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Last Wednesday you voted on the most versatile player in Rutgers Football history. Here are the results with some thoughts below. For most fans, there was only one choice, they only came here only to understand the choice.
Poll
Most versatile player in Rutgers Football history.
This poll is closed
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2%
Howard Talman
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0%
Budge Garrett
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19%
Paul Robeson
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6%
Frank Burns
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8%
Bill Austin
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7%
Deron Cherry
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2%
Harry Swayne
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1%
James Jenkins
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2%
Reggie Stephens
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49%
Mohamed Sanu
Gold: Mohamed Sanu. 49% of the vote.
You don’t know what you got, til’ it’s gone. As many fans (myself included) were critical of Mohamed Sanu being used as a “Wild Knight”, we learned our lesson over the past few seasons. The Scarlet Knights were left in the dust as the run-pass option returned to prominence and the mobile quarterback became essential to competing with top flight programs. The Scarlet Knights have come around now as they have several potential dual threats in the quarterback room alongside pocket passers who can move around enough.
Sanu did not play quarterback at Rutgers, though you have to wonder if he would have had he not come in with potentially the biggest quarterback recruit in school history (Tom Savage). Savage was a successful starter as a true freshman with help from Tim Brown and Sanu (moved from defense) as receivers. Both players struggled with injuries as sophomores though Sanu did set the school record for the longest run (91 yards v Temple). Even though Savage departed, Sanu accumulated a Big East single-season record in receptions.
Silver: Paul Robeson. 19% of the vote.
Ironic that the 1919 class valedictorian got 19% of the vote this week. Robeson was comfortably in second place which is hard to argue. The All-American who Walter Camp at one point said was the best end in the history of college football played in an era of two-way football. At 6’3”, 225, he had the size that would translate in any era. For anyone who doubted his defensive intelligence, perhaps the link to him effectively inventing the outside linebacker position was enough. Or maybe people like a good rendition of the anthem; between football, law, and entertainment, he took the path (perhaps reluctantly) that made him the most recognizable at the time.
Bronze: Bill Austin. 9% of the vote.
With a late push, Fanwood native Bill Austin was able to pass Flingin’ Frank Burns and Deron Cherry. It’s hard to argue Austin who was a key contributor to team success, setting both the career rushing record and career interception record before he finished his time on the banks. Talk about hard work. It’s hard to argue against the multi-sport All-American who has popped up in many of our polls this summer. The passing TDs probably helped him get over the hump.
Notable: Fourth place was super tight between Burns and Cherry. Had a larger share of our readers been over the age of 50, Frank probably would have gotten more votes as fans remember his success as player and coach. If Cherry played just a small role on offense as a slot receiver or running back, perhaps he would have shown enough to make it interesting.
Missing in action: Howard Talman got 3% of the vote. The All-American at three different positions was surely victimized by the lack of his highlights shared on twitter during his career.
Surprising we got no comments last week, guess I didn’t miss anyone!
Thanks for participating and look for another opportunity to vote this Wednesday. The category this week is the most disruptive pass rusher in Rutgers Football history! The hint for this week’s movie theme is ... freedom!!
For all those who continue to vote, comment, and shake off criticism ...