Clarity in the QB "Competition" | Practice Report

With their 12th practice of Spring in the books, the Rutgers football team is beginning to see some clarity at the quarterback position. Although Chris Ash said the competition was back to even, it appeared that Chris Laviano was in line to be the starter. Today, Laviano took all of the first team reps in the one hour time period when media was allowed to watch as Hayden Rettig split the second team reps with Giovanni Rescigno.

More Knightings

Today, four more players were knighted.

RS-Sr Greg Jones

RS-Sr Quanzell Lambert

RS-Jr Dorian Miller

Jr Robert Martin

Another group of four players was knighted today and it is a very experienced group. Greg Jones is a 5th-year walk on and has one of the best stories on the team. He will find plenty of playing time at SLB this year. Quanzell Lambert is a 5th-year senior who is part of the team's strongest position group and will be a key starter. Dorian Miller is the starting LG and will be one of the better players on the offensive line this year. Robert Martin is likely to be the main running back come fall.

QB Battle is winding down

Chris Ash keeps saying that the QB battle is even but that is clearly not the case. Chris Laviano once again took all of the first team snaps as Hayden Rettig split second-team reps with Giovanni Rescigno. I've said before that it seems like it is Laviano's job to lose and today's practice only confirms that. I don't expect Laviano to be named the starter purely since Chris Ash does not seem like he would name a starter until he is good enough. In Chris Ash's eyes, he is the lesser of two evils. However, he is still better than Hayden Rettig at this point.

Development at FS

There is a development going on at the FS spot on the depth chart. Saquan Hampton has been taking more snaps as the starter over Kiy Hester. Hampton earned some time at safety last year and notched an interception against Nebraska. He also made his only career start against Maryland and led the team in tackles with 9. Hampton also earned the former Douglas A. Smith Award, which is given to the most improved defensive player during spring practice.

Other Notes

• Darius Hamilton was reportedly limping around and didn't participate much
• JJ Denman was not at practice reportedly due to injury
• Chris Ash said that knightings don't dictate position on the depth chart
• Janarion Grant took some snaps at HB today