Rutgers Football: Week 1 Depth Chart Versus Norfolk State

Several injuries and suspensions leaves Rutgers with a different depth chart then expected at the start of training camp.  Here is the depth chart for our week 1 match-up against Norfolk State, followed by notes for each unit.

OFFENSE

QB: Hayden Rettig/Giovanni Rescigno  OR Chris Laviano

RB: Paul James OR Josh Hicks OR Robert Martin OR Justin Goodwin

FB: Sam Bergen/Razohnn Gross/ Lloyd Terry

TE: Nick Arcidiacono/Matt Flanagan OR Charles Scarff

WR: Carlton Agudosi/ Vance Matthews OR Leonte Carroo

WR: Andre Patton/Janarion Grant

LT: Keith Lumpkin/Zack Heeman

LG: Dorian Miller/Tariq Cole

C: Derrick Nelson/Zach Venesky

RG: Chris Muller/Marcus Applefield

RT: J.J. Denman/Ryan Brodie

• UPDATE: Backup fullback Razohnn Gross was suspended after his arrest.  I moved Lloyd Terry to the backup although staff have not confirmed.
• Although none of the four running backs are designated the starter, it is expected that Paul James will be the first to hit the field.  Expect all four to see significant action.  Desmon Peoples is out with a upper body injury.
• Chris Laviano is not listed as the clear backup due to his 1st half suspension.
• Although Janarion Grant is listed behind Andre Patton on the depth chart, expect him on the field for plenty of snaps.  He is essentially the #3 receiver behind Patton and Carroo, once he returns from his 1st half suspension.
• Nick Arcidiacono gets the start at tight end. I don't think Ben McDaniels will show too many different formations on offense such as a two tight end set this week, but expect to see Matt Flanagan and Charles Scarff at times, especially on the goal line.
• The offensive line is set with the five starters that were expected based on camp performance.  Flood did indicate he plans to rotate the line at times.  Expect Tariq Cole and Marcus Applefield as the first two off the bench.

DEFENSE

DE: Quanzell Lambert/Kemoko Turay

NT: Sebastian Joseph/Kevin Wilkins

DT: Julian Pinnix-Odrick/Eric Wiafe OR Jon Bateky

DE: Djwany Mera/Jimmy Hogan

WLB: Steve Longa/Deonte Roberts

MLB: Kaiwan Lewis/Isaiah Johnson

SLB: Quentin Gause/Eric Margolis OR Kevin Marquez

CB: Dre Boggs/Isaiah Wharton OR Ruhann Peele/ Ronnie James

FS: Delon Stephenson/Anthony Cioffi/ Saquan Hampton

SS: Davon Jacobs/Andre Hunt

CB: Bleassuan Austin/Jarius Adams

• UPDATE: I moved Anthony Cioffi and Isaiah Wharton to starting roles in the secondary after today's arrests and suspensions. I added Saquan Hampton as Cioffi's backup.  Cornerback there are multiple contenders for the 4th spot but according to a report by Dan Duggan, true freshman Ronnie James is the next man up.
• Quanzell Lambert moved from nose tackle to defensive end during camp and gets the start over Kemoko Turay, who is listed as questionable.  Flood expects him to play.
• As expected, Sebastian Joseph gets the start at nose tackle over Kevin Wilkins.
• It was reported that Julian Pinnix-Odrick had a great camp.  He has an opportunity to shine on Saturday, starting in place of injured captain Darius Hamilton
• Kaiwan Lewis is starting at middle linebacker and I can't wait to see the linebacker core in action together.
• True freshman Deonte Roberts is listed as the backup for Steve Longa.  He enrolled early and participated in spring practice.
• True sophomore Dre Boggs and true freshman Blessuan Austin start at cornerback.  We are young but talented.  They need as much time on the field as possible to prep for week 2 opponent, pass happy Washington State.  True freshman Jarius Adams backs up Boggs.
• Delon Stephenson and Davon Jacobs will man the back of the defense, with Anthony Cioffi expected to see plenty of action as well.  Redshirt freshman Kiy Hester is out with a lower body injury.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Kyle Federico/Chris Gough

P: Joey Roth/Michael Cintron

LS: Alan Lucy/Alex Hutchings

H: Joey Roth/Brian Verbitski

• No surprises here, as the only position battle was between Joey Roth and Tim Gleeson at punter.  Gleeson is out with a lower body injury, but it seems that Roth won the job outright anyway.
• There was no listing for kickoff and punt returners.  Expect a combination of Janarion Grant, Josh Hicks, and Justin Goodwin.