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Pros Across the Rutgers Universe(ity)

A quick look at former Scarlet Knights in the WNBA, MLB, and CFL

By JimHoffman
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

Westerman Shining in CFL

Westerman finished his career as a Scarlet Knight with 26 QB sacks, the third highest in school history, but the most in the past 35 years.  As a pro, Westerman appeared in games for the Jets (with whom he originally signed as a free agent), Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

In 2015, Westerman signed with the Blue Bombers, and last season was a force on the team, recording 17 sacks, and named as the West Division’s most outstanding Canadian player.  He was also the sole Blue Bomber named to the CFL All-Star Team for 2015.

Beyond that, however, Jamaal is looking forward to the October 8th game in week 16, when Winnipeg takes on Jabar’s BC Lions.  This link will take you to hear Jamaal speaking about how he is looking forward to playing against his little brother.  I particularly liked seeing his homage to his time at Rutgers, of which there is a closeup at about 2:15 into the interview.  You can see his white "Chop the Moment" on his white wristband.

Jamaal’s brother Jabar is in his fourth season as a defensive end in the CFL, all of which have been for the Lions.  Jabar played for Eastern Michigan, and went directly to the CFL when his college days ended.

Frazier MLB Update

Todd Frazier, who was traded by the Reds to the Chisox this past offseason is having a good season so far, hitting .201 and has been in all but one game so far this season. Last Friday, Frazier drove in the go-ahead run against Toronto. The following day, Todd started at first base for the first time since 2014, and went 2-4 with a stolen base. It went for naught, as the Sox lost to Toronto 11-9.

Most impressively, however, Todd has hammered 21 home runs so far this season, and has done well in his primary role as DH. He trails only Mark Trumbo of the Anaheim Angels for most home runs in all of major league baseball.

Minor League News

Our latest Scarlet Knight alum in the pros, pitcher Howie Brey, notched his first-ever professional save on Friday. Brey, who was drafted by the Astros just over two weeks ago, was selected on the third and final day of the draft.  The former Rutgers ace had a bit of a scare when he gave up a home run and a walk, but settled down and secured the save for Greenville's first win of the season.

This next tweet below is great news for me personally, as Brey's new assignment is in my hometown of Albany, NY.  I'll be looking in on him as the season progresses.

WNBA News

Former Rutgers women’s basketball great Essence Carson is having a good season in the league.  In her most recent outing, Carson’s Los Angeles Sparks are 13-1, and she scored 10 points in her most recent outing, beating the Connecticut Sun by seven.

Looking at the most recent Rutgers players in the league, Kahleah Copper, drafted by the Washington Mystics missed play in their last outing due to a right hip injury, while Rachel Hollivay is still working at getting playing time.  Her minutes are increasing, and she is being used at both center and forward.

Of course, as mentioned last week in an article by Nicole Bosco (@NikBos), Cappie Pointdexter has been named one of the 20 most influential players in WNBA history.  The seven-time all-star ranks sixth all-time in points and ninth in assists.