Rutgers Football Out of State Offers: Part 2

The Rutgers University Football Recruiting Office, led by Head Coach Chris Ash, has been feverishly working to bring in the best high school football prospects. There seems to be an emphasis on the defensive line as they have made offers to eight out of state defensive lineman in the month of March alone. Our first part featured the offensive offers as well as linebackers and defensive backs. The rankings, offers and measurables are per the 247 Sports site. Here is our second look, in a two part series, of the offers they have made to national recruits.

Parker Devine - 3 Star Weak-Side Defensive End 6 - 4 250

Bartram Trail High School Jacksonville, Florida

Offers (19) from: Kentucky, Boston College, W. Virginia, C. Florida, Indiana

Devine has a sturdy frame that will fill out in college and allow him to play each and every technique up and down the defensive line. He utilizes his wingspan well to keep blockers from getting into his body. Kentucky seems to be the leading contender for the 3 star recruit from the Sunshine State.

Madison Norris - 3 Star Weak-Side Defensive End 6 - 4 200

Hamilton Southeastern High School Fishers, Indiana

Offers (12) from: Minnesota, Indiana, Tennessee, Purdue, Pitt, Louisville, N.C. St.

Long, lean and very athletic. Norris physically resembles former Hamilton Southeastern High and current Dallas Cowboy Randy Gregory. He has the ability to evade would be blockers and chase down ball carriers. Minnesota and new Big 10 coach P.J. Fleck are the early leaders to secure the services of this pass rusher from the Hoosier State.

Austin Smith - 3 Star Defensive Tackle 6 - 4 280

Ola High School McDonough, Georgia

Offer (18) from: N. Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Virginia, Syracuse, Cincinnati

The massive Smith showed much improvement in his technique from his sophomore to junior campaigns. Carolina and Kentucky are the co-leaders early in the recruiting process.

Mayan Ahanotu - 3 Star Strong-Side Defensive End 6 - 4 250

Berkeley Prep Tampa, Florida

Offers (24) from: Minnesota, Arizona, Maryland, Cal, Illinois, C. Florida, NC St.

Ahanotu is the strong in the strong-side defensive end position. Big enough to play inside, nifty enough to play outside. Lots of upside with this young man. Minnesota leads to way thus far for his services.

Thurman Geathers - 3 Star Weak-Side Defensive End 6 - 4 215

North Cobb High School Kennesaw, Georgia

Offers (20) from: Kansas St, NC St, Indiana, Ga. Southern, Ga. State, UNLV, Marshall,

The recruitment of Geathers appears to be wide open and I see a lot of potential for this young man. Fires off the ball keeping his pad level low and possess quick active hands making him a natural pass rusher. Could be a steal for the Scarlet Knights to scoop up this kid from a High School Football Hot Bed.

Jaylen Joyner - Unrated Weak-Side Defensive End 6 - 3 255

Jones High School Orlando, Florida

Offers (14) from: S. Carolina, C. Florida, Florida Atlantic, Marshall, Indiana, Cincinnati

Versatile defender who can line up at all of the front seven positions with his hand on or off the ground. Plays with a high motor and has a real nose for the ball.

Gregory Rousseau - 3 Star Weak-Side Defensive End 6 - 6 205

Champagnat Catholic High School Hialeah, Florida

Offers (11) from: Miami, LSU, USC, Oregon, Iowa State, W. Virginia, W. Virginia. NC St.

A high school receiver and safety projects as a collegiate defensive end. Rousseau is very long with a huge wingspan. Could be tough for any school to get him out of South Florida.

Taylor Upshaw - 3 Star Strong Side Defensive End 6 - 5 240

Braden River High School Bradenton, Florida

Offers (16) from: Vanderbilt, Navy, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Florida

Upshaw has only played one year (2016 Junior Year) of organized football. I watched three plays on film and turned it off. If there is a college football coach in America that does not offer this kid a scholarship, he should be fired. … . Immediately. The national websites that list him as a 3 star recruit are missing the boat. In horse racing, you want pedigree to “get the classic distance”. In football you want pedigree to “get to the NFL”. Taylor is the second son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Regan Upshaw. His older brother, Regan Jr. is a walk-on, red-shirt freshman at Clemson. Taylor is home schooled with a dual enrollment at St. Petersburg College. Navy doesn’t recruit kids with questionable academics or character. What more do you want? Enough said. Read for yourself.

For Part I, click here.