Love this and hope the new staff uses the same message!

[njknightsfan]

So when Schiano called an on-campus meeting of the top 35 recruits in the state and then-Rutgers sophomore Raheem Orr of Elizabeth delivered an impassioned player-to-player plea, minds started changing.

“I made my decision off that idea,” offensive lineman Sameeh McDonald said. “He said, ‘You are from Elizabeth. Would you go play for Union High School? You are from Newark. Would you go play for Irvington High School?’ You wouldn’t. You want to rep your neighborhood.

“Well, this is your neighborhood. If you want to rep your neighborhood then you rep Rutgers. You don’t have any roots in Michigan. He put the emphasis on putting your hometown on the map. He didn’t say state university. He made it seem like Rutgers was your town.”

 

[miketd1]

True, but in this day and age, even HS kids are de facto "mercenaries" being recruited to whatever faction promises them more. Just look at the craziness going down trying to lure kids to the different Catholic schools, both football and basketball. Pride has been replaced with a "get-mine" attitude.

 

[RUskoolie]

Would love to hear that message today and see the looks on the faces of all the parochial kids who came from big towns like Montclair, Elizabeth, Union, etc that historically have placed kids D1. and are now playing at some private HS.

 

[RUScrew85]

Pride in New Jersey? LOL.

 

[miketd1]

Pride in New Jersey? LOL.

Seriously.

The most united I've seen the state in my lifetime was November 9, 2006.

 

[RUMBA-JK]

Fundamentally the program has to merit interest based upon what it has to offer.- this is a pivotal time for every student athlete - and the choice of where to go really needs to be driven by the classic coach / admission officer questions - "look ahead 10 years, 20 years 30 years - where do you want to be? what are your hopes and dreams? what program will get you there?"
The approach of making a sentimental plea to play for good old "State U" is terribly weak if the student athlete has an opportunity that more closely matches their goals and aspirations.

Fortunately it looks like Rutgers will be well positioned moving forward.
- Ash has committed to installing and operating his vision of a dominating defense and an aggressive attacking offense.... systems that will develop players to their full potential.
- Strength & Conditioning - highly prioritized
- Academics that are offering a student athlete extraordinary opportunities

 

[RU2055]

Schiano's message was nice but it didn't really take root until 2006 happened. It's going to be an uphill climb for Ash but if he wins like 2006, nothing is stopping this program. Giant will truly awaken. In the meantime, Ash is battling changing the culture - which hasn't been easy with former staff members (and their fans) undermining his efforts. As fans, you need to make a decision - are you a Rutgers fan? Or are you merely fans of the former staff?

 

[Knight Shift]

Here's Greg announcing his 2001 Recruiting class--who/what is next to him?