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Adonis Jennings is taking his talents elsewhere. Has Kyle Flood lost some of his sales pitch due to the team struggles? In the case of Jennings, it seems that the win-loss record had little to do with his decision. Apparently, Rutgers continued to recruit the wide receiver position, which made him feel less important (or something of that nature). What was once a strength of the 2014 recruiting class has become a one-man show, leaving Saeed Blacknall as the lone top wideout. Good thing he's still around, otherwise this class would start to look a little bare.
Realistically, the losses of David Njoku and Adonis Jennings isn't as devastating as it seems. Rutgers has talent now and in the future. Leonte Carroo is destined to become a star, and Ruhann Peele is coming along as a slot threat (if he ever comes back from his time at corner). Ron Prince isn't afraid to utilize the tight ends, as Tyler Kroft is becoming a favorite target. John Tsimis, Carlton Agudosi, and Janarion Grant should provide at least one other good option too.
The real loss is to perception. Once a recruit like Deion Hallmon decides to look elsewhere, it can eliminate momentum on the recruiting trail. When two recruits do it, it looks terrible for the program. Other signees might wonder what the coach or school is doing, and might even have to answer questions based on his personal commitment, such as the case with Tyler Wiegers.
There is still plenty of time to make up ground between now and NSD. But Flood was clinging to a marquee recruiting class to offset the disappointing season on the football field. If his star recruits start to flip, many fans will begin to wonder wether the former assistant is the right man to lead them into the Big Ten.
What do you think about the de-commitments? Leave a comment below.