Quotables
Union City head coach Wilbur Valdez on the recruitment process of offensive tackle Josue Matias and where Rutgers stands in Matias’ list of choices:
“I think some Rutgers fans saw him having a good time on his other visits and panicked. They thought he eliminated Rutgers, but he didn't. It's like if you're dating three different girls. One night you're hanging out with Ashley, and Jessica thinks you don't like her anymore. The next night you're with Jessica, and Ashley and your other girl are complaining. But it doesn't mean you don't like all three still.”
Marquette head coach Buzz Williams at The RAC following Wednesday’s 73-65 win over Rutgers:
“It’s really hard to play here. I don’t know Coach Rice, but I have great respect for his ability to coach.? I like the talent they have on their team. Everyone says that they’re not deep, but I don’t know many teams in our league that play over eight guys.”
?
Greg Schiano on further adjustments to his coaching staff:
“They’ll be some things. As I said at the end of the season, I’m evaluating every single thing that we do. That started with me which took a while. So then, I moved on to the coaches and the team at the same time, all the support staff. This is an ongoing evaluation and the thing that makes it a little tricky is there’s recruiting and there’s a bunch of stuff that has to go on simultaneously. We’ll move and obviously we don’t have any practices or games to get ready for right now. But eventually, we’ll get locked in and that will be the direction we go. Everything’s not complete yet.”
Rick Gause on his son Quentin’s commitment to Rutgers:
“Quentin doesn’t waver, I think the only thing I’ve seen him waver on is some food. But when it comes to things like that, he knows what he wants.”
Frank Cignetti on staying at Rutgers for the long haul:
“As a family, we want to find a place where we can settle in and raise these three daughters and now our son that’s on the way. Give my wife and kids what they deserve, and that’s some stability.”
Fat Cat Top 5
Top 5 RU off-season events
5. Scarlet Fever raises $90K for LeGrand Believe Fund
4. Frank Cignetti hire
3. Jeff Hafley hire
2. Miles Shuler commitment
1. Eric LeGrand gains sensation throughout his body
The Numbers Game
10 points or more in nine of the last 11 games for Gilvydas Biruta
9 wins for RU wrestling going into today
8 days until Rutgers Junior Day
7 wins to one loss at home for RU hoops this season
6 NFL games started by Jason McCourty and Shaun O’Hara this season
5 Don Bosco juniors already with D1 offers
4 RU commits in postseason all-star games (Stephenson, Lumpkin, Davis, Shuler)
3 weeks since RU’s last commit (Miles Shuler)
2 former Pitt commits will visit Rutgers on January 21st
1 day until Miles Shuler starts in the Army All-American game
Bobby’s Crystal ball
- Lafayette Pitts will commit to Rutgers
- Rutgers will upset Providence Saturday night
- Pitt will lose Saturday to Kentucky in the old Pizza Bowl
- John will give me the day off on Sunday
Recruiting tidbits
Tanner McEvoy (Bergen Catholic)
ScarletNation.com talked to a source close to the Bergen Catholic program yesterday and learned that Rutgers and Tanner McEvoy have parted ways. McEvoy is apparently down to two schools, and the source said that he will definitely be leaving the area for his college career.
Lafayette Pitts (Woodland Hills, PA)
Pitts received an in-school visit from RU coaches Jeff Hafley and Frank Cignetti on Wednesday. According to Pitts, his dealings with that duo have been going very well.
“That’s going very good,” he said. “I have great relationships with both of them.” Coaches from Iowa, Maryland and Pitt also stopped by to check in on Pitts this past week.
Savon Huggins (St. Peter’s Prep)
Huggins participated in the Under Armour All Star game on Wednesday night in Orlando Florida. The latest word is that Huggins is still favoring Rutgers and Scarlet Nation continues to hear that into the weekend.
Sam Green (Plant City, FL)
According to a coach at Plant City, head coach Wayne Ward, Rutgers has offered 2012 defensive back Sam Green. The offer came when RU assistant coach Chris Hewitt visited Plant City this week. For Green, it is his first offer but Rutgers has been recruiting him for a while.
“It wasn’t a surprise because Rutgers has been contacting him a lot,” said Ward. “I kind of figured, if I were to choose a school that would offer him, I kind of figured they would be the first because of the interest level they had in him.”
As a strong safety, Green finished this past season with 102 tackles and 4 interceptions.
Mike Bimonte (Manalapan)
The Rutgers commit was visited by RU head coach Greg Schiano this week at Manalapan High School
“We met for close to an hour and he said the change to Coach Cignetti helps me out very much because he believes I'm a perfect fit for his offense and the way it is run. He said I'm going to come in and compete right away for the starting job so I'm just going to train my tail off and compete 'cause that's the most I could ask for.”
Tyrell Smith (Lacey Township) 2012
Schiano also visited Lacey Township high school yesterday, home of 6-foot-5, 290 pound offensive tackle Tyrell Smith. That came one day after UCF also visited.
“I know they’re interested in me,” said Smith. “So maybe they might be getting ready to offer.”
Smith said he is also very likely going to attend Rutgers Junior Day’ on January 15th.
Justin Powell (Lacey Township) 2012
According to a very good source at Lacey, Schiano’s visit was mainly to inquire about Smith. But Powell, a 6-foot-3, 210 pound tight end, has also heard from Rutgers in the past.
“I talked to Robb Smith and a few other coaches on different occasions,” said Powell. “I visited Rutgers when they played their last home game against Louisville.”
Powell will be attending the RU Junior Day and is also hoping to get up to around 230 pounds by the summer.
Myles Jackson (West Chester Henderson)
The RU commit stepped up his play as a senior which really boosted his recruitment as he switched from LB to DE. For his performance on the field, Jackson recently received the following honors.
1st team All Ches-mont, named outstanding defensive lineman in the league, 1st team All-Area, 1st team All-Southeastern PA, honorable mention All-State, named a U.S. Army All American.
Kye Morgan (Franklin) 2012
Morgan did not make it down to the U.S. Army All-American Combine as he had previously planned. However, a member of the Georgia coaching staff stopped by Franklin High School yesterday for a visit.
Devin Fuller (Old Tappan) 2012
Jeff Hafley stopped by Old Tappan today to inquire about Fuller. The big question regarding Fuller is where he will play at the next level. Fuller worked out as a defensive back at the RU camp this past summer, but word is that he would like to get a look at quarterback in college. Having put up unbelievable numbers this year, not to mention an exciting highlight tape, odds are that at least a few major schools will be willing to give him that shot.
John Robertson (Paramus)
Speaking of quarterbacks, word out of Paramus High School is that Rutgers recently requested senior? tape on John Robertson, who has already committed Villanova.
Shilique Calhoun (Middletown North)
Rutgers is in great standing with Calhoun, who will most likely choose between Rutgers and Michigan State. A decision has been on the horizon for weeks now, but it shouldn't be too much longer.
Sheldon Royster (St. Peter's Prep)
Today Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano will be visiting Royster, one of the top uncommitted players in the state. Scarlet Nation caught up with Royster's father, Shelly, to get the scoop.
"They are going to meet up with the Rutgers staff and sit down and just talk with them about his options. South Carolina and Rutgers are the schools that he is considering. He has been to both schools."
Which school is in the lead?
"To me, both schools are basically the same, but it is a point if he wants to stay home or go abroad, that his the only concern. All the schools were alright, or they wouldn't have been selected. Out of the five [he was originally down to], he could hav chosen any and I would have been happy. It his his decision and he has to live with hit."
Royster's father said that a decision will occur soon, though most likely not this weekend.
RU Junior Day attendees (updated list on confirmed participants)
Devin Fuller (Old Tappan)
Dan Crimmins (Demarest)
Shayne Jones (Immaculata)
Jazzmar Clax (Freehold)
Jamil Pollard (West Deptford)
Quanzell Lambert (Timber Creek)
Kaiwan Lewis (St. Joe’s-Hammonton)
Lakai Robinson (Paul VI)
Chirs Muller (Boyertown, PA)
Dan Valles (Carteret)
Sam Lebbie (DeMatha, MD)
Brent Wilkerson (DeMatha, MD)
Kye Morgan (Franklin)
Carlton Agudosi (Franklin)
Nigel Jones (Holy Spirit)
Ethan Gambale (Holy Spirit)
Greg Moore (Ocean Township)
Elijah St. Hilaire (Palisades Park)
Mike Strizak (Don Bosco)
Brandon Napoleon (St. Peter’s)
Ryan Morris (Barnegat)
Jared Crayton (St. Peter’s Prep)
Tim Donahue (Howell)
Wayne Morgan (Erasmus, NY)
Ryan Davies (Howell)
D.J. Singleton (St. Peter’s Prep)
Brandon Nosovitch (Central Catholic, PA)
Casey Cochran (Masuk, CT)
Blake Rankin (Bloomsburg, PA
Jordan Powell (Lacey Township)
Tyrell Smith (Lacey Township)
Kalief Joyner (Christ The King, NY)
Ryan Brodie (Long Branch)
This post was edited on 1/7 3:15 PM by John Otterstedt
This post was edited on 1/7 4:10 PM by John Otterstedt
Union City head coach Wilbur Valdez on the recruitment process of offensive tackle Josue Matias and where Rutgers stands in Matias’ list of choices:
“I think some Rutgers fans saw him having a good time on his other visits and panicked. They thought he eliminated Rutgers, but he didn't. It's like if you're dating three different girls. One night you're hanging out with Ashley, and Jessica thinks you don't like her anymore. The next night you're with Jessica, and Ashley and your other girl are complaining. But it doesn't mean you don't like all three still.”
Marquette head coach Buzz Williams at The RAC following Wednesday’s 73-65 win over Rutgers:
“It’s really hard to play here. I don’t know Coach Rice, but I have great respect for his ability to coach.? I like the talent they have on their team. Everyone says that they’re not deep, but I don’t know many teams in our league that play over eight guys.”
?
Greg Schiano on further adjustments to his coaching staff:
“They’ll be some things. As I said at the end of the season, I’m evaluating every single thing that we do. That started with me which took a while. So then, I moved on to the coaches and the team at the same time, all the support staff. This is an ongoing evaluation and the thing that makes it a little tricky is there’s recruiting and there’s a bunch of stuff that has to go on simultaneously. We’ll move and obviously we don’t have any practices or games to get ready for right now. But eventually, we’ll get locked in and that will be the direction we go. Everything’s not complete yet.”
Rick Gause on his son Quentin’s commitment to Rutgers:
“Quentin doesn’t waver, I think the only thing I’ve seen him waver on is some food. But when it comes to things like that, he knows what he wants.”
Frank Cignetti on staying at Rutgers for the long haul:
“As a family, we want to find a place where we can settle in and raise these three daughters and now our son that’s on the way. Give my wife and kids what they deserve, and that’s some stability.”
Fat Cat Top 5
Top 5 RU off-season events
5. Scarlet Fever raises $90K for LeGrand Believe Fund
4. Frank Cignetti hire
3. Jeff Hafley hire
2. Miles Shuler commitment
1. Eric LeGrand gains sensation throughout his body
The Numbers Game
10 points or more in nine of the last 11 games for Gilvydas Biruta
9 wins for RU wrestling going into today
8 days until Rutgers Junior Day
7 wins to one loss at home for RU hoops this season
6 NFL games started by Jason McCourty and Shaun O’Hara this season
5 Don Bosco juniors already with D1 offers
4 RU commits in postseason all-star games (Stephenson, Lumpkin, Davis, Shuler)
3 weeks since RU’s last commit (Miles Shuler)
2 former Pitt commits will visit Rutgers on January 21st
1 day until Miles Shuler starts in the Army All-American game
Bobby’s Crystal ball
- Lafayette Pitts will commit to Rutgers
- Rutgers will upset Providence Saturday night
- Pitt will lose Saturday to Kentucky in the old Pizza Bowl
- John will give me the day off on Sunday
Recruiting tidbits
Tanner McEvoy (Bergen Catholic)
ScarletNation.com talked to a source close to the Bergen Catholic program yesterday and learned that Rutgers and Tanner McEvoy have parted ways. McEvoy is apparently down to two schools, and the source said that he will definitely be leaving the area for his college career.
Lafayette Pitts (Woodland Hills, PA)
Pitts received an in-school visit from RU coaches Jeff Hafley and Frank Cignetti on Wednesday. According to Pitts, his dealings with that duo have been going very well.
“That’s going very good,” he said. “I have great relationships with both of them.” Coaches from Iowa, Maryland and Pitt also stopped by to check in on Pitts this past week.
Savon Huggins (St. Peter’s Prep)
Huggins participated in the Under Armour All Star game on Wednesday night in Orlando Florida. The latest word is that Huggins is still favoring Rutgers and Scarlet Nation continues to hear that into the weekend.
Sam Green (Plant City, FL)
According to a coach at Plant City, head coach Wayne Ward, Rutgers has offered 2012 defensive back Sam Green. The offer came when RU assistant coach Chris Hewitt visited Plant City this week. For Green, it is his first offer but Rutgers has been recruiting him for a while.
“It wasn’t a surprise because Rutgers has been contacting him a lot,” said Ward. “I kind of figured, if I were to choose a school that would offer him, I kind of figured they would be the first because of the interest level they had in him.”
As a strong safety, Green finished this past season with 102 tackles and 4 interceptions.
Mike Bimonte (Manalapan)
The Rutgers commit was visited by RU head coach Greg Schiano this week at Manalapan High School
“We met for close to an hour and he said the change to Coach Cignetti helps me out very much because he believes I'm a perfect fit for his offense and the way it is run. He said I'm going to come in and compete right away for the starting job so I'm just going to train my tail off and compete 'cause that's the most I could ask for.”
Tyrell Smith (Lacey Township) 2012
Schiano also visited Lacey Township high school yesterday, home of 6-foot-5, 290 pound offensive tackle Tyrell Smith. That came one day after UCF also visited.
“I know they’re interested in me,” said Smith. “So maybe they might be getting ready to offer.”
Smith said he is also very likely going to attend Rutgers Junior Day’ on January 15th.
Justin Powell (Lacey Township) 2012
According to a very good source at Lacey, Schiano’s visit was mainly to inquire about Smith. But Powell, a 6-foot-3, 210 pound tight end, has also heard from Rutgers in the past.
“I talked to Robb Smith and a few other coaches on different occasions,” said Powell. “I visited Rutgers when they played their last home game against Louisville.”
Powell will be attending the RU Junior Day and is also hoping to get up to around 230 pounds by the summer.
Myles Jackson (West Chester Henderson)
The RU commit stepped up his play as a senior which really boosted his recruitment as he switched from LB to DE. For his performance on the field, Jackson recently received the following honors.
1st team All Ches-mont, named outstanding defensive lineman in the league, 1st team All-Area, 1st team All-Southeastern PA, honorable mention All-State, named a U.S. Army All American.
Kye Morgan (Franklin) 2012
Morgan did not make it down to the U.S. Army All-American Combine as he had previously planned. However, a member of the Georgia coaching staff stopped by Franklin High School yesterday for a visit.
Devin Fuller (Old Tappan) 2012
Jeff Hafley stopped by Old Tappan today to inquire about Fuller. The big question regarding Fuller is where he will play at the next level. Fuller worked out as a defensive back at the RU camp this past summer, but word is that he would like to get a look at quarterback in college. Having put up unbelievable numbers this year, not to mention an exciting highlight tape, odds are that at least a few major schools will be willing to give him that shot.
John Robertson (Paramus)
Speaking of quarterbacks, word out of Paramus High School is that Rutgers recently requested senior? tape on John Robertson, who has already committed Villanova.
Shilique Calhoun (Middletown North)
Rutgers is in great standing with Calhoun, who will most likely choose between Rutgers and Michigan State. A decision has been on the horizon for weeks now, but it shouldn't be too much longer.
Sheldon Royster (St. Peter's Prep)
Today Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano will be visiting Royster, one of the top uncommitted players in the state. Scarlet Nation caught up with Royster's father, Shelly, to get the scoop.
"They are going to meet up with the Rutgers staff and sit down and just talk with them about his options. South Carolina and Rutgers are the schools that he is considering. He has been to both schools."
Which school is in the lead?
"To me, both schools are basically the same, but it is a point if he wants to stay home or go abroad, that his the only concern. All the schools were alright, or they wouldn't have been selected. Out of the five [he was originally down to], he could hav chosen any and I would have been happy. It his his decision and he has to live with hit."
Royster's father said that a decision will occur soon, though most likely not this weekend.
RU Junior Day attendees (updated list on confirmed participants)
Devin Fuller (Old Tappan)
Dan Crimmins (Demarest)
Shayne Jones (Immaculata)
Jazzmar Clax (Freehold)
Jamil Pollard (West Deptford)
Quanzell Lambert (Timber Creek)
Kaiwan Lewis (St. Joe’s-Hammonton)
Lakai Robinson (Paul VI)
Chirs Muller (Boyertown, PA)
Dan Valles (Carteret)
Sam Lebbie (DeMatha, MD)
Brent Wilkerson (DeMatha, MD)
Kye Morgan (Franklin)
Carlton Agudosi (Franklin)
Nigel Jones (Holy Spirit)
Ethan Gambale (Holy Spirit)
Greg Moore (Ocean Township)
Elijah St. Hilaire (Palisades Park)
Mike Strizak (Don Bosco)
Brandon Napoleon (St. Peter’s)
Ryan Morris (Barnegat)
Jared Crayton (St. Peter’s Prep)
Tim Donahue (Howell)
Wayne Morgan (Erasmus, NY)
Ryan Davies (Howell)
D.J. Singleton (St. Peter’s Prep)
Brandon Nosovitch (Central Catholic, PA)
Casey Cochran (Masuk, CT)
Blake Rankin (Bloomsburg, PA
Jordan Powell (Lacey Township)
Tyrell Smith (Lacey Township)
Kalief Joyner (Christ The King, NY)
Ryan Brodie (Long Branch)
This post was edited on 1/7 3:15 PM by John Otterstedt
This post was edited on 1/7 4:10 PM by John Otterstedt
