Rutgers Football Depth Chart Week 7 v. Illinois

The song remains the same for Rutgers at the most important position on the field. After getting benched in the first half against Michigan this past Saturday, Chris Laviano is still listed as the starter at quarterback for this week against Illinois. Zach Allen and Gio Rescigno continue to be listed as co-backups. True freshman Tylin Oden remains absent from the depth chart, despite our own Griffin Whitmer’s recommendation to start the run first signal caller this week.

There were other position changes in the game against Michigan that were also not reflected on this week’s depth chart. They include running back Josh Hicks and cornerback Ross Douglas, who moved to safety for Saturday’s game due to injuries to Kiy Hester and Saquan Hampton. Hester and left tackle Tariq Cole both missed the Michigan game, but continue to be listed as starters on the depth chart. It’s also not a good sign that Hampton remains absent from the depth chart, although Chris Ash probably wants to see how he practices this week before knowing if he could even go against Illinois.

It has also become clear through the first six games of the Ash Era that the depth chart does not necessarily reflect decisions made during that week’s game. Let’s hope for a lively week of practice as Rutgers prepares to get back on track in a winnable conference game against Illinois (1-4; 0-2).

OFFENSE

QB: Chris Laviano / Gio Rescigno OR Zach Allen

RB: Robert Martin / Josh Hicks OR Justin Goodwin

TE: Nick Arcidiacono / Matt Flanagan

WR: Jawuan Harris / John Tsimis

WR: John Tsimis / Vance Matthews

WR: Andre Patton / Carlton Agudosi

LT: Tariq Cole / Zack Heeman

LG: Dorian Miller / Zach Venesky

C: Derrick Nelson / Jonah Jackson

RG: Chris Muller / Marcus Applefield

RT: J.J. Denman / Kamaal Seymour

Notes: No changes on the offensive side of the ball.

DEFENSE

DE: Darnell Davis / Jimmy Hogan OR Ron’Dell Carter

NT: Sebastian Joseph / Kevin Wilkins

DT: Darius Hamilton / Jon Bateky

DE: Julian Pinnix-Odrick /Myles Nash

WLB: Trevor Morris / Eric Margolis

MLB: Deonte Roberts / Kevin Marquez

SLB: Tyreek Maddox-Williams / Ronnie James

CB: Isaiah Wharton / Ross Douglas

FS: Kiy Hester / K.J. Gray

SS: Anthony Cioffi / Lawrence Stevens

CB: Blessuan Austin / Damon Hayes

Notes: True freshman Tyreek Maddox-Williams is listed as the starter this week for the first time and received high praise from Ash. Although he did start against Michigan, it wasn’t announced until shortly before kickoff that Greg Jones, whom he replaced, suffered a career ending neck injury against Ohio State.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: David Bonagura / Jared Smolar

P: Michael Cintron / Tim Gleeson

LS: Alan Lucy / Matthew Sportelli

Don’t worry coach, we have your back!