Other BE schools have recently posted their fall camp rosters. Hopefully we'll have something to work with soon. Big East media day is being held in Rhode Island on July 29th. Schiano will of course be in attendance, as will Teel and Underwood. At this point, I'm waiting for release of the fall prospectus before starting my 2008 season previews.
The athletic department budget is still facing a lot of scrutiny. State budget woes have led tuition at Rutgers to increase 8.5 percent. I've covered this topic somewhat in the past. It's important not to make any short-sighted decisions like the program has so many times in the past. At the same time, they have to be cognizant of the fact that this is a tough economic climate. Rutgers professors have forecasted that New Jersey will be in recession for the next few years. Not everyone is pessimistic on this topic right now, but Yav is probably the biggest homer out there.
According to the Baltimore Sun, Willis McGahee's conditioning is a question mark for the Ravens as they enter camp. The author also expects Rice to have a bigger impact than expected, comparing him favorably to Maurice Jones-Drew. Of course, that's all predicated on him getting to camp on time.
Brian Leonard is looking to get 2008 off on the right foot. The Trenton Times also had a piece about him and his football camp over the weekend. 2007 was undoubtedly a disappoint for Leonard fans, and I sincerely hope I'm wrong in my dour assessment of the Rams in the near future and Leonard's role with the team.
Mike Teel has been named to the Davey O'Brien watchlist.
Mario Cristobal recalls his time at Rutgers. Mario is still highly-regarded for his time on the banks, and he undoubtedly is a future star of the coaching profession. Darren Rizzi similarly hopes to turn around the URI program.
CFN, in a somewhat pessimistic article, still manages to point out that Greg Schiano has gotten everything he's asked for from the athletic program. I'll make to sure to post that link the next time some random internet person pops up to claim that Schiano is halfway out the door.
Syracuse is a 12-point underdog in their opener vs. Northwestern.
The Connecticut Post predicts Rutgers to finish third in the Big East.
UNC is optimistic about their upcoming season.
Louisville fans are still looking for reasons for optimism in 2008.
The biggest Rutgers-related sporting event this week? The National Junior Disability Championships.
Quincy Douby is looking to make a name for himself in the Vegas summer league. I don't think he's going to succeed in the NBA if the Kings keep trying to make him a point guard. Ideally, I see him in an Eddie House-type role. He's more skilled than House for sure, but I really can't see his rail-thin frame holding up while playing starter's minutes.