2021 Early Signing Period: Gus Zilinskas Signs With Rutgers Football

Gus Zilinskas had been committed since May of this year so it was merely a formality for him to make it official Wednesday.

Rutgers needs pure football players at this point and Gus fits the bill even if his ultimate position is unclear. Gus comes to RU from Colorado where he was an all-state player and state champion as a junior. The Scarlet Knights don’t usually recruit the Centennial State, but a prior relationship with the coaching staff got the dialogue going. Zilinskas is a heady player which is why center and fullback seem to be his most likely destinations, although he has the toughness to end up on either line depending on how he fills out. Recruiting services are always a mixed bag with Colorado players so you will see variance in the rankings, although Rutgers needs grinders so they will be happy to get his commitment.

247 Sports Composite Ranking: 3-star; 20th in Colorado

High School Position: OL / DL / TE (6’3”, 263 lbs.)

Projected college position: FB

High School: Cherry Creek

Hometown: Englewood, CO

Most notable other offers: Wyoming, Colorado State

The Rutgers Offensive Line is a group that exceeded expectations in 2021. With the blanket year of eligibility, the hope is that all major contributors return. The depth of the group has reached its limit and good programs always bring three or four new faces in every year to ensure they will have enough guys who may develop in two or three years’ time. The Scarlet Knights faced a lot of attrition in the transfer portal last season and need to replenish the ranks so they are set up for success at all positions up front the next few years, rather than having to move players from defense or desperately searching the transfer portal.

Floor: Ray Pilch

Most likely: Sam Bergen

Potential: Sam Johnson

Check out his highlights below:

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