Success, does not come overnight, so this season is a foundational year, and I expect
to see incremental progress, especially considering, we're starting close to Ground Zero. This year is about:
him $4M. Before we worry about wins, we need to demonstrate fundamental soundness, something I haven't seen since 2014, which is when the last of Greg Schiano's seniors graduated. Though we're probably not ready to be champions, at least we're preparing like champions.
Helping Coach Schiano, is the strongest group of assistants we've ever had. Offensive Coordinator Coach Sean Gleeson comes to us from Oklahoma State, and his previous squad had 5,901 of offense, averaging 453.9 yards per game. Rutgers in contrast had 3,277 yards of offense last year, averaging a paltry 273.1 yards, which was 2nd worst in the NCAA. From looking at videos of his offenses at Oklahoma State and Princeton,
it appears that Coach Gleesons spread offense won plays by bringing superior numbers to the point of attack, which allowed running backs, to
flourish. Chuba Hubbard of Oklahoma State had 2,094 rushing yards last year, which was best in the country. The biggest asset Gleeson brings is his
play calling creativity, something we haven't seen since Ralph Friedgen was on the banks.
Rutgers returns significant talent on offense, which should help the offense demonstrate significant improvement. This could be the most talented offense
since 2014. I would say our running backs are our strongest unit. Running back Isaih Pacheco is our best, most explosive player on offense, who had 729 rushing
yards on 169 carries, for a 4.3 yard per carry average. Impressive, considering the less than stellar blocking he had last year. If our blocking can be improved to
average, Pacheco can easily break 1,000 yards this season, despite the shortened season.Pacheco is complemented by Aaron Young, who had a quiet 823 all purpose yards last year.
Kayron Adams ran hard in his limited touches last year, and had 161 rushing yards. Jessie Parsons brings blazing fast speed 4.4 40 to the table, and could be especially lethal, catching
passes out of the backfield, Freshman Kyle Monagai rounds out the group, though I'm not sure how much he's going to play.
Helping the running backs be more productive this year, will be a significantly more talented corp of tight ends. These guys will do a better job of sealing the edge on running plays,
then what we've seen in recent years. Jovani Haskins, cousin of Dwayne, and hailing from my hometown of Bergenfield, is a West Virginia transfer, brings significant size, 6'5", 251 lbs,
and experience (Senior) to the table. He had 16 catches for 148 yards in 2018 for West Virginia. Matt Alamao 6'4" 238 lbs and Johnathan Lewis, 6'3" will also play extensively. All three should
have a shot to play Sundays. I'm especially excited to see Lewis play, because I think he is going to be especially physical, which is something we need. Overall, this should be the best group of
tight ends we've had in quite some time.
Challenging the tight ends for most improved offensive unit is the wide receivers, which are headed by Bo Melton, the Senior elder statesman of the group. Bo had 427 yards on 30 catches last season, though I
felt his play reached another level when we played PSU in the last game of the season, and he notched 3 receptions for 52 yards. I expect him to build upon that effort, and have his most productive season yet.
Bo is complemented by Wisconsin transfer speedster, Aron Cruickshank, who is blazing fast, and should be able to stretch the defense at times. Aron returned a number of kickoffs for touchdowns last year, and should be our most exciting playmaker since Janarion Grant. Isaiah Washington had an impressive freshman debut, collecting 18 receptions for 272 yards. Against Penn State, he had four receptions for 89 yards, including a TD on a 51 yard reception. Christian Dremel, had 2 receptions vs PSU, and seems to have sure hands. Stanley King has the potential to be a dominant college wide receiver, but may need another year of seasoning.
Rutgers has struggled since 2014, as quarterback play has been subpar. Thankfully that figures to change this season. While the starter has not been named, Nebraska transfer Noah Vedral figures to start as he seems to be the perfect fit for Sean Gleeson's offense, as he has a decent arm while also bringing some mobility to the position. While at Nebraska, Vedral completed 34 of 52 passes (65.3%) while also rushing for 106 yards, while serving as backup. Having to defend against a mobile quarterback should make things more difficult for opposing defenses. Artur Sitkowski could also start, and had a solid game vs Boston College last year, before sitting out the rest of the season. If Rutgers can get average to better than average play from its quarterback position, we should have a chance to win some games.
The unit with the greatest room for improvement has to be the offensive line, which struggled to create running lanes, and to pass protect. 2014 was the last time the line put together a solid season, and that is also the last time, Rutgers had a winning season. Frontline talent should be competitive, though there is little quality, experienced depth. The line is lead by 5th year Senior Right Guard Nick Krimin, who seemed to demonstrate the most improvement of any lineman, a year ago. He is joined by Right Tackle, Reggie Sutton, who proved to be an adept blocker at tight end. Center hasn't been named, though I expect it to be 5th year Senior Brendan Bordner who brings the maturity and physicality to the role. The other possibility at Center is CJ Hanson, who hasn't yet seen action as he redshirted last year. Left Guard figures to be manned by Junior College Transfer Cedrice Paillant, while Left Tackle will be Raiqwon O'Neal, who has flashed significant ability when healthy. Our OL are going to have to do lots of running, so I hope their conditioning is up to par.
While the offense figures to be a work in progress, the defense figures to take tremendous strides forward due to a more aggressive scheme, better personnel, better depth, and better coaching. The defense is headed up by Defensive Coordinator Robb Smith, who was also the DC during our Big East Championship year in 2012. Incidentally, that is also the last time we had a top notch, championship caliber defense.
I expect us to be far more aggressive than we've been in recent years, with more blitzing.
The defensive line has probably added the most talent, thanks to transfers. Michigan transfer Mike Dwumfour figures to be the Nose Tackle, and his backup is listed as Minnesota Transfer Mayan Ahanatou.
The 3 Technique Tackle is listed as Robin Jutwretan, who saw sporadic action last year, and is quite a surprise. Respect to him, because the kid has worked hard, kept his mouth shut, and transformed his body.
Excited to see what he can do. His backup is listed as Julius Turner, who probably saw the biggest improvement of any defensive lineman last year. Expecting a big season from Julius for his final year. The seasoned ends are Mike Tverdov and Elorm Lumor, with Malik Barrow and CJ Onyechi backing them up. This group should be much better against the run, as well as the pass, as i'm optimistic that we'll be able to pressure the quarterback with our four down lineman.
Linebackers seem to be our most talented, deepest, and likely best performing unit this year, thanks to a better scheme and better coaching. These guys have a chance to be terrific. They are led by 5th year Senior Middle Linebacker Tyshon Fogg, who led the team in tackles last year with 104. He is backed up by Rashawn Battle. Strongside Linebacker is Olakunle Fantukasi, and he is backed up by Tyreek Maddox Williams. Deion Jennings should be the weakside linebacker, as he has demonstrated terrific instincts, and high football IQ, though Drew Singleton could also get the starting nod. Waiting in the wings to contribute are Mohamed Toure, Zukedu Igwenagu, Chris Conti, and Tyreem Powell.
The Secondary should be solid. Led by 2019 Rose Bowl Defensive MVP, SS Brendon White, whose huge addition should solidify the defense, which has suffered from horrific safety play in recent years.
Christian Izien is the other safety who proved to be a big hitter last year, and notched 78 tackles. Junior CB Avery Young has flashed big time potential and could play on Sundays in the note too distant future.
Senior CB Tre Avery has also demonstrated to be proficient and tied for the team lead in interceptions last year with 2.
While this should be a rebuilding season, Rutgers might surprise given the talent onhand. Everything depends on the offensive line. If we can get just average play from that unit, the Indiana, MSU, Maryland, Illinois, Purdue, and the last game become winnable. PSU, UM, and OSU are probably a bridge too far, for now, but we are quickly closing the gap on those programs.
to see incremental progress, especially considering, we're starting close to Ground Zero. This year is about:
- Reducing Mistakes and Mental Errors
- Demonstrate better physical and mental toughness
- improve response to adversity
- Kids properly executing their assignments
- Kids improving their tackling
- Kids demonstrating better situational awareness, instincts, and higher football IQ
- Kids improving their preparation
- Kids showing better attention to detail
- Kids playing with more confidence, cohesion, and demonstrating better communication amongst one another
him $4M. Before we worry about wins, we need to demonstrate fundamental soundness, something I haven't seen since 2014, which is when the last of Greg Schiano's seniors graduated. Though we're probably not ready to be champions, at least we're preparing like champions.
Helping Coach Schiano, is the strongest group of assistants we've ever had. Offensive Coordinator Coach Sean Gleeson comes to us from Oklahoma State, and his previous squad had 5,901 of offense, averaging 453.9 yards per game. Rutgers in contrast had 3,277 yards of offense last year, averaging a paltry 273.1 yards, which was 2nd worst in the NCAA. From looking at videos of his offenses at Oklahoma State and Princeton,
it appears that Coach Gleesons spread offense won plays by bringing superior numbers to the point of attack, which allowed running backs, to
flourish. Chuba Hubbard of Oklahoma State had 2,094 rushing yards last year, which was best in the country. The biggest asset Gleeson brings is his
play calling creativity, something we haven't seen since Ralph Friedgen was on the banks.
Rutgers returns significant talent on offense, which should help the offense demonstrate significant improvement. This could be the most talented offense
since 2014. I would say our running backs are our strongest unit. Running back Isaih Pacheco is our best, most explosive player on offense, who had 729 rushing
yards on 169 carries, for a 4.3 yard per carry average. Impressive, considering the less than stellar blocking he had last year. If our blocking can be improved to
average, Pacheco can easily break 1,000 yards this season, despite the shortened season.Pacheco is complemented by Aaron Young, who had a quiet 823 all purpose yards last year.
Kayron Adams ran hard in his limited touches last year, and had 161 rushing yards. Jessie Parsons brings blazing fast speed 4.4 40 to the table, and could be especially lethal, catching
passes out of the backfield, Freshman Kyle Monagai rounds out the group, though I'm not sure how much he's going to play.
Helping the running backs be more productive this year, will be a significantly more talented corp of tight ends. These guys will do a better job of sealing the edge on running plays,
then what we've seen in recent years. Jovani Haskins, cousin of Dwayne, and hailing from my hometown of Bergenfield, is a West Virginia transfer, brings significant size, 6'5", 251 lbs,
and experience (Senior) to the table. He had 16 catches for 148 yards in 2018 for West Virginia. Matt Alamao 6'4" 238 lbs and Johnathan Lewis, 6'3" will also play extensively. All three should
have a shot to play Sundays. I'm especially excited to see Lewis play, because I think he is going to be especially physical, which is something we need. Overall, this should be the best group of
tight ends we've had in quite some time.
Challenging the tight ends for most improved offensive unit is the wide receivers, which are headed by Bo Melton, the Senior elder statesman of the group. Bo had 427 yards on 30 catches last season, though I
felt his play reached another level when we played PSU in the last game of the season, and he notched 3 receptions for 52 yards. I expect him to build upon that effort, and have his most productive season yet.
Bo is complemented by Wisconsin transfer speedster, Aron Cruickshank, who is blazing fast, and should be able to stretch the defense at times. Aron returned a number of kickoffs for touchdowns last year, and should be our most exciting playmaker since Janarion Grant. Isaiah Washington had an impressive freshman debut, collecting 18 receptions for 272 yards. Against Penn State, he had four receptions for 89 yards, including a TD on a 51 yard reception. Christian Dremel, had 2 receptions vs PSU, and seems to have sure hands. Stanley King has the potential to be a dominant college wide receiver, but may need another year of seasoning.
Rutgers has struggled since 2014, as quarterback play has been subpar. Thankfully that figures to change this season. While the starter has not been named, Nebraska transfer Noah Vedral figures to start as he seems to be the perfect fit for Sean Gleeson's offense, as he has a decent arm while also bringing some mobility to the position. While at Nebraska, Vedral completed 34 of 52 passes (65.3%) while also rushing for 106 yards, while serving as backup. Having to defend against a mobile quarterback should make things more difficult for opposing defenses. Artur Sitkowski could also start, and had a solid game vs Boston College last year, before sitting out the rest of the season. If Rutgers can get average to better than average play from its quarterback position, we should have a chance to win some games.
The unit with the greatest room for improvement has to be the offensive line, which struggled to create running lanes, and to pass protect. 2014 was the last time the line put together a solid season, and that is also the last time, Rutgers had a winning season. Frontline talent should be competitive, though there is little quality, experienced depth. The line is lead by 5th year Senior Right Guard Nick Krimin, who seemed to demonstrate the most improvement of any lineman, a year ago. He is joined by Right Tackle, Reggie Sutton, who proved to be an adept blocker at tight end. Center hasn't been named, though I expect it to be 5th year Senior Brendan Bordner who brings the maturity and physicality to the role. The other possibility at Center is CJ Hanson, who hasn't yet seen action as he redshirted last year. Left Guard figures to be manned by Junior College Transfer Cedrice Paillant, while Left Tackle will be Raiqwon O'Neal, who has flashed significant ability when healthy. Our OL are going to have to do lots of running, so I hope their conditioning is up to par.
While the offense figures to be a work in progress, the defense figures to take tremendous strides forward due to a more aggressive scheme, better personnel, better depth, and better coaching. The defense is headed up by Defensive Coordinator Robb Smith, who was also the DC during our Big East Championship year in 2012. Incidentally, that is also the last time we had a top notch, championship caliber defense.
I expect us to be far more aggressive than we've been in recent years, with more blitzing.
The defensive line has probably added the most talent, thanks to transfers. Michigan transfer Mike Dwumfour figures to be the Nose Tackle, and his backup is listed as Minnesota Transfer Mayan Ahanatou.
The 3 Technique Tackle is listed as Robin Jutwretan, who saw sporadic action last year, and is quite a surprise. Respect to him, because the kid has worked hard, kept his mouth shut, and transformed his body.
Excited to see what he can do. His backup is listed as Julius Turner, who probably saw the biggest improvement of any defensive lineman last year. Expecting a big season from Julius for his final year. The seasoned ends are Mike Tverdov and Elorm Lumor, with Malik Barrow and CJ Onyechi backing them up. This group should be much better against the run, as well as the pass, as i'm optimistic that we'll be able to pressure the quarterback with our four down lineman.
Linebackers seem to be our most talented, deepest, and likely best performing unit this year, thanks to a better scheme and better coaching. These guys have a chance to be terrific. They are led by 5th year Senior Middle Linebacker Tyshon Fogg, who led the team in tackles last year with 104. He is backed up by Rashawn Battle. Strongside Linebacker is Olakunle Fantukasi, and he is backed up by Tyreek Maddox Williams. Deion Jennings should be the weakside linebacker, as he has demonstrated terrific instincts, and high football IQ, though Drew Singleton could also get the starting nod. Waiting in the wings to contribute are Mohamed Toure, Zukedu Igwenagu, Chris Conti, and Tyreem Powell.
The Secondary should be solid. Led by 2019 Rose Bowl Defensive MVP, SS Brendon White, whose huge addition should solidify the defense, which has suffered from horrific safety play in recent years.
Christian Izien is the other safety who proved to be a big hitter last year, and notched 78 tackles. Junior CB Avery Young has flashed big time potential and could play on Sundays in the note too distant future.
Senior CB Tre Avery has also demonstrated to be proficient and tied for the team lead in interceptions last year with 2.
While this should be a rebuilding season, Rutgers might surprise given the talent onhand. Everything depends on the offensive line. If we can get just average play from that unit, the Indiana, MSU, Maryland, Illinois, Purdue, and the last game become winnable. PSU, UM, and OSU are probably a bridge too far, for now, but we are quickly closing the gap on those programs.
