Rutgers Football Recruiting: Commits Week in Review

As we watch the Scarlet Knights week in and week out, we will continue to check in on the Knights of the future to track their success on the high school gridiron. The highlighted Class of 2018 commits will be listed in order of ranking, according to 247Sports. Here are how some of them performed this past weekend.

Artur Sitkowski - 4* Pro-Style Quarterback, IMG Academy (FL)

The most recent Rutgers commit immediately checks in as the highest rated recruit of the Class of 2018. While the commitment of Sitkowski should excite Rutgers fans, they have not been able to see the potential QB of the future on the field as of recently. Rumored to have been benched back in late September, Sitkowski has lost a majority of his snaps to Minnesota commit Zack Annexstad. Regardless, Sitkowski is still facing top-level competition in practice and potential games with IMG Academy, who defeated Hoover (Ala.) 32-21 this past weekend.

Isaih Pacheco - 3* Running Back, Vineland (NJ)

Pacheco was outstanding yet again as the lone source of offense for Vineland. In a 14-0 loss to St. Augustine, Pacheco carried the ball 21 times for 118 yards, and could have had an even bigger day if it were not for a costly penalty.

The three-star running back was ineffective as a quarterback, completing only five of 12 passes for 51 yards and two interceptions. Pacheco also chipped in seven tackles on defense.

Matthew Thomas - 3* Weakside Defensive End, Midwood (NY)

Thomas had one of the most dominant defensive performances of any Rutgers commit so far this season in a 20-6 win over Fort Hamilton.

15 tackles AND 5.5 sacks in one game?! If he was ever gone, I’d certainly agree that Thomas is back.

Jalen Chatman - 3* Dual-Threat Quarterback, Narbonne (CA)

Chatman led his team to another blowout victory, defeating Gardena (CA) by a final score of 76-0. Exiting the game early due to the score, Chatman didn’t exactly stuff the stat sheet. However, he did contribute early with a 22-yard touchdown run.

Kessawn Abraham - 3* Wide Receiver, Erasmus Hall (NY)

Abraham, as per usual, was heavily guarded by his opposition this past weekend. While he wasn’t dominate in his team’s 48-2 win over Grand Street Campus, he did show off his athletic ability with a tough, sliding catch in traffic.

Jayden McDonald - 3* Outside Linebacker, North Gwinnett (GA)

McDonald continued his excellent play in North Gwinnett’s 41-7 win in the regular season finale. The future Rutgers edge rusher was all over the field making plays, including a play in which McDonald read the read option, attacked the QB ball-carrier, ripped the ball out of his hands, and ran it back 10 yards for a touchdown.

Watch McDonald’s dominant touchdown here.

Travon King - 3* Wide Receiver, Woodrow Wilson (NJ)

King was a standout once again for Woodrow Wilson in their 68-27 win over Cumberland. On the offensive side of the ball, Wilson racked up 110 receiving yards on the night, including an 80-yard touchdown catch. King was just as good on defense, registering seven tackles along with two sacks and a forced fumble.

Christian Izien - 3* Athlete, Erasmus Hall (NY)

Izien, like his teammate Abraham, was not much of a factor this weekend. However, Izien, along with Abraham and Isaih Pacheco, attended this weekend’s win over Maryland and took to twitter to show their support.

Deion Jennings - 3* Cornerback, Timber Creek (NJ)

Jennings continues his productive season for undefeated Timber Creek, picking up three tackles in a 49-6 win despite not being targeted much throughout the night.

Be sure to check back in next week to see which future Scarlet Knights are dominating throughout their senior campaign!