The first revision of the 2011 recruiting board is up, and linked at the sidebar. Updates and improvements will come in due time.
Commits
Bronx defensive tackle Al Page is the second football verbal commitment for the class of 2011, and credits his recruitment to (presumably) Facebook of all things.
"Syracuse offered me, but Rutgers was just relentless," Page said. "They just had people talking to me on websites and reaching out to me in every way. They really just showed me that I was wanted there."
Also had offers from Kansas, Maryland, and Louisville.
Andrew Campolattano is one top wrestler opting for football.
Uncommitted players
All Shore Media reporter Scott Stump confirms the offer to Red Bank Catholic's Jack Tabb, and reveals Miles Shuler's top 3.
In spite of all the speculation about Penn State, it's reassuring that Roxbury OL Angelo Mangiro drops this quote in an article discussing the factors weighing in on his recruitment.
"The one that sticks out the most is Rutgers," Mangiro said. "I get a lot of mail from a lot of schools, but they've been on me since my freshman year. I remember my coach sent the tape out and one of the coaches got back to them. Sophomore year, I had a great season. They are always e-mailing my coach and my father, too. They've probably been the most active recruiting-wise toward me."
The article also includes brief notes on Paramus Catholic DT Marquise Wright (who Rutgers does not appear to be recruiting), and Bergen Catholic ATH Tanner McEvoy (the younger brother of Rutgers walk-on Colin McEvoy).
Timber Creek HS has two big prospects this year in speedster Damiere Byrd, and linebacker Quinton Alston (who appeared to be very high on Rutgers in a Youtube video, but doesn't yet have a Rutgers offer despite strong interest from other schools). That article has mentions of several other prominent South Jersey and Philadelphia prospects, including ones from future classes. It looks like Byrd didn't make it out to Michigan's spring game over the weekend.
RB Savon Huggins doesn't want recruiting websites putting words in his mouth.
"We had a big issue with that last year when he gave an interview to a guy and some how or another, it came out that Penn State is in his top 3. I'm like whoa, whoa, whoa! Who said anything about a top 3? I called the guy back and he explained to me that it wasn't him. That his editor was the one who chose to put that title on it," said the senior Huggins.
The other top running back on RU's board, Jameel Poteat, reportedly enjoyed his unofficial visit to campus last week.
ATH Bill Belton has been making the rounds.
“Rutgers is a good school. It’s close to home. I went up there for a spring practice. They practice with a lot of intensity. The coaches work them hard and keep them moving forward.”
NY DE Ishaq Williams hasn't trimmed his list, but likes Greg Schiano.
PA LB Brandon Cottom has added an offer from Syracuse.
Rivals is now showing an offer out to Florida ATH Kevin Grooms. It seems like Tony Steward will stick with the Big 3 in Florida.
DC DL Kevin McReynolds still plans to visit Rutgers. MD OL Donovan Smith may be PSU's top OL target. On the heels of sending WR Brandon Coleman to Rutgers last winter, (Forestville, MD) McNamara High's top prospect this fall will be defensive back Nico Law. DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville looks loaded again too. OL Bobby Hart went to the Bama spring game.
FL QB Jeff Driskel committed to Florida.
Watchlist: This is a section of this site's weekly recruiting posts featuring links to players that Rutgers may or may not be showing interest in, but has not yet offered.
Ronald Baines, Deion Barnes, Paul Canevari, Blake Countess, Lamont Crews, Shawn Hoover, Tim Goodwin, Myles Jackson, John Loughery, Carmelo Perez/Jordan Lucas, and Antoine Pozniak.