Despite not having any former players selected for the NFL Draft this weekend, Rutgers did have a pair of All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selections from last season sign free agent contracts. The New York Jets signed both defensive lineman Michael Dwumfour and safety Brendon White after the draft concluded on Saturday night. They each played just one season in Piscataway after Dwumfour transferred from Michigan and White followed Greg Schiano from Ohio State to Rutgers.
Dwumfour started eight games at defensive tackle last season and finished with 25 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss and half a sack. He was a consistent presence that opponents had to contend with along the defensive line last season and proved to be a great offseason addition by Schiano. Dwumfour’s final college stats over 41 games included 59 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four passes defended and an interception.
White started five games at safety last season and battled injuries throughout the fall. He finished with 40 tackles, two pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. White had a career-high 15 tackles against Michigan and sealed the win over Michigan State with a pick. When he was on the field, he was a big contributor and another transfer pickup that elevated the team. In his career, White had 106 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, five pass breakups, two interceptions, one sack, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 34 games.
Rutgers now has 17 former players currently on NFL rosters and Schiano has now had 85 former players who have signed NFL contracts over his two tenures as head coach in Piscataway.