more physical and making more plays. As a team, if my motor gets going, the other guys are going to follow and their motors will get going. I'm basically cheering my guys on and helping them get better each day, that's about it."
Rutgers is one school that should be in the running for the 4-star's services until the end of his recruitment, and Muhammad says he has developed a solid connection with head coach Kyle Flood.
"I spoke with Coach Flood even before he became the head coach over there," he said. "Coach Flood is a great guy. I have a great feeling that they're on to something great over there this year. I'm top on his board as far as recruiting, so everything's going great over there."
Scrimmage time[/B]
With the regular season around the corner, high school scrimmage time is hitting the home stretch, but there are some quality matchups to keep an eye on in the coming days. Tomorrow, South Jersey programs Rancocas Valley, Williamstown and Egg Harbor Township lock heads in a tri-scrimmage. Rutgers 2013 commit Eric Wiafe is the top name on Egg Harbor, while Rancocas is led by ATH Charles Reid, LB/RB Xavier Gibson and TE Tyler Schroeder, all of whom camped at Rutgers this summer.
Also tomorrow, Piscataway, minus injured star Nadir Barnwell, travels to take on Kevin Olsen and traditional power Wayne Hills. It will be an interesting test to see how the Chiefs fare in their first outing without Barnwell.
Lastly, St. Peter's Prep and Ridgewood square off tomorrow in what has become an annual meeting. The Marauders feature several Rutgers recruiting targets, including 2014 running back Jonathan Hilliman and 2015 cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick. A player to watch for Ridgewood is senior kicker Young Hoe Koo, who is garnering Division I interest, including some from Rutgers.
This coming Wednesday, Shore Conference power Red Bank Catholic travels up to Oradell for a meeting with Non-Public Group IV favorite Bergen Catholic. Josh Klecko and Quinton Nelson will do battle with a Crusader outfit led by quarterback Jonathan Germano, running back James Dawson and two-way star Garrett Dickerson.
DB Bryant Gross (American Heritage, Fla.)
Gross and his teammates open up this evening with Coral Reef. He is slated to speak with Scarlet Nation this weekend about what his plans may be for official visits come this fall and winter.
ATH T.J. Taylor (South Brunswick)
Taylor will play his senior season under new head coach Joe Goerge, who coached Anthony Cioffi at Dayton last fall.
"I've been talking to Anthony and everything he's been telling me about Coach Goerge is spot on," Taylor said. "Things are going great. I really like the offense coach has us running; our base offense is still the option but he has spread it out more. Everyone is buying into the plan he has set for us so it should be a great year."
DL Sebastian Joseph (Stroudsburg, Pa.)
Finally, after some time, Joseph received his three-star rating from Rivals this week, though he was unaware of the honor at first.
"I didn't even know," he said. "It's a blessing to be honest. I don't pay much attention to those things."
Joseph did pay close attention to the Rutgers open scrimmage he attended two weeks back.
"The day I went was awesome," he said. "I can't wait."
Here is a picture of Joseph (#51) recording his first sack of the year during a scrimmage last week.
Rutgers targets to appear on national TV[/B]
ESPN will add a bit of Rutgers flavor to its high school coverage this Sunday, when the University School (Fla.), led by Rutgers commit Nick Internicola and top linebacker target Skai Moore, take on Trotwood-Madison (Ohio) Senior High School. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
Trotwood-Madison finished 15-0 last year and captured the OHSAA Division II championship. The team is paced by linebacker Mike McCray (Michigan commit), defensive back Cameron Burrows (Ohio State), defensive end Jarrod Clements (Illinois) and athlete Reon Dawson (Illinois).
Hoops Note[/B]
School is soon to be in session at Rutgers and head coach Mike Rice is wasting no time in hosting a top-tier prospect for a visit. Scarlet Nation has learned that Silver Springs (Md.) Sidwell Friends four-star small forward Josh Hart, the No.85 player in the country according to Rivals, will be on campus for an official visit from Sept 6-8. Hart's visit coincides with the Rutgers football home opener against Howard.
Earlier this month, Hart trimmed his offer list, which was nearing 20, down to seven finalists: Arizona, Penn State, Rutgers, Cincinnati, Miami, Villanova and Memphis. Rutgers has been recruiting Hart heavily and RU is currently a strong consideration according to sources.
This post was edited on 8/24 1:25 AM by Bobby Deren
Jawan Jamison on the art of splitting carries:
"You've still got to give it your all, because if you're going to split it, you've got to get them when you're in there. You've got to show out, get it done and run hard every play that you're in there, because you're switching out."
Jim Panagos on the key to working with young linemen:
"The biggest thing with young defensive linemen is teaching them consistency, that they do what they have the ability to do every play. It's my job to show them how to do every single play."
Tim Wright on if he is more of a vocal leader or a leader by example:
"I think I like bringing both to the table. Sometimes, it can't be all action. Sometimes guys need a little more talking to get them pepped up to the moment…I feel like I'm going to be a great captain and I'm going to lead by example and vocally."
Mason Robinson on what he brings to the table as a captain:
"I'm out there trying to help any way I can, whether it's bringing energy, leading by my actions, help guys get going, anyway I can. At the end of the day, we're all chasing that common goal, which is to win. In order to do that, we need leaders and we need guys that are going to take leadership. We all need to stick together and find a way to get it done, and since I've been here a couple years and been around the block, I feel like I can help."
Jamil Merrell on what position he is best at and why:
"I would say I am best at [defensive] end, because of my speed going at tackles. That gets them the most."
Duron Harmon on Steve Longa:
"He reminds me a little bit of 20 [Khaseem Greene]. He plays really well, just a runner."
Wayne Warren on going into his final season at Rutgers:
"It's been a journey, I'm going into my fifth year. It seems like just yesterday I stepped on campus as a freshman and went from playing scout team quarterback to corner to safety. It's been a while but time flies when you're having fun. I'm having a lot of fun."
Fat Cat Top Ten[/B]
Top 10 Freshmen most likely to play this season
10.) Derrick Nelson - He has been the best of the freshman offensive lineman, working in at guard and he is also starting to learn the center position. Injuries to the offensive line contingent could move Nelson up into the two-deep, although seeing the field this season remains a bit of a longshot for him.
9.) Quanzell Lambert - A week ago, Lambert would have been in the top five in this category but a high ankle sprain may have him destined for a redshirt. If he can make a speedy recovery, playing time is a possibility. However, that type of injury usually sidelines players longer than a regular ankle sprain. Lambert looks to be the middle linebacker of the future and getting him some early playing time seemed like a good move. Now, injury has thrown a crimp into those plans.
8.) Desmon Peoples - As seen yesterday with the injury to Paul James, running back is a precarious position. Peoples may be only a couple of hits away from his first collegiate action. He has a few veterans in front of him but the running back contingent is not that deep. An injury here and there could mean the difference between Peoples playing or redshirting. Nevertheless, he has had a slight cause of fumbl-itis through the spring. If it comes down to a battle between Peoples and Ben Martin for the No.3 running back spot, those fumbles could hurt.
7.) Davon Jacobs - He came into camp a much bigger version of what he was as a high school senior. Jacobs led the RU defense in tackles during the second scrimmage and has made a few notable plays through camp. His situation will depend upon what the safety position looks like a few games into the season. Lorenzo Waters has been sidelined and Wayne Warren was held out of Thursday's scrimmage so it is conceivable the staff could look for Jacobs to provide depth at safety.
6.) Julian Pinnix-Odrick - The Montclair product has shown flashes at defensive end and a lot could depend how the players in front of him perform. Failure to get pressure through the first few games could have the coaching staff looking for an alternative at the 'E" defensive end position. That alternative could be Pinnix-Odrick if he continues to progress the way he has over the last week and a half. He'll be watching the play of Marcus Thompson and Jamil Merrell and their performances could play a big part in whether or not JPO sees the field.
5.) Ruhann Peele - Most seasons, there would be no debate about Peele playing, especially since he put together such a strong training camp. Yet, the crowded wide receiver bunch brings up the question of whether or not to redshirt Peele. The group is loaded with veterans Tim Wright, Quron Pratt, Brandon Coleman, Mark Harrison, Jeremy Deering and Miles Shuler. There just may not be enough touches to go around. But if Peele can outplay some of his fellow wide receivers, veterans and freshmen, through the next couple of weeks it'd be hard to justify sitting him down.
4.) Leonte Carroo - Carroo's combination of speed and strength does not give the impression that he's a true freshman. He has shown throughout the summer that he could be a contributor in his first year of college football. He'll likely see action during the first game of the season and has the ability to make an immediate impact. Amongst a crowded wide receiver contingent, Carroo will still likely get his share of touches.
3.) Steve Longa - Even before there were some injury concerns at the linebacker position, Longa was figuring into the mix for playing time. He is currently playing the weakside position but will probably debut on special teams. He caught the eye of the RU coaches early in training camp and that has continued. Still only 17 years old, Longa is trying to grasp all the intricacies of the RU defense, but he looks to be a big part of Rutgers future. It seems the RU staff doesn't intend to wait when it comes to acclimating Longa to college football.
2.) Darius Hamilton - It's not often one of the top recruits in the nation winds up redshirting his freshman year and Hamilton doesn't look like he will be an exception to that rule. Hamilton started off the summer at defensive end but halfway through he switched over to defensive tackle, the position he has been playing his whole life. He'll begin the season backing up Scott Vallone at the 3-technique and will likely see most of his playing time in pass rushing situations.
1.) Kyle Federico - The kicking job looks to be his for the next four years, barring any catastrophic stretch. Federico has been solid, especially considering he is fresh out of high school. Enrolling early for the spring semester proved to be a great benefit, although Federico seemed very much at ease during his first bout of spring practice. No freshman may carry greater responsibility this year as wins and losses could come hinge on the right foot of Federico.
Bobby's Crystal Ball[/B]
RU commit Kemoko Turay will have a big season at Barringer and crack the NJ top 30
Training camp risers and fallers[/B]
Here's a look at a handful of Scarlet Knights who have been on the rise this summer and also a look at a few players whose stock has fallen.
Risers[/B]
Paul Carrezola - He has made some tough catches through camp and looks to have added more strength. Carrezola ousted D.C. Jefferson as the starting tight end and his put together his most consistent body of work since arriving at Rutgers.
Andre Civil - The fourth-year junior seemed to be counted out of the starting lineup before the summer, but his solid play forced the staff to find a spot for him. That spot is at right guard, where he is likely to start in the season opener.
Al Page - The 265-pounder is an imposing force and is starting to get better each week. He looks like he will be a solid No.2 at the nose tackle position. Page is very physical and has come quite a ways when it comes to using his hands in the trenches.
Marcus Cooper - A tall corner that can move, Cooper has crept up into the starting lineup. Cooper played very well in coverage this summer and even saw some work at safety in sub-packages. Cooper may quietly become a valuable piece of the RU secondary this season.
Keith Lumpkin - The former basketball player now has the look of an offensive tackle. Lumpkin added some size and it looks like things are starting to click for him. He looks to be part of the two-deep this season and is positioning himself to be a front runner for a starting tackle spot next season.
Fallers
Michael Larrow - The fourth-year junior defensive end saw his 2011 season end six games in due to a leg injury. He started five of those games but is now on the outside looking in at the two-deep. It's been quite a drop for Larrow who just wasn't able to stand out through training camp.
David Osei - There were conversations throughout spring practice in which Osei was a serious candidate for one of the starting guard positions. Through the summer, those talks have quieted. He looks a little lighter than he was last year and the once-promising center, who started opening day 2011, is no longer a one of RU's top seven offensive linemen.
Dallas Hendrikson - The Iowa native has been demoted to third-team center. He once figured to be the future starter at the position and now he will have to jump Matt McBride just to grab hold of a backup role. Hendrikson just didn't seem to have the strength to compete for a starting job this summer.
Kenneth Kirksey - The defensive tackle spent most of the summer working on his conditioning after being bothered by injury earlier in the year. The few times he did make his way into live action, he wasn't able to make enough noise to push for a spot on the two-deep.
Recruiting Tidbits[/B]
TE Taylor Marini (Lake Mary, Fla.)
Marini and his Lake Mary teammates open up their 2012 season tonight, hosting Spruce Creek at 7:30. The 6-foot-4 Rutgers commit is hoping to have a bigger role in the team's Pro Style attack this fall.
"I've proven myself this offseason, I believe, to be able to be a more vital part of the passing game," he said.
Speed training and heavy lifting were a major part of Marini's summer regimen. He keeps in contact with Jim Panagos twice a week and is planning out a fall official visit to Piscataway.
"I have to look at my schedule and see when my bye is," he explained. "I plan on coming up to New Jersey that weekend."
According to Lake Mary's schedule, the Rams have a bye the weekend of Oct 12-13, which would leave Marini an opportunity to attend Rutgers' home contest with Syracuse should he choose to do so.
DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (Don Bosco Prep)
A member of the Rivals250, Muhammad has become the marked man for the Ironmen this year after being overshadowed by several seniors last fall. He says he has been busy preparing for the increased attention.
"Everything's been going great," said Muhammad. "I've been working on basically getting bigger and getting faster--that's most important. I'm working on stopping the run and becoming a more physical player."
In terms of scheme, Muhammad's role has not changed much since last year, but he does realize he must undertake more of a leadership role being a senior.
"There's not much difference, but basically, but I have to get everyone's motor going," he said. "I'm just working hard, playing even more physical and making more plays. As a team, if my motor gets going, the other guys are going to follow and their motors will get going. I'm basically cheering my guys on and helping them get better each day, that's about it."
Rutgers is one school that should be in the running for the 4-star's services until the end of his recruitment, and Muhammad says he has developed a solid connection with head coach Kyle Flood.
"I spoke with Coach Flood even before he became the head coach over there," he said. "Coach Flood is a great guy. I have a great feeling that they're on to something great over there this year. I'm top on his board as far as recruiting, so everything's going great over there."
Scrimmage time[/B]
With the regular season around the corner, high school scrimmage time is hitting the home stretch, but there are some quality matchups to keep an eye on in the coming days. Tomorrow, South Jersey programs Rancocas Valley, Williamstown and Egg Harbor Township lock heads in a tri-scrimmage. Rutgers 2013 commit Eric Wiafe is the top name on Egg Harbor, while Rancocas is led by ATH Charles Reid, LB/RB Xavier Gibson and TE Tyler Schroeder, all of whom camped at Rutgers this summer.
Also tomorrow, Piscataway, minus injured star Nadir Barnwell, travels to take on Kevin Olsen and traditional power Wayne Hills. It will be an interesting test to see how the Chiefs fare in their first outing without Barnwell.
Lastly, St. Peter's Prep and Ridgewood square off tomorrow in what has become an annual meeting. The Marauders feature several Rutgers recruiting targets, including 2014 running back Jonathan Hilliman and 2015 cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick. A player to watch for Ridgewood is senior kicker Young Hoe Koo, who is garnering Division I interest, including some from Rutgers.
This coming Wednesday, Shore Conference power Red Bank Catholic travels up to Oradell for a meeting with Non-Public Group IV favorite Bergen Catholic. Josh Klecko and Quinton Nelson will do battle with a Crusader outfit led by quarterback Jonathan Germano, running back James Dawson and two-way star Garrett Dickerson.
DB Bryant Gross (American Heritage, Fla.)
Gross and his teammates open up this evening with Coral Reef. He is slated to speak with Scarlet Nation this weekend about what his plans may be for official visits come this fall and winter.
ATH T.J. Taylor (South Brunswick)
Taylor will play his senior season under new head coach Joe Goerge, who coached Anthony Cioffi at Dayton last fall.
"I've been talking to Anthony and everything he's been telling me about Coach Goerge is spot on," Taylor said. "Things are going great. I really like the offense coach has us running; our base offense is still the option but he has spread it out more. Everyone is buying into the plan he has set for us so it should be a great year."
DL Sebastian Joseph (Stroudsburg, Pa.)
Finally, after some time, Joseph received his three-star rating from Rivals this week, though he was unaware of the honor at first.
"I didn't even know," he said. "It's a blessing to be honest. I don't pay much attention to those things."
Joseph did pay close attention to the Rutgers open scrimmage he attended two weeks back.
"The day I went was awesome," he said. "I can't wait."
Here is a picture of Joseph (#51) recording his first sack of the year during a scrimmage last week.
Rutgers targets to appear on national TV[/B]
ESPN will add a bit of Rutgers flavor to its high school coverage this Sunday, when the University School (Fla.), led by Rutgers commit Nick Internicola and top linebacker target Skai Moore, take on Trotwood-Madison (Ohio) Senior High School. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
Trotwood-Madison finished 15-0 last year and captured the OHSAA Division II championship. The team is paced by linebacker Mike McCray (Michigan commit), defensive back Cameron Burrows (Ohio State), defensive end Jarrod Clements (Illinois) and athlete Reon Dawson (Illinois).
Hoops Note[/B]
School is soon to be in session at Rutgers and head coach Mike Rice is wasting no time in hosting a top-tier prospect for a visit. Scarlet Nation has learned that Silver Springs (Md.) Sidwell Friends four-star small forward Josh Hart, the No.85 player in the country according to Rivals, will be on campus for an official visit from Sept 6-8. Hart's visit coincides with the Rutgers football home opener against Howard.
Earlier this month, Hart trimmed his offer list, which was nearing 20, down to seven finalists: Arizona, Penn State, Rutgers, Cincinnati, Miami, Villanova and Memphis. Rutgers has been recruiting Hart heavily and RU is currently a strong consideration according to sources.
This post was edited on 8/24 1:25 AM by Bobby Deren
