Ten Freshmen Make Rutgers Football’s Two Deep Against Washington

Last night, Rutgers football released their first depth chart of the season. I’ve broken out the two deep below for each unit and point out some key takeaways. The biggest one is that ten true freshmen made the two deep, as well as several redshirt freshmen. The roster desperately needed a talent infusion after last year’s 2-10 campaign. It’s clear that head coach Chris Ash and the staff are ready to infuse the young talent on the roster and that they’ll have a major impact on the team’s performance this season.

OFFENSE

QB: Kyle Bolin / Gio Rescigno OR Johnathan Lewis

RB: Gus Edwards / Robert Martin

FB: Max Anthony / Jim Brady

TE: Jerome Washington / Myles Nash OR Nakia Griffin-Stewart

WR: Bo Melton OR Everett Wormley

WR: Janarion Grant / Hunter Hayek

WR: Damon Mitchell OR Dacoven Bailey

LT: Tariq Cole / Sam Vretman

LG: Dorian Miller / Nick Krimin

C: Jonah Jackson / Michael Maietti

RG: Marcus Applefield / Zach Venesky

RT: Kamaal Seymour / Micah Clark OR Zach Heeman

Notes: There are not many surprises with the offense, but last year’s leading receiver, Jawuan Harris, is not on the two deep. However, it’s been reported throughout camp that Harris wasn’t getting a lot of reps with the first two teams. Still, the two sport athlete is a playmaker and it will be interesting how much of the field he sees on Friday, including with special teams.....Six true freshmen are on the two deep, including three wide receivers and two linemen. The three highest rated recruits brought in on offense with this class made it, which include Johnathan Lewis, Bo Melton, and Micah Clark.......It was announced late in camp, but it’s a positive sign that Marcus Applefield came back from injury and performed well enough to earn the starting spot at right guard.

DEFENSE

DE: Kevin Wilkins / Darnell Davis OR Willington Previlon

DT: Sebastian Joseph / Julius Turner

DT: Jon Bateky / Eric Wiafe OR Jimmy Hogan

DE: Kemoko Turay / Elorm Lumor

WLB: Trevor Morris / Tyshon Fogg

MLB: Deonte Roberts / Brendan DeVera or Rashawn Battle

SLB: Ross Douglas / Eric Margolis OR Brandon Russell

CB: Isaiah Wharton OR Damon Hayes

FS: Saquan Hampton / Zane Campbell

SS: Kiy Hester/ K.J. Gray

CB: Blessuan Austin / Edwin Lopez OR Kobe Marfo

Notes: No surprises with the starting defense.....There are three true freshmen on the defensive two deep, including Brendan DeVera, who has made a big impression from switching from the fullback position on offense to linebacker. Heralded recruit Tyshon Fogg backs up returning starter Trevor Morris at linebacker and could push him for the job this season, while Edwin “Tank” Lopez had a great camp and should see plenty of action in nickel and dime packages......Aside from the freshmen, several others included on the two deep will play their first college game for Rutgers this Friday. They include Julius Turner, Willington Previlon, Rashawn Battle, and Kobe Marfo.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Andrew Harte / David Bonagura

P: Ryan Anderson / Michael Cintron

LS: Billy Taylor / Alan Lucy

Notes: Updated- Minnesota transfer Andrew Harte was named the starter Tuesday afternoon .....It has already been said by Ash that true freshman Justin Davidovicz will handle kick-off duties.....The tenth true freshmen to make the two deep officially, not counting Davidovicz, is long snapper Billy Taylor. Incumbent starter Alan Lucy struggled last season and Taylor has seized the job, at least for the season opener.....Returners are not listed, but expect Janarion Grant to get his first opportunity of the season to break the NCAA record for career touchdowns returned for kick-offs & punts......There should be plenty of freshmen on the coverage teams as well, many of whom that are on the two deep.

Washington’s Depth Chart

Notes: While beat writers for Washington indicated there were no surprises on the two deep, preseason All-American linebacker, Azeem Victor, is still listed the starter. It was announced on Monday afternoon that Victor and reserve defensive back, Austin Joyner, were suspended for the Rutgers game.....Although star quarterback Jake Browning lost his favorite target from last season in John Ross, who had 17 receiving scores, watch out for receiver Dante Pettis, who caught 15 touchdowns last season.....In the run game, Rutgers will see a steady combination of Myles Gaskin and Lavon Coleman.