On the Banks - Rutgers Football 2017 Season Preview HeadquartersInsomnia for the sleeping giant.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50417/onthebanks-fav.png2017-08-28T09:06:54-04:00http://www.onthebanks.com/rss/stream/159601912017-08-28T09:06:54-04:002017-08-28T09:06:54-04:00OTB Staff Round Table: Predicting The 2017 Record For Rutgers Football
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<figcaption>Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Our contributors give their thoughts on how year two of the Ash era will be on the field this season.</p> <p id="d3l1Nt">What will the regular season record for Rutgers football be in 2017? Our staff lays their cards out on the table and make their predictions here.</p>
<p id="TEsEfM"><strong>David Anderson:</strong> I’m from New Jersey, so of course I’m a pessimist. The Scarlet Knights will go <strong>4-8</strong>. If everything breaks right for them, 6 wins in 8 winnable games is mathematically possible, but I’m not sold that you can bank on other teams falling apart midseason, opposing quarterbacks getting injured to steal a win, or Michigan State being as bad as they were last year again. The offense will be leaps and bounds better but think of it this way, if the offense jumps 60 spots nationally in their efficiency they STILL won’t be in the top 50% of FBS teams. This is why you play the games which I look forward to in 2017. Winning four games keeps the needle moving, anything less would be considered a disappointment and reason for concern.</p>
<p id="aqutBR"><strong>Jim Hoffman: </strong> I think the combination of new coaching on offense, increased strength in running as well as pass receptions, QB upgrades, and a strong defensive secondary will have an impact. Quite frankly, if Janarion Grant had not been injured, I think we would have won the Iowa game as well as the Minnesota game LAST year without those upgrades listed above, so going higher is definitely possible. I’m going with <strong>5-7</strong> for sure, and a possibility of 6-6 and a bowl bid. I think they will win two of the three OOC games (I’ll let you figure out which one I don’t think we can win). Couple that with wins over conference foes Illinois, Purdue, and one of either Indiana, Michigan State, or Maryland. The road to six is taking two of those last three. Now, if Coach Ash and the 2017 Scarlet Knights want to become legends, they shock the world with a win over Michigan in Ann Arbor this year. With <a href="http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2016/12/31/michigan-football-2017-roster/96033766/">seven starters on offense gone, and nine starters on defense, as well as their all-star punter</a>, there may not be a better chance for a couple of years to catch the Wolverines in this type of situation.</p>
<p id="FVLpvS"><strong>Dave White: </strong>Last year, in the first season of the Chris Ash era, I predicted 4-8 but an optimistic 4-8. A lot of fans in the comments told me I was too pessimistic. This year, I’m predicting<strong> 4-8</strong> and an optimistic 4-8. There is a ton of things to be excited about with this edition of Rutgers football. Chris Ash has brought in a great foundational recruiting class and a lot of those players will see time this season. The skill positions have been greatly upgraded and assuming, barring injury, Kyle Bolin and Gus Edwards see the field as starters, there should be a lot of excitement. The key, of course, is the offensive line, which might not be where Rutgers wants it to be yet. Last year, the offense couldn’t stay on the field and it exhausted the defense. This year, that has to start changing. Rutgers will be in some games they weren’t in last season and I think the blowouts will begin to stabilize. While there may be one or two (and I think playing Washington to open the season is really tough), I don’t think this season will be one where fans have to cover their eyes. Look for the team to play in a couple of nailbiters that you don’t expect and maybe one of the 4 wins will be an upset! Basically, you want this season to be the one where you start staring longingly into the future. Also, here’s a no brainer prediction: Steve Pikiell will be parading a ton of recruits through High Point Solutions stadium to keep the recruiting momentum high for the hoopers. </p>
<p id="WtaMXc"><strong>Bob Cancro:</strong> Hoopers? Really?</p>
<p id="y2nRWc">I have a friend - a Rutgers grad - who follows football pretty closely and he tells me, “I have this strange feeling about the Washington game, that Rutgers could win it.” I smiled and let the orderlies take him back to his room. To write this, I just did what a friend and I used to do for years: go through the schedule saying win that one, win that one, lose that one.... I saw my evolving results and - in shock - thought I was being too optimistic. But realistically I think the team could go 5-7. The first big test isn’t U-Dub on Sept. 1, it’s Eastern Michigan the next week. A much better team than the one we beat in 2013, they will be tough. Win that one first and five wins is very manageable. The offense is the key: put some points on the board and give the D a chance to breathe. Jerry Kill seems very comfortable and very much in control. If the O-line protects and opens a few holes, we’ll be in good shape. On the loss side, I don’t see us beating OSU, PSU, or you-know-who (Mr. Khaki). Or Nebraska. But the other conference games I feel are up for grabs. Yeah, I’m good with <strong>5-7</strong> and wouldn’t we have all signed on for that after last season!</p>
<p id="Vx0RW2"><strong>Patrick Mella: </strong>Back to back two win seasons would be disappointing to say the least, but I think three to four wins is more likely with anything over that being exceeding expectations. There are too many question marks going into this season for me to go higher than four wins. I know it’s difficult to be patient and ultimately at some point you have to see the win total go up, I just think they’re still a few years away from developing Jonathan Lewis and continuing to bring in top talent on both sides of the ball.</p>
<p id="PpDLbs">But there’s still a lot to be excited about this year. On offense, I’m especially looking forward to seeing Gus Edwards run the ball and for one of the young wide receivers to emerge as a compliment to Janarion Grant. My concerns lie in the offensive line’s ability to protect Bolin and remain healthy for a full season. Everything starts up front, without that the rest is irrelevant. But if they can control the line of scrimmage, run the ball effectively and keep Bolin upright, they could squeak out an extra win or two.</p>
<p id="OUvlTt">My biggest reason for limiting the win total this year has to do with the defense. Giving up an average of 264 rushing yards per game is an astounding amount that must come down this year. We know the potential of Kemoko Turay but injuries have hindered his ability to take that next step to truly being a game changer. The corners should be the strength of the defense but even the best corners can’t cover forever. We’re going to need to see significant changes before you can start upping the win total.</p>
<p id="427Th9">The program overall though is headed in the right direction. The recruiting is coming together and it does seem like the staff and players truly have bought into Coach Ash. Just keep in mind this is a work in progress and it’s not going to happen overnight. <strong>4-8</strong> seems completely realistic with anything over four wins being icing on the cake. For bonus points I’ll go with conference wins versus Nebraska and Maryland. </p>
<p id="m_7563426432382881638AppleMailSignature"><strong>David Brown: </strong>The Rutgers Scarlet Knights may be the ultimate dark horse in the B1G. The past two seasons doesn't portray much progress but this team is heading into the right direction due to Chris Ash's proactive actions during the offseason. </p>
<p id="nAoJLq">The new hire of Jerry Kill was a power move by Ash which he can serve as an experienced offensive coordinator and a mentor to Chris Ash when it comes to the head coach position. Janarion "Batman" Grant's return to the Scarlet Knights will lift the team to tremendous heights with his dynamic talent on offense and special teams. He's the heart and soul for Rutgers and will be the ultimate playmaker for them. The secondary will be elite this year with Blessaun Austin leading the way. The addition of QB Kyle Bolin will give Rutgers a serviceable QB that can keep the offense efficient and productive. The freshmen class may be the most talented players in Rutgers recent memory. I expect Bo Melton, Tyshon Fogg and Micah Clark to make an immediate impact this year. Watch out for Johnathan Lewis because he may make an appearance and a significant facet to Kill's offense. </p>
<p id="lzndWo">Chris Ash did say "don't sleep on us" as a message to the fans. I am not sleeping on the Knights. My prediction is<strong> 5-7</strong> and that they’ll compete in more games this season. They might sneak in a bowl game. </p>
<p id="s2kQhw"><strong>Namrita Singh: </strong>The only expectation I have for Rutgers football going into the upcoming season is progress. Any signs of life would be much appreciated. The program is headed in the right direction, and I'm excited to see both the team and individual players take steps forward. Both the offense and defense look steadier, and don't forget about special teams. This season might not be all that bad (or at least as bad as last year) and I'm hoping for some good games my senior year of college. </p>
<p id="Glikk8">I'm predicting a <strong>4-8 record</strong> for the Scarlet Knights, which is a definite improvement over 2-10. 4-8 might not look like a great record (okay fine, it's not) but it would be a welcome one. I think they'll start off this season similar to last. After dropping their opening game last season to the Huskies, 48-13, I don't think they'll fare much better this year but you know I'll still be there with my student lottery ticket in hand. The student section has a <em>jacuzzi</em>; why would I <em>not </em>be in attendance? I think (I hope) they win their next two games against Eastern Michigan and Morgan State, both home games as well, and then begins their long B1G stretch (here's your not-so-friendly reminder that they went 0-9 against B1G opponents last season). But I think they'll turn things around (slightly). </p>
<p id="PJVed2">They'll win (at least) two of those games (not telling which ones) but a win against Illinois on my birthday would be nice. Purdue and Maryland are both winnable games as well. I was debating a 5-7 record but I would rather be pleasantly surprised than disappointed. My hopefully not-so-bold prediction is that the team won't be shut out even once this season. And who knows? Maybe they'll surprise us all and go Bowlin'.</p>
<p id="rdzHy8"><strong>RutgersNation: </strong>I am confident that Rutgers will show significant improvement this season, improving their record to<strong> 5-7</strong>. Offensively the Scarlet Knights have a good balance of senior leadership (Janarion Grant, Dorian Miller, Robert Martin) and young talent (Tariq Cole, Bo Melton, Jawuan Harris). Additionally, the Scarlet Knights added much needed athleticism and experience through the use of the graduate transfer rule with additions of Louisville quarterback Kyle Bolin, Miami running back Gus Edwards, and Arkansas wide receiver Damon Mitchell. Don't forget about transfer tight end Jerome Washington who was a traditional transfer from Miami. </p>
<p id="NqLEkd">Kyle Bolin is the most proven quarterback Rutgers has seen in two years. Bolin lost the starting quarterback job to Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, but still amassed 2,104 career passing yards and a 140.8 passer rating. If the running back trio of Robert Martin, Gus Edwards, and Josh Hicks can get the ground game going, it will open up the passing game for playmakers like Janarion Grant. </p>
<p id="dk7vPk">Defensively the Scarlet Knights return 8 starters, anchored by cornerback Blessuan Austin who had the most pass break-ups in 2016 since Logan Ryan in 2012. The return of Kemoko Turay is very important to a defensive line that registered only 21 sacks in 2016. </p>
<p id="AoNEJe"><strong>Scott Logan:</strong> After last season's parade of misery and humiliation, there's really nowhere to go but up... right? Forget bowl eligibility - the hope for this year has to be progress. Defensively, I have high hopes, particularly in the secondary we've heard so much about. Those guys were put through the ringer early in their careers, but they represented a glimmer of hope in what was otherwise a lost 2016 season, and they should be an even bigger bright spot on this 2017 squad. Offensively, I’m very optimistic, despite the plethora of unknowns. The return of Janarion Grant obviously breeds hope, and by all accounts, Kyle Bolin has fit in very well this team. I’m also interested to see how fellow newcomers Gus Edwards and the Mitchell brothers (fingers crossed Ahmir makes it back this year) will work with returning weapons like Harris, Hicks, Martin, etc.</p>
<p id="aAG3a2">With four legit title contenders on the schedule I'm not expecting a much-improved win-loss record, but eliminating the 78-0 and similar fiascoes would be a good start. Still, I think (hope) they’ll be good enough to get past Eastern Michigan and Morgan State, and maybe sneak in a couple conference wins over, say, Purdue and Illinois. I’ll be satisfied with <strong>4-8</strong> – and no national embarrassment losses.</p>
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<p id="MDyxK9"><strong>Griffin Whitmer:</strong> I’ve gone back and forth a lot about expectations for this season, but keep coming back to fact that this team is better than last year, but still not really good. </p>
<p id="S90FEA">The offense will definitely be better, as it is better in literally every area and Kyle Bolin is a step up from any Rutgers quarterback from the last 2 seasons. The slower tempo will also keep the defense fresh and cause it to be more effective. Damon Mitchell and Jerome Washington will be Bolin’s two favorite targets, as they are both big pass catchers. Gus Edwards and Robert Martin make a really good combo and the offensive line is also improved. Rutgers should once again look like a real offense after taking 2016 off.</p>
<p id="nhprzM">As for the defense, run defense is a huge concern once again. There are three new starters on the defensive line, including Kemoko Turay, who I am still not sold on as a three-down player. The move to defensive end for Kevin Wilkins gives them much more size, but there is still a glaring weakness on the other side. I’m a huge fan of Deonte Roberts and think he is one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten. Trevor Morris is still unproven, as he was incredibly inconsistent last year. At the strong side/hybrid spot, I don’t have a ton of confidence in Ross Taylor-Douglas, as the coaching staff was scrambling after Tyreek Maddox-Williams went down with a torn ACL. The secondary is really good, but that won’t matter if teams continue to run the ball 45 times a game against the Knights.</p>
<p id="ei0Ljk">I think Rutgers goes<strong> 4-8 </strong>and shows significant progress and lays a great foundation for what should be a strong 2018 season.</p>
<p id="TaaF0Y"><strong>Aaron Breitman: </strong>I’m confident Rutgers will be improved this season, but how their record shakes out has been a daily debate in my head for months. I firmly believe Ash had a great offseason in upgrading the coaching staff and the roster through several key grad transfers. The reality is though, this team has a lot of work to do in demonstrating major progress on the field. I’m concerned about both lines, in terms of having enough talent and depth. </p>
<p id="ci9C3Z">While the offense has the potential to be much improved and I have little doubt that Jerry Kill will be much more prepared with his game plans, the entire unit is largely unproven, with the exceptions of Janarion Grant, and to a lesser degree, Robert Martin. And Grant has to shake off the rust from missing so much time in returning from his injury. While progress has been made through recruiting and the talented newcomers will bring excitement, remember that there will be some growing pains with so many freshmen seeing action this season.</p>
<p id="bYXVia">With all that being said, I expect improvement from all three units and think Rutgers will be more competitive due having a lot more frontline talent this season. Of course, potential injuries could really weaken the roster and its depth. Look at what happened last year, when the team lost three starters by week 5. The wheels fell off. </p>
<p id="i676Pv">And yet I keep going back to the schedule and think it’s set up as well as it can be for Rutgers living in the Big Ten East. I wrote in June that the key to the season is <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/6/19/15821574/two-game-stretch-october-rutgers-football-making-progress-season-purdue-illinois-big-ten-chris-ash">the two game stretch</a> in mid October against Illinois and Purdue, which comes directly off of a bye week. If Rutgers can survive September mostly healthy, they can win those games. That would mean being 4-3 with Maryland and Indiana still on the schedule, two teams I don’t think will be as good as projected. I keep going back to last season and as painful as it was at times, Rutgers lost to three Big Ten bowl teams by only one score each (Iowa 14-7; Minnesota 34-32; Indiana 33-27). Throw in how hard this program worked in the offseason and how better prepared everyone, including Ash, is heading into year two, and I believe it pays off with a <strong>5-7</strong> record. </p>
<p id="Ge6XQi"><em>There you have it from our contributors. Now it’s your turn. Vote in our poll and sound off in the comments.</em></p>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/28/16131100/otb-staff-round-table-what-will-rutgers-footballs-record-be-in-2017-big-ten-chris-ash-janarion-grantOn the Banks2017-08-27T10:36:14-04:002017-08-27T10:36:14-04:00Rutgers Football 2017 Preview: Defensive Backs
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<figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="acy6SW">Our last positional preview covers perhaps the best overall position group on the team with the defensive backs. There are seventeen players in the Rutgers secondary and there could be some crossover between positions, based on different looks and nickel and dime packages the defense will play. During training camp, we covered what cornerbacks coach Henry Baker <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/24/16194678/rutgers-cornerback-coach-henry-baker-is-confident-in-veterans-blessuan-austin-isaiah-wharton">had to say</a> about the progress of his group, as well as what co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Bill Busch said about <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/19/16171920/rutgers-football-bill-busch-breaks-down-the-safeties-kiy-hester-saquan-hampton-kj-gray-big-ten">the safeties</a>. I’ve broken down the preview first with the cornerbacks, followed by the safeties, and then the freshmen. All are in order by jersey number. Here we go.</p>
<h2 id="IK8gCG">Cornerbacks</h2>
<h3 id="bkcQke">#4 Tre Avery (5’10”, 170 lbs) Redshirt Freshman</h3>
<p id="d3RSq8">Avery will sit out this season due to transfer rules, after <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/7/31/16060868/rutgers-football-adds-former-ohio-state-signee-tre-avery-as-transfer-kareem-felder-toledo-alabama">he joined the program</a> earlier this summer. Formerly named Kareem Felder before changing it to Tre Avery, he originally signed out of high school with Ohio State and was recruited by Rutgers head coach Chris Ash there. Avery never enrolled and ended up at Kent State for his freshman year, but did not play. He is a former 3-star recruit who had multiple power five offers, so he could end up having a big role in the future.</p>
<h3 id="sQVerm">#10 Blessuan Austin (6’1”, 195 lbs) Junior</h3>
<p id="7PlRbx">Quite simply, Austin is the best defensive player on the team and could really make a name for himself in the Big Ten this season. Last season, he was second in the conference with 15 pass breakups and was named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection by the media. Austin also registered 41 tackles, an interception, a sack, and a fumble recovery. He took a big step forward as a sophomore in Ash’s press coverage scheme and Austin could be even better this season. Hopefully, he can turn more of those pass break-ups into interceptions, as the defense needs to force more takeaways in 2017. He has a chance to lead a secondary that is the program’s best since the loaded group of 2012, most of whom roam the field on Sundays now.</p>
<h3 id="1V3rPo">#11 Isaiah Wharton (6’1”, 205 lbs) Junior</h3>
<p id="CrTrHP">He has started every game the past two seasons and finished with 46 tackles, five of which were for a loss, five pass break-ups and one interception last year. Wharton, like Austin, has gotten better every year and together, the duo has a chance to be one of the best in the Big Ten this season. He also performed fairly well in press coverage and if he can continue to improve as an open field tackler, Wharton will be even better in 2017.</p>
<h3 id="vDSadZ">#16 Jelani Garvin (5’8”, 175 lbs) Redshirt Freshman</h3>
<p id="puObHq">Garvin played high school at Northern Highlands and redshirted last season after walking on to the program. He played some wide receiver during the spring game, which he also played in high school, but his primary position has always been as a defensive back. I really don’t know what his role has been in training camp, but if he contributes anywhere this season, it will likely be on special teams.</p>
<h3 id="GggAn3">#18 Damon Hayes (6’1”, 198 lbs) Sophomore</h3>
<p id="7CX6PJ">Hayes was a true bright spot among the newcomers last season and was named an Honorable Mention to the Big Ten Network’s All-Freshman team. His big play ability was apparent when he jumped a receiver and returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown against Minnesota. He also registered 25 tackles, two for a loss, and had three pass break-ups. Although Hayes won’t start ahead of Austin and Wharton, he will see plenty of action in passing formations this season. I really love his potential and am excited to see him play with more experience under his belt this season.</p>
<h3 id="1I3OSR">#27 Kobe Marfo (5’10”, 190 lbs) Junior</h3>
<p id="ZNAwU2">We will get to see Marfo on the field for the first time this season, as the former JUCO player transferred in last spring and redshirted in 2016. He has long arms and could be a solid option behind the group of corners on the roster. Hopefully he can get his feet wet early on in the season, in hopes that he can be factor off the bench in Big Ten play.</p>
<h2 id="PPHyWB">Safeties</h2>
<h3 id="RvaMbD">#2 Kiy Hester (6’0”, 208 lbs) Redshirt Junior</h3>
<p id="qYWwbT">The former Miami transfer has played in 18 games, starting 11, over the past two seasons. He has battled minor injuries in the past, but is now entrenched as the starter at strong safety, although he has experience at both positions in the back of the defense. Last season, Hester totaled 52 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, had three pass break-ups and registered one sack in the last game against Maryland. If Hester can stay healthy and be a consistent presence on the field in 2017, the Rutgers defense will be better off for it. Hester can also be a big hitting presence that this defense needs.</p>
<h3 id="B0eNbf">#9 Saquan Hampton (6’1”, 207 lbs) Redshirt Junior</h3>
<p id="o2O5HP">Like Hester, Hampton also missed four games last season and his presence was sorely missed in the early part of the season. In seven starts at free safety, Hampton produced 46 tackles, three for a loss and grabbed one interception. He played really well down the stretch last season once he regained his health. If Hampton, like Hester, can stay on the field this season, the Rutgers secondary has a chance to be one of the best in the Big Ten.</p>
<h3 id="WDsAAa">#17 KJ Gray (6’1”, 205 lbs) Sophomore</h3>
<p id="jqqjUd">The former St. Peter’s Prep star played ten games last season off the bench and had 15 tackles, two fumble recoveries and one interception. Gray could take a big step forward this season and will see plenty of action in passing formations. His versatility is a strength for the defense.</p>
<h3 id="Gc6xRD">#29 Larry Stevens (5’8”, 190 lbs) Redshirt Freshman</h3>
<p id="hN9hVs">This guy came out of nowhere last year and made an impact on special teams in coverage early on, before suffering a season ending injury before Big Ten play began. The former Don Bosco Prep player had a knack for being in the right place at the right time and is likely to make his biggest impact on special teams again this season. </p>
<h3 id="vgrMMQ">#37 Zane Campbell (6’1”, 194 lbs) Redshirt Senior</h3>
<p id="3iytZv">The former Division III player made his Rutgers debut last season but didn’t make much of an impact. He is likely to be listed as a backup safety on the two deep for the Washington game. Busch did say Campbell was “playing very well” in camp, so it seems he will have an opportunity to make an impact this season. How much separation there is between him and the freshmen remains to be seen.</p>
<h3 id="erfrxc">#46 Davante McDuffie (6’0”, 198 lbs) Redshirt Senior</h3>
<p id="yzq9KK">McDuffie played high school ball for Bergen Catholic, but didn’t join Rutgers until last season, when he redshirted. I haven’t heard anything on McDuffie during camp, but he adds depth to the secondary.</p>
<h2 id="6mKLBB">Incoming Freshmen</h2>
<h3 id="qnhlWw">#24 Naijee Jones (5’11”, 195 lbs) </h3>
<p id="FnYDb1">Jones has been praised by co-defensive coordinator Bill Busch during training camp and looks to be a solid addition to the safeties group. It remains to be seen how much time certain freshmen will see this season, but Jones seems to have put himself to be in a position to be considered. He could also find time at special teams as well.</p>
<h3 id="w8Nz3m">#31 Edwin Lopez (5’11”, 175 lbs) </h3>
<p id="4q4ORA">Nicknamed the “Tank”, Lopez has impressed during his first training camp at Rutgers. Busch said he was “very happy” with his play this summer, but nothing has been said about his role this season. It does seem like he is likely to see the field in some capacity, which could include special teams as well. Lopez is one of the most exciting newcomers on the roster.</p>
<h3 id="EOndKF">#32 Rani Abdulaziz (5’10”, 176 lbs)</h3>
<p id="E8968n">Out of West Essex high school, Abdulaziz is a walk-on and it hasn’t been clear whether he has seen more time at cornerback or safety during camp. He could see time on special teams, but he is also a likely candidate to redshirt this season.</p>
<h3 id="TgEjb0">#33 Tim Barrow (5’11”, 185 lbs) </h3>
<p id="lLQJHZ">Barrow is another newcomer who has made a positive impression in his first training camp, with Busch saying he has done a “great job”. Having so many freshmen compete and hold their own so early in their careers is a really great sign for the recruiting haul the staff has brought in. Barrow could see time this season at safety and special teams as well.</p>
<h3 id="1R0tMw">#34 Parker Day (5’8”, 187 lbs)</h3>
<p id="QrMtCy">Day is another walk-on and helped lead Toms River North to an 11-1 record as a running back last season. However, he is listed as a defensive back on the Rutgers roster. He hasn’t been mentioned during training camp, so I’m not sure of his role moving forward. Don’t be surprised to see the athlete show up on special teams at some point this season.</p>
<h2 id="UFMsW0">Takeaways</h2>
<p id="dnWxIO">It’s no secret that the secondary should be the strength of the defense this season. Isaiah Wharton and Blessuan Austin get well deserved attention at the corner spots and have a chance to be have tremendous years for Rutgers. However, if Kiy Hester and Saquan Hampton can stay healthy and show growth at the safety positions, the secondary could approach elite status this season. </p>
<p id="O8pd0t">With returning sophomores Damon Hayes and K.J. Gray having the potential to build on the promise they flashed at times during last season, there is depth in the secondary as well. Older players like Zane Campbell and Kobe Marfo could make an impact as well. It remains to be seen if any of the true freshmen will see time in the back of the defense this season, but it’s encouraging that players like Edwin Lopez, Tim Barrow, and Naijee Jones have made a positive impression so far. </p>
<p id="cCwjdC">If the Rutgers defense can improve against the run this season and opposing quarterbacks are forced into more passing situations, the secondary is well equipped to handle it. After seeing players like Austin, Wharton, Hester, and Hampton thrown into the fire during the 2015 campaign and experience growing pains, it’s satisfying to know they all have worked hard to improve and have a chance to really shine this season. They will serve as good mentors for the younger group of defensive backs as well. </p>
<p id="Ppt80B">While there are still a lot of questions regarding how good the Rutgers defense will be this season, there is little doubt the secondary is the unquestioned strength of the unit. Another year in Ash’s press coverage system should only benefit their play on the field. They will be tested immediately in the season opener against #7 Washington this Friday, but it will be exciting to see them have a shot at redemption after giving up three long touchdown passes from Jake Browning in the first quarter in that game last season. How the secondary performs, both against the Huskies, as well as the Big Ten, will help determine how much progress Rutgers makes on the field in 2017. I’m optimistic that the play of the secondary will be an obvious sign this team is much improved this season.</p>
<h2 id="bXOQLm"><strong>Our Complete List Of Positional Previews:</strong></h2>
<h3 id="dvBLrH"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/7/27/16033800/rutgers-football-2017-preview-wide-receivers-jerry-kill-janarion-grant-jawuan-harris-damon-mitchell"><strong>Wide receiver</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="c0p1Ia"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/6/16099826/rutgers-football-2017-preview-defensive-line-joseph-kemoko-turay-davis-hogan-bateky-wilkins-nash"><strong>Defensive line</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="ahVxtx"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/9/16104740/rutgers-football-2017-position-preview-tight-ends-chris-ash-jerry-kill-big-ten"><strong>Tight end</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="LTqA5J">
<a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/10/16100618/rutgers-football-2017-preview-linebackers-roberts-morris-maddox-williams-fogg-taylor-battle-onyechi"><strong>Linebacker</strong></a><strong> </strong>
</h3>
<h3 id="RAPqRY">
<a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/14/16105292/rutgers-2017-football-preview-special-teams-big-ten-vince-okruch"><strong>Special Teams</strong></a><strong> </strong>
</h3>
<h3 id="HH4kID"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/16/16108912/rutgers-football-2017-preview-offensive-line-cole-miller-jackson-seymour-applefield-venesky-clark"><strong>Offensive Line</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="yFOlCO"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/24/16155350/rutgers-football-2017-preview-running-back-edwards-martin-hicks-snorweah-barnwell-blackshear-anthony"><strong>Running Back</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="ctGKUm"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/26/16142756/rutgers-football-2017-preview-quarterbacks-kyle-bolin-gio-rescigno-johnathan-lewis-jerry-kill"><strong>Quarterback</strong></a></h3>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/27/16113194/rutgers-football-2017-preview-defensive-backs-blessuan-austin-isaiah-wharton-kiy-hester-hamptonAaron Breitman2017-08-27T08:28:51-04:002017-08-27T08:28:51-04:00Rutgers Assistant Vince Okruch provides TE and Special Teams updates
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Rutgers at Minnesota" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cwREQ2YpdYlgHlDKU9xTzhuKD1w=/0x0:4455x2970/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56382323/usa_today_9624458.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bonagura is in the three man kicker race | Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kicker still wide open just a week from first game</p> <p id="kvwD7Z">Continuing the training camp rotation of every position coach meeting the press, this time it was Vince Okruch. He has a variety of experiences in his career most notably stops as the defensive coordinator at Colorado and later Illinois. At Rutgers, he was the <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2015/12/9/9882702/rutgers-hires-okruch-as-new-special-teams-coordinator">first assistant to join</a> Chris Ash’s staff when Ash took the job in December 2015. For the second consecutive year, Okruch coaches the special teams as well as the tight ends / fullbacks. </p>
<p id="CPoqve">Coach Okruch stated transfer Ryan Anderson will handle punts and true freshman walk-on Justin Davidovicz the kickoff role. On the other hand, placekicker is still wide open between another transfer, Andrew Harte, Davidovicz, and returning starter David Bonagura. Assessing the placekickers specifically, they are “basically a percentage point or two apart. Coach [Ash] has created a lot of pressure situations and no one has been consistent enough to be named the starter.” “The deciding factor is when ... they gotta run out there in a middle of practice and convert a field goal.” “Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t.” “I don’t know which guy it will be.”</p>
<p id="fdLD2W">Okruch was asked if it’s a possibility to use two players in a game which he responded with one of his best soundbites, “Gosh I hate to approach that but that’s always a possibilty. Anytime you are in a competitive environment if you aren’t performing they way you want to perform, you have to look at the next guy.” “You don’t want a two kicker deal.”</p>
<p id="spALGU">With the punters, Okruch explained why graduate transfer Anderson has earned the starting job. “Ryan has greater distance. He kicks a deeper ball, seven to ten yards further.” Okruch indicated Cintron has improved as fall camp has done on and their “hang time is similar”, but Anderson was an All-American at Olivet College last season for a reason. </p>
<p id="o9ShT0">The conversation naturally shifted to kick coverage which has been a point of emphasis. “That’s the method to the madness. The more athletic you are, the better you will be on your coverage units.” Specifically pressed on whether true freshman will see time on these units, Okruch smirked, “Could be, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to tell you or not.” </p>
<p id="j4pT2I">Previously mentioned by <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/24/16194678/rutgers-cornerback-coach-henry-baker-is-confident-in-veterans-blessuan-austin-isaiah-wharton">Coach Baker’s interview</a> a few days earlier, Eddie “Tank” Lopez came up in this vein. “He’s a young man who runs very fast, he has no fear, and he’s a solid tackler. So he’s a guy who can play special teams early.” “If you are a gunner on punt team you have one thing to do.”</p>
<p id="KViRzf">Long snapper is a battle too. Alan Lucy, a rare scholarship long snapper has held the job since he arrived in Piscataway. He has some competition and not in the form of Matthew Sportelli, but rather “Billy Taylor [who] just showed up for camp this fall.”</p>
<div id="EXEt5W"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Zyx1fpTHH0?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="hriOhi">Moving on to #1, “I’ve been doing this almost 40 years and [Janarion] is one of the best I have been around. I don’t know if people see Janarion the way we see him. He’s competitive and demands excellence out of his teammates.” “He can change a game single-handedly on returns.” For those new here or if you want to feel good about being a Rutgers fan for a minute, check out the video above by OTB contributor RutgersNation86. </p>
<p id="5vVtzb">Okruch’s other responsibilities were highlighted when questioned about how the tight ends pecking order is shaping up. Okruch put his hand way above his head and said, “Washington here”, then returned it back to eye level and remarked, “depends on what we are doing.” He has "all the confidence in the world” in in Myles Nash who came over from defense because “we needed him to do it.” “You need more than two to play two.” “Nakia needs to get more consistent, he has good days then he has average days.”</p>
<p id="HOsGaW">When pressed why there was optimism in more production out of the <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/9/16104740/rutgers-football-2017-position-preview-tight-ends-chris-ash-jerry-kill-big-ten#comments">tight end group</a> tight end group, he replied, "there a combination. Jerome's ability as an athlete and a pass-catcher," Okruch continued, "and also the offense is more tight end-friendly. We're willing to throw the 4-6-yard route, let them catch it, get what they can get (and) move the chains that way.", he replied, "there a combination. Jerome's ability as an athlete and a pass-catcher," Okruch continued, "the offense is more tight end-friendly. We're willing to throw the 4-6-yard route, let them catch it, get what they can get (and) move the chains that way."</p>
<p id="Bd1WI0">Okruch had some insight into how Chris Ash has learned going into year two, especially after a rough year one. “A year of experience is a tremendous asset.” “The fact that it was a difficult year.” We got a little more gray and a little more wrinkled.” Chris’s schedule is “meticulous” including to coaches and players rest.</p>
<p id="oorGRS">The H-back discussion mentioned “Max Anthony would get reps, Solomon Manning to learn the position and Jim Brady has gotten reps.” “We are very comfortable playing with a fullback. We are very comfortable playing with a second tight end.” “This early in the season let the defense figure out what we are going to do.” “That’s for us to know and them to figure out.”</p>
<p id="F0Mr17"><strong>Takeaways:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="FSQ7uh">Ryan Anderson should be an excellent punter and the staff feels more confident in Cintron than a year ago.</li>
<li id="S0QTzm">Field goals may be an adventure again, but kickoffs should be more stable. </li>
<li id="o79BL7">Not sure how much Alan Lucy is being pushed for his job, but why not have competition?</li>
<li id="CPt32L">Janarion Grant should get return opportunities, despite coming off the injury. </li>
<li id="MQHJJV">Jerome Washington is as impressive as we thought in practice. Now we get to see him in games. </li>
<li id="2aVpXp">This offense will truly be multiple, which is probably the best thing for this offense. </li>
<li id="uI47HS">Interesting to know Solomon Manning moved over to offense, as that completely came out of left field. Linebacker was thought to be a deep spot especially with freshmen, but if DeVera is still at LB and now a defensive end is moving over, the staff are continuing to work to find the best way to utilize its personnel.</li>
</ol>
<div id="3CsW64"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PJTdNfHbfew?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/27/16209952/rutgers-coach-okruch-provides-te-and-special-team-updates-anderson-davidovicz-lucy-lopez-washingtonRUready4Brazil2017-08-26T09:28:36-04:002017-08-26T09:28:36-04:00Rutgers Football 2017 Position Preview: Quarterbacks
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<figcaption>Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="J8xKos">Our positional preview series continues with a position that has some clarity as the preseason is winding down. OK, we all know who the starting quarterback is for the opening of the 2017 season. The message that Bolin would be the starter was sneaking out about two weeks ago, as it became apparent to visitors to the camp that Bolin was the main guy with the first team.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bolin, Rescigno & Lewis have all had 1st team reps but Bolin has had the bulk <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rutgers?src=hash">#rutgers</a></p>— Keith Sargeant (@KSargeantNJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSargeantNJ/status/896396665241907200">August 12, 2017</a>
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<p id="K97aVt">With the <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/21/16159894/kyle-bolin-named-rutgers-starting-quarterback-big-ten-louisville-jerry-kill-chris-ash-gio-rescigno">announcement finally being made this week</a> that Kyle Bolin has been named the starter for the team, we have an opportunity to look at the five scholarship quarterbacks on the roster eligible in 2017, as well as how they have each come to this point in their collegiate careers.</p>
<h2 id="9FylPa">#9 Kyle Bolin (6’2”, 212 lbs.)</h2>
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Louisville at Boston College" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Rh1v7dGhlfzRWZZPFJgUSf12hFo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9088587/usa_today_9654734.jpg">
<cite>Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="vgGpzt">With the arrival of Kyle Bolin this season, the graduate transfer from Louisville added experience and skills to the group of players in the mix. The newly-announced starter redshirted as a freshman for the Cardinals, but started in five games as a redshirt sophomore, compiling a 3-2 regular season record. Due to injuries, the Lexington, Kentucky native Bolin started as a redshirt freshman in the 2014 Belk Bowl, where Louisville was beaten 37-14, due more to Louisville’s inability to stop Georgia’s running game than any fault of Bolin. With the arrival of 2016 Heisman Award winning QB Lamar Jackson, Bolin was relegated to a backup role, and came to Rutgers to have a final opportunity to be a starting quarterback on a P5 team. With a 58.8 completion rate, with 13 TDs against 10 INTs, he is the strongest, most experienced QB currently on the roster. A good stat to know he has yet to commit a fumble in the 15 games in which he appeared as a Louisville Cardinal. Let’s hope that continues.</p>
<p id="sF1B6o">Bolin’s success this year will be due (at least in part) to the ability of new offensive coordinator Jerry Kill’s ability and desire to tailor an offense around the skill-set of the players on the roster. Last year’s initial starter Chris Laviano was like Bolin, a pro-style quarterback, and former OC Drew Menniger’s inability or refusal to work with his QB’s strengths had a hand in Laviano’s inability to move the ball last season. Bolin’s being named as the starter will hopefully bear better fruit than the 2016 season!</p>
<p id="ibIBji">Below is a clip from probably one of Kyle Bolin’s best games as a starter in 2015 against Syracuse. Perhaps it is just me, but I always like to watch clips where teams in red beat the Orange.</p>
<div id="nanHrX"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kz7DezWXuD0?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="9xdQCQ">#11 Johnathan Lewis (6’3”, 240 lbs.)</h2>
<p id="eeeS58">True freshman Johnathan Lewis is considered by most to be the <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/2/1/14438450/rutgers-football-national-signing-day-lewis-st-peters-prep-lucas-quaterback">quarterback of the future at Rutgers</a>, although many wondered if the future begins this year. It has still not been announced officially whether or not Lewis will be redshirted this year. The top-ranked quarterback in New Jersey (also ranked #2 in the East by Scout) has the size, strength, and speed to be the dual-threat quarterback that Head Coach Chris Ash envisions as his ideal QB.</p>
<p id="IME1vU">Lewis’ high school stats are impressive, to say the least. While at St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, the East Orange, NJ native led the Marauders to an 8-4 record and an appearance in the NJSIAA Non Public, Group 4 Championship game in 2016. Lewis had 1,557 passing yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 992 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground. He was named to the first Team All-State and All-Non Public by the Newark <em>Star-Ledger</em>. As a junior, Lewis passed for 1,669 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 501 rushing yards. </p>
<p id="chficT">While these are high school highlights, it is clear to see that Lewis is a very special player, and the future of the position at Rutgers is indeed bright if he is able to meet the large expectations over the next four years.</p>
<div id="bPnKX5"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lGPYCVElRoQ?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="K3FFnD">#12 Zach Allen (6’3”, 212 lbs.)</h2>
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Michigan at Rutgers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YdqI-cx8jInNsbKvfuAwpYO3NIY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9088941/usa_today_9597067.jpg">
<cite>Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="nEgXor">The redshirt senior Allen has had a challenging collegiate career. Following graduating from Temple High School in Temple, TX, Allen moved on the TCU where he redshirted as a freshman, and then did not see any action as a quarterback for two consecutive seasons. Graduating early, Zach was a graduate transfer to Rutgers in 2016 with two season of eligibility remaining. Last year, he was used sparingly, appearing in the victory against New Mexico and the loss against Michigan. While only in for one series against New Mexico, he played in the fourth quarter of the devastating 78-0 loss to the Wolverines. He threw 10 passes and ran 11 times in that game.</p>
<p id="zKmdGH">During Spring practice this past April, Allen injured his ACL, and chose to rehab the injury rather than face season-ending surgery. Should the rehab of his injured knee prove to be unsuccessful, his only option going forward would be to apply for medical eligibility to play for a sixth season in 2018.</p>
<h2 id="cgVzcs">#14 Rob Nittolo (6’0”, 216 lbs.)</h2>
<p id="CtbAUe">Nittolo is a graduate transfer from Southern Connecticut State with two seasons of eligibility remaining. The Palm Beach Gardens, FL native is not unknown in New Jersey however. He played his senior year of high school at Hillsborough High School, so he is now just 13 miles from where he played in high school. Though one season, he was prolific that year, scoring 27 touchdowns either in the air or through rushing, with a total of just under 2,600 yards in that season. In college, after a redshirt season at James Madison, Nittolo transferred to Southern Connecticut, where in his first season of play was named the ECAC Offensive Rookie of the Year, where he threw for 19 TDs against 11 INTs for just under 2000 yards on the season.</p>
<p id="guuUnK">Below is a clip of his record-setting performance against Assumption, where he smashed a record set in 1990</p>
<div id="p5e9bX"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iCXK4-9IR2E?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="G5KW4B">#17 Giovanni Rescigno (6’3”, 228 lbs.) </h2>
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Rutgers at Maryland" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4Lh-Vx74ip3qJM4qomTyX1tHpPQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9089199/usa_today_9718877.jpg">
<cite>Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="Cmkwx8">Gio is entering his third season on the roster in Piscataway. The Macomb Township, MI native played at De La Salle High School, and started at quarterback as a senior and passed for 1,396 passing yards with 15 touchdowns in nine games. He also rushed for 512 yards on the ground with five more TDs.</p>
<p id="TNnmKV">While he redshirted his first season at Rutgers, and did not see action as a redshirt freshman, last season he took over the starting position as the season progressed, starting for the final five games of the season when 18 game starter Chris Laviano was benched after a mostly ineffective start to the 2016 season. Gio completed 56.2% of his passes last season for five touchdowns, and ran for two touchdowns as well. His ability to run was hobbled in the game against Minnesota, where he injured his hamstring. For the rest of the season, his running was mostly ineffective due to that injury.</p>
<p id="Y6FbxT">The clip below is a mix of Rescigno’s 2016 highlights. The first play in the clip is Gio’s first-ever collegiate rushing attempt, which he took to the house for a 47 yard score.</p>
<div id="C2QKRv"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EY9n5T2vblI?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="LazSlJ">#19 Tom Flacco (6’1”, 185 lbs.)</h2>
<p id="SYebYT">Flacco has <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/7/27/16049176/report-western-michigan-qb-tom-flacco-transferring-to-rutgers-chris-ash-big-ten-eastern-jerry-kill">recently transferred to Rutgers</a> from Western Michigan, where he left following the departure of head coach P.J. Fleck, who left (with a majority of the coaching staff) for Minnesota in January of this year. The Voorhees, NJ native comes from a family of athletes, with his older brothers Joe (QB for Baltimore Ravens), John (former safety for Stanford), and Mike (who played minor league ball, and short stints in the NFL) all demonstrated their athletic abilities as well.</p>
<p id="1SRpdg">Tom played in 13 games over two seasons at Western Michigan, and due to transfer rules will sit out the 2017 season. He will have two years of eligibility left after his year off. </p>
<p id="1UCODB">Below is a clip of Tom scoring his first collegiate touchdown, a short running play against Murray State:</p>
<div id="V4Qysl"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y9ZbttjSAuw?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="pmUnaf">Predictions:</h2>
<p id="m8AvxB">The announcement regarding a starter has already been made, as well all know at this point. However, as <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/22/16182192/rutgers-football-backup-quarterback-real-battle-kyle-bolin-gio-rescigno-johnathan-lewis-jerry-kill">Aaron Breitman stated in an article</a> the day after the starter announcement was made, the real battle now will be for the #2 position. After Bolin, the order of quarterbacks would need to be, in this order: Gio Rescigno, Jonathan Lewis, Zach Allen and Rob Nittolo. </p>
<p id="CVmdTX">The main decision to be made is whether to redshirt Johnathan Lewis. Logic would say to give Johnathan the additional year to learn the system, get used to the much faster pace of Big Ten football over what he experienced in high school, and fight for a starting position next year after Bolin leaves. Keep in mind that Chris Ash may have dangled the “you’ll get to play early at Rutgers” card at the Lewis family when recruiting him, so a redshirt may not be a option the coaching staff wants to explore.</p>
<p id="gfgyQw">Additionally, the combination of Gio and Johnathan as the backup provides a variety of styles for which opposing teams must prepare. It will also give both of them opportunities to get some playing time, and keep sharp with game experience. Besides, there is no guarantee that there will not be injuries, and you want your backups ready to go if that situation occurs.</p>
<p id="Xs70bw">If both Lewis and Allen ultimately are not in the mix this year, due to the potential for one redshirting and the other’s health, then there will be three eligible quarterbacks for the coming year, and the order of play is simple, with Bolin, Rescigno, and Nittolo, in that order.</p>
<p id="S4RJiS">It will be an interesting season for sure, one far different than the one faced just a year ago. If Bolin can be effective and play unhurt, he has a strong cast of running backs and receivers with which to move the ball. They all depend, of course, of the ability of the offensive line giving the backfield enough time to execute the plays, something that was in short supply last year. If that is able to occur, we may see a Rutgers offense that is the most effective one on the field since 2014.</p>
<h3 id="bXOQLm"><strong>Don’t Miss the Other Previews in our Series:</strong></h3>
<h3 id="dvBLrH"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/7/27/16033800/rutgers-football-2017-preview-wide-receivers-jerry-kill-janarion-grant-jawuan-harris-damon-mitchell"><strong>Wide receiver</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="c0p1Ia"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/6/16099826/rutgers-football-2017-preview-defensive-line-joseph-kemoko-turay-davis-hogan-bateky-wilkins-nash"><strong>Defensive line</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="ahVxtx"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/9/16104740/rutgers-football-2017-position-preview-tight-ends-chris-ash-jerry-kill-big-ten"><strong>Tight end</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="LTqA5J">
<a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/10/16100618/rutgers-football-2017-preview-linebackers-roberts-morris-maddox-williams-fogg-taylor-battle-onyechi"><strong>Linebacker</strong></a><strong> </strong> </h3>
<h3 id="RAPqRY">
<a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/14/16105292/rutgers-2017-football-preview-special-teams-big-ten-vince-okruch"><strong>Special Teams</strong></a><strong> </strong> </h3>
<h3 id="HH4kID"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/16/16108912/rutgers-football-2017-preview-offensive-line-cole-miller-jackson-seymour-applefield-venesky-clark"><strong>Offensive Line</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="APQKyJ"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/24/16155350/rutgers-football-2017-preview-running-back-edwards-martin-hicks-snorweah-barnwell-blackshear-anthony"><strong>Running Back</strong></a></h3>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/26/16142756/rutgers-football-2017-preview-quarterbacks-kyle-bolin-gio-rescigno-johnathan-lewis-jerry-killJimHoffman2017-08-24T13:00:04-04:002017-08-24T13:00:04-04:00Rutgers Cornerback Coach Henry Baker Is Confident In His Veterans
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<img alt="Rutgers v Minnesota" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/54Kp09-7K5toDWT3BfOdMLFn_b0=/0x281:2260x1788/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56345315/617284728.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="CTQOEr">As the season and school year approaches, the Rutgers football players are preparing themselves to learn on and off the field. As students, they are preparing themselves to take notes and pull all nighters to brace themselves for exams. The student athletes are preparing to apply the knowledge they’ve learned on the field from last season to the grid iron this year. </p>
<p id="7AcivZ">Cornerbacks coach Henry Baker is imploring that the secondary learns from their mistakes from the past. The Scarlet Knights have vivid memories of how their week one opponent scorched them a year ago. The Washington Huskies scored a whopping 48 points on the Knights in the 2016 opener. Baker emphasized that his veteran corners have grown and are skilled enough to right their wrongs. Baker knows that he is fortunate to have Blessuan Austin anchoring his secondary. Austin is the only Rutgers player to receive Big Ten preseason honors. Baker is very optimistic that his other players are ready to step up as well. </p>
<p id="LJxUC9">When asked if the team watches film of the big touchdown plays the secondary let up against the Huskies last season, Baker stated “Only to reiterate how far they’ve come”. Coach wants his team focus on the task in front of them. Baker has confidence that his returning corners are ready to play hard and are committed to getting better. </p>
<p id="ndVh6e">Baker praised the intelligence of junior defensive back Isaiah Wharton, whom he called “cerebral and methodical”. He trusts Wharton to be a leader on the field. </p>
<p id="S4pJnd">When asked about Damon Hayes, coach expressed how his physical attributes are a huge help on the field. Baker believes Hayes speed and length is “key for the slot”. Coach Baker referred to Hayes as a “production magnet”. Hayes physical gifts give him the ability to be used in blitzing situations. </p>
<p id="W4OKc4">Baker did elude to Edwin Lopez and Tim Barrow making strides in the competition for defensive back positions. He is impressed with these two players and their willingness to take on roles on special teams and compete.</p>
<p id="fxKCze">The upbeat attitude and confidence from the cornerbacks coach is great for Rutgers fans. Suring up mistakes and focusing on progress is a focal point of the game plan going into the season. Coach knows his players and seems to be impressed by the growth of his team. As the season approaches, his players are fired up and prepared learn from every loss. </p>
<div id="MGuuXh"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fzbwG3Wiy50?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/24/16194678/rutgers-cornerback-coach-henry-baker-is-confident-in-veterans-blessuan-austin-isaiah-whartonRob Mckoy2017-08-24T09:30:02-04:002017-08-24T09:30:02-04:00Cappin’ the B1G: Predicting Rutgers Football and Other Big Ten Teams 2017 Regular Season Win Totals
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<img alt="Penn State v Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l2v9Dc2vK9skwEsI2Arr8BNjUGM=/0x0:2340x1560/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56340469/624467320.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="cZgz7P"> </p>
<p id="5TOv21">Well guys, it’s that time of the year again! Football is finally back and so am I for my second annual edition of Cappin’ the B1G. In my first article of 2017 I’m going to be breaking down how I think each team in the conference will fare against the posted regular season win totals from Las Vegas. Keep in mind that conference championships and bowl games do not apply to these totals. I will lead off with Rutgers and then do the rest of the conference in alphabetical order with my prediction for which side of the win total (provided by www.5dimes.com) I believe each team will land on at the end of the regular season. If you want to publicly berate me, you can do so in the comments section or on my Twitter page <a href="https://twitter.com/tjurk44">@tjurk44</a>. </p>
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<p id="BDoZQU">Last year in this same format I was able to go 5-1 in my preseason win total predictions that I felt strongest about and 8-6 overall. To view last season’s article, click <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2016/8/24/12600958/cappin-the-b1g-predicting-rutgers-football-and-other-big-ten-teams-regular-season-win-totals-2016">here</a>. I hope to have similar success this year in predicting how the conference will fall into place. Without further ado, let’s get into the picks!</p>
<h1 id="LhH9Gt"><strong>Rutgers Scarlet Knights</strong></h1>
<p id="YcobEU"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record:</strong> 2-10</p>
<p id="HgzbMy"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 3</p>
<p id="BGsFRX">Well that wasn’t very pretty. I tried to warn you all when I said we would go under 4.5 wins last year that there were going to be major growing pains but I was burned at the stake. I forgive you guys though, you were just being loyal Rutgers fans and I’m back to give another dose of reality. After the Ash Era opened up with two wins in their first three games, the wheels fell off and we lost our next nine straight to end the regular season 2-10. It’s not exactly easy to find wins in the Big Ten when you score 16 points per game and allow 37 per game. Year Two of the Ash Era is here and I think we have some cause for optimism in 2017.</p>
<p id="kUxuRZ">The good news on offense in 2017 is that it can’t possibly be any worse than what we saw in 2016 when RU finished last in the conference in total offense and passing offense and also completed under 50% of their passes. Former Louisville starting QB Kyle Bolin has transferred in and taken a firm grasp on the starting spot in new offensive coordinator Jerry Kill’s offense. Bolin will have last year’s leading WR Jawaun Harris to throw to along with everyone’s favorite Scarlet Knight Janarion Grant. Leading rusher Robert Martin is also back but the main concern is an offensive line that lacks experience and size. OT Tariq Cole was a great asset in pass protection last season and if the rest of the offensive line follows suit, Rutgers could find some rhythm on offense and put points up on the scoreboard for a change.</p>
<p id="wHlkMe">Chris Ash was hired to be head coach for his defensive prowess but has had his work cut out for him on the banks thus far. The Scarlet Knights ranked dead last in the conference in 2016 in total defense and 2<sup>nd</sup> to last in scoring defense, allowing 37.5 points per game. Rutgers returns 8 starters this year which will definitely help Ash implement his defensive system and have a better grasp for the personnel. LB Trevor Morris will lead an experienced LB unit after racking up 102 tackles a year ago. The defensive line has to find a way to get pressure after totaling just 21 sacks in 2016. The secondary should be a strength as they return 3 of 4 starters who allowed just 58% on completions in 2016. I look for safety Saquan Hampton to have a breakout year and really make a name for himself in 2017. The defense will improve greatly if they get some more time to rest than they did last year when the Rutgers offense was a 3 and out machine, constantly setting the defense with bad field position.</p>
<p id="Yb5csx">The 2017 schedule isn’t exactly kind, opening with the College Football Playoff hopeful Washington Huskies in Piscataway while also having to endure a four game stretch on the road later on in the season. It feels like another rough season on the banks but I truly feel that things will get better in 2017. I see 6 winnable games on the schedule including a lock win against 1-AA Morgan State. If Rutgers can win 3 out of 5 vs Eastern Michigan, @ Illinois, vs Purdue, vs Maryland, vs Michigan State, that would put them over the posted win total of 3. I really feel that if the offense can just get some first downs and keep the defense off the field to allow them to rest, the defense will create some turnovers deep and give it back to the offense in good field position. If they check all of these boxes, Rutgers can pull off 4 or 5 wins this season. We all know Janarion Grant is good for a few game changing plays per season as well. Give me the over!</p>
<p id="cIbocO">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>OVER 3 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="iT6AaJ"><strong>Illinois Fighting Illini</strong></h1>
<p id="02pqQm"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record:</strong> 3-9</p>
<p id="bWsf2L"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 3.5</p>
<p id="ixJVUq">The Lovie Smith era in Champaign kicked off just about as well as the Ash Era did in Piscataway with the Fighting Illini floundering their way to a 3-9 record. Smith did the best he could with the talent he had and found a nice home win against Michigan State in a down year for the Spartans. Year two will be a huge indicator of whether or not Lovie has what it takes to be a successful college football coach.</p>
<p id="jRSqsY">The quarterback situation was a complete embarrassment last season which led to Illinois finishing 11<sup>th</sup> in the conference in passing offense and 12<sup>th</sup> in completion percentage. Last year 42% of Illinois offensive possessions ended within 3 plays for a non-scoring reason. That is absolutely atrocious. This year things don’t appear to be much better as Chayce Crouch will probably be the starter with Jeff George Jr backing him up. The good news on offense is that ace WR Malik Turner is back along with injury prone WR Mike Dudek. Dudek can be one of the best receivers in the conference if he remains healthy, which is a huge if. The Illini rushing attack was secretly decent last year and they return Kendrick Foster and his 5.7 yard per carry average along with three out of five offensive line starters. Look for Illinois to rely heavily on their rushing attack while the QB’s try to take care of the football.</p>
<p id="xHPmQF">Last year the Illini defense allowed 32 points per game and they are going to need to drastically improve on that number if they want to get to 5+ wins this year. In three of the past four seasons, Illinois defense has given up 200+ rushing yards per game and will return just six starters this season. 2016’s leading tackler Hardy Nickerson is gone as well as their top four sack producers which spells massive trouble for Lovie Smith. The secondary is definitely the strength of the defense, led by CB Jaylen Dunlap but with the front seven in shambles, it’s going to be very difficult for the defense to improve this season.</p>
<p id="2YWZWv">It feels like this is still going to be a complete rebuild year for Lovie Smith and the Fighting Illini. The rushing attack will lead the offense but when the defense is giving up points in droves, it’s going to be hard to stick to the ground game in order to win games. I only see 5 winnable games on this schedule so I’m definitely going under 3.5 here. In order to Illinois to even sniff 5 wins they are going to need a shockingly good year out of someone at the QB position. I just don’t see that happening and I wouldn’t be surprised if Lovie Smith rides off into the sunset after 2017.</p>
<p id="Bt7Gby">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>UNDER 3.5 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="nWxySv"><strong>Indiana Hoosiers</strong></h1>
<p id="A5huHh"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record:</strong> 6-6</p>
<p id="JbfunD"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 6</p>
<p id="EQGI11">The Hoosiers are preparing for their first season in quite a while without former head caoch Kevin Wilson, who resigned under a cloud of controversy during the offseason. In 2015 under Wilson, Indiana was #1 in the Big Ten in scoring offense but just two years later I suspect the defense will be the strength of the Hoosiers. The main reason for the Hoosiers transition to a defensive minded team is the hiring of former Defensive Coordinator Tom Allen to be the new head coach. </p>
<p id="PcaOrE">Allen has bought in former Tennessee Offensive Coordinator Mike DeBord to run the offense which should be solid yet unspectacular. QB Richard Lagow is back this year and gives the Hoosiers a good chance at having an above average passing attack. In order for that to happen though, Lagow needs to seriously cut down on his interceptions after throwing 17 picks to 19 touchdowns a year ago. The receiving weapons for Indiana are loaded after top target Nick Westbrook comes back at WR after falling just short of 1,000 yards a season ago. Alongside Westbrook, Lagow will also have WR Simmie Cobbs at his disposal. Cobbs was a monster in 2015 when he put up 1,000+ yards and 17 yards per reception. The running game will be the big mystery here after the departure of Devine Redding so it will be interesting to see who steps up in his place. 3 of 5 starters return along the offensive line which should help the running game find its rhythm to balance the offense.</p>
<p id="y5Fyfq">Like I previously mentioned, the strength of this Hoosiers team is likely to be their stop unit. Last year Indiana allowed just 27 points per game, racked up 33 sacks and allowed only 52.5% completion percentage. Couple those stats with the fact that they are returning 9 starters from last years unit and you have all the makings of a potential shut down defense. LB Tegray Scales isn’t a household name yet but he could very well be at the end of this upcoming season. Scales had 126 tackles, 7 sacks, and a whopping 23.5 tackles for loss in 2016. The secondary is going to be a huge strength of this team, returning all 4 starters including star DB Rashard Fant who was 2<sup>nd</sup> team Big Ten a season ago.</p>
<p id="2VqRiT">The schedule looks to be very favorable for the Hoosiers this year especially when you notice they only have back to back road games once all season. I like Indiana to make a strong push for the postseason where they will look to get their first bowl win since the 1991 Copper Bowl. 6 wins is a very accurate line and that happens to be exactly how many wins I think they get but I have to pick a side and I’m only slightly more confident that they get 7 wins as opposed to 5 this season.</p>
<p id="GHY9pP">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>OVER 6 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="sp4sr8"><strong>Iowa Hawkeyes</strong></h1>
<p id="S7Hq8J"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record:</strong> 8-4</p>
<p id="Axc0m1"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 6.5</p>
<p id="EKE6Nr">Starting QB, a 200 carry RB, 3 out of 4 starting WR’s and TE, an All-Conference LT, both starting CB’s, and both starting DE’s. That’s what Iowa has to replace from last years team that managed 8 wins in the regular season. Kirk Ferentz is going on his 74<sup>th</sup> year (KIDDING) as head coach of the Hawkeyes and he certainly has his work cut out for him in 2017. Will Ferentz find his way to his fifth straight successful season with having to replace so much talent? Let’s see.</p>
<p id="dvZmaz">Iowa finished 13<sup>th</sup> in the conference last year in passing offense and that was with experienced QB CJ Beathard leading the offense. The starting QB battle is still up for grabs but no matter who wins, Iowa will be sorely lacking experience at the position. Whoever emerges as QB1 will be throwing to a WR group that doesn’t return a single player who had more than 20 receptions in 2016. Ultra-talented Matt Vandeberg returns at WR after missing most of 2016 with injury issues and he will be heavily relied upon this season. The good news for the Iowa offense is that RB Akrum Wadley returns after a 1,081 yard 10 TD season and the Hawkeyes also added former Nevada RB James Butler to the mix. Butler racked up 1,336 yards and 12 TD’s in 2016 and the Iowa offensive line looks very good which should result in Iowa having one of the top rushing attacks in the conference. It’s up to the QB’s to produce and keep this offense balanced so that they can put some points up consistently.</p>
<p id="pdHtvE">Iowa’s defense was very good in 2016, giving up just 18.8 points per game but they had their struggles against opposing rushing attacks at times. The front seven looks really solid this year and they will be led by LB Josey Jewell who earned 4<sup>th</sup> team All-America honors last year. A total of 8 starters return from 2016 but the loss of star CB Desmond King to the NFL will be a huge impact on a defense that allowed just 50.4% completions last season. The front seven will be the biggest strength of the defense and they will look to make life easier for an inexperienced secondary. The Hawkeyes also have to replace King’s superb punt and kick returning abilities that led to incredible field position.</p>
<p id="SKWqn0">Iowa starts off with three games they should win on paper vs Wyoming, @Iowa State, and vs North Texas but as we saw with their loss versus North Dakota State last year, Iowa can easily go 1-2 over those 3 games to set themselves up for a disastrous season. The week 4 matchup at home against Penn State will be the best barometer for how this team measures up this season. Iowa has the tendency to play up to their tougher opponents but also play down to the level of their weaker opponents and that can lead to a 4-8 season for Kirk Ferentz. I believe that the absolute ceiling on this team is 8-4 and think they finish squarely 6-6 in 2017 so I’m taking the under here.</p>
<p id="wOgajv">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>UNDER 6.5 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="AMjTiA"><strong>Maryland Terrapins</strong></h1>
<p id="ikulHE"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record:</strong> 6-6 </p>
<p id="aoQiKa"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins: </strong>3.5</p>
<p id="0c1kd6">As I predicted in this article last season, the inaugural season of the DJ Durkin era was a lot better than most of the experts expected. A Charmin soft schedule to open the year helped the Terps gain momentum under Durkin before they ran into the buzzsaw part of their schedule which saw them drop back to back games vs Michigan and Ohio State by a combined 121-6 score. Maryland rebounded and put forth a strong effort in the entertaining Quick Lane Bowl versus Boston College where they fell just short by a 36-30 score. Can the Terps take another step up towards the middle class of the Big Ten East or will they suffer a sophomore slump under Durkin?</p>
<p id="T1Q71J">On offense, Maryland needs to get back to the good old days of 2010 which is the last season that they were able to average over 30 points per game. Last year the Terps were 10<sup>th</sup> in total offense and 8<sup>th</sup> in scoring in the conference but had an incredibly effective ground attack that ranked 4<sup>th</sup> in the Big Ten, averaging 200 yards per game on the ground. They return the dangerous tandem of Ty Johnson and Lorenzo Harrison at RB this year after they combined for over 1,600 yards and 11 TD’s in 2016. Johnson averaged a whopping 9.1 yards per carry while Harrison boasted a 7.2 yards per carry average. The return of those RB’s combined with 3 of 5 offensive line starters tells us that the rushing attack will mainly be how the Terps will rely on finding the end zone this season. The quarterback battle is still waging deep into fall practice and nobody seems to know who will take the first snaps of the season yet. Whoever ultimately wins the job will be faced with passing behind an offensive line that allowed a staggering 49 sacks last year, good for dead last in the conference and second to last in the FBS. WR DJ Moore is a threat to score any time he touches the ball and the passing attack will go through him.</p>
<p id="NjkNiL">Durkin is a defensive specialist and improved the Terps scoring defense by 5 points per game in his first year in College Park but they still allowed almost 30 points per game. Durkin’s great recruiting combined with his coaching should see the defense step up as a whole and it might not be long before they’re one of the best defensive units in the conference. The Terps return 7 starters this year including their top 3 tacklers from 2016. The defense will be led by senior Butkus Award Watch List MLB Jermaine Carter who hit the 100 tackle mark last season. DL Jesse Aniebonam led the team in sacks a year ago and returns to improve on the teams 37 total sacks from 2016. In the secondary, Maryland returns 3 out of 4 starters from a unit that only allowed 56% completion percentage a year ago. The loss of dynamic CB/KR Will Likely will hurt some but they have a host of 4 star talent ready to fill in, including Markquese Bell who could find the field from day 1. If the defense takes a predicted step forward, Maryland can find themselves in some games nobody thinks they have a prayer in. </p>
<p id="gLwBZj">Maryland faces a very tough schedule in Durkin’s second year which plays into why the win total is so low at 3.5. On paper this team appears ready to improve in every way from a year ago but it will be a tall order to return to the postseason. If they can get above average play from the QB position though, I think this team has a legitimate shot at 5 wins including 1 or 2 games where they completely shock the world. This is one of my strongest picks of the preseason (as they were last year as well).</p>
<p id="XI2Ljp">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>OVER 3.5 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="EtYqYw"><strong>Michigan Wolverines</strong></h1>
<p id="CcyDYP"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record:</strong> 10-2</p>
<p id="lqN9ku"><strong>2017 Over/Under Wins:</strong> 9</p>
<p id="PVJGrw">The only thing that stood between Michigan and an undefeated season in 2016 was five points. After starting the season 9-0, Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines dropped three of their final four games including a classic Orange Bowl against Florida State to end their season with a 10-3 record. In their two seasons under Harbaugh, Michigan has collected twenty wins. The question now is whether they can take the next step and permanently place themselves among the elite teams in the country.</p>
<p id="ppLR5q">Before Harbaugh arrived in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines averaged just 21 points per game and have improved to 31 points per game in 2015 and 40 last season while using a very balanced attack. The offense this season returns just four starters but the major piece is QB Wilton Speight who was very efficient last season despite making some ill-timed mistakes and suffered an unfortunate injury late in the season. Michigan loses their top 3 targets in the receiving game from last season including WR Amara Darboh and TE Jake Butt. The Wolverines have done a great job on the recruiting trail and will need their younger weapons to develop quickly in order for this offense to run efficiently. Keep an eye out for highly-recruited WR Donovan Peoples-Jones because he is going to be a force to be reckoned with sooner rather than later. On the ground, the Wolverines lose 2016’s top rusher in De’Veon Smith but have a stocked stable of RB’s who can step in and replace that production. The offensive line loses a bit of experience and just like the receiving threats, they have a ton of young talent that needs to grow up quickly in order to produce. </p>
<p id="eTQxMv">Michigan’s defense was flat out dominant least season, allowing just 14 points per game and 262 yards per game which put them alone with Alabama in the top two of those categories in the entire FBS. The problem this season is the fact that they return just one starter from that unit a year ago and obviously have a lot of talent to replace. Just like with the offense, the recruits that Harbaugh has brought in are loaded with raw talent and you know they’re going to get top notch coaching from DC Don Brown, it’s just a matter of these young guys maturing quickly enough. One big concern for me is Michigan will have freshmen at both Kicker and Punter which is always a red flag because you never know how these young kids will respond to the pressure of kicking in big time situations. Losing Heisman finalist Jabrill Peppers as your do it all kick returner will hurt their field position mightily as well this season.</p>
<p id="5pAVAu">Michigan is ranked 127<sup>th</sup> in the FBS this year in terms of experience. This isn’t exactly a harbinger of death since the team has so much young talent but experience is very crucial in college football. The schedule isn’t exactly kind with Florida and Air Force in the out of conference portion and they end the season with back to back games versus Wisconsin and Ohio State which is a very tall order. 9 seems like the correct number here and I’m having a hard time picking the over or under for this team just like I did last season. So much of their success is dependent on development of young talent so I have a slight lean to the under here and I think 2018 is the year Michigan makes a real run at things.</p>
<p id="KGecT3">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>UNDER 9 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="5205fk"><strong>Michigan State Spartans</strong></h1>
<p id="niHfKD"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record:</strong> 3-9</p>
<p id="QKQJym"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 6.5</p>
<p id="a8nE0o">Wow. Talk about a fall from grace! Michigan State followed up their 2015 appearance in the College Football Playoff with an unfathomable 3-9 record in 2016. A lot of their losses were by very close margins, however 3-9 is not what Mark Dantonio is all about. Will the Spartans rebound in 2017?</p>
<p id="vr77Kl">On offense, Michigan State absolutely must get better production from the QB position if they want to have a bounce back year. 24 points per game isn’t going to cut it in the Big Ten East and it looks like sophomore Brian Lewerke will take the reigns of the offense and he will be throwing to a very inexperienced group of WR’s and TE’s. The strength of the Spartan offense will be the RB tandem of LJ Scott and Gerald Holmes. Scott and Holmes combined for over 1,400 yards and 11 TD’s on the ground in 2016 but the bad news is that the offensive line returns just two starters from a year ago. Unless Sparty can work a miracle in the passing game, it’s hard to imagine them taking a huge step forward from last year on offense.</p>
<p id="jjPYx2">Michigan State’s defense was decisively average last season, finishing among the middle of the conference in total defense and they only return four starters from 2016. An astounding stat is the fact that the Spartans only registered 11 sacks in 12 games a year ago. That is really bad considering the fact that the next team with the fewest sacks – Rutgers – was able to get 21 sacks, almost double what Sparty was able to do. 2016’s leading tackler Chris Frey will lead the defense but other than him and some big interior linemen, this defense looks like it’s going to be pretty subpar in 2017.</p>
<p id="RIfFKu">Michigan State faces a brutal schedule in 2017 until they’re able to close out with Maryland and Rutgers. I’m having a hard time finding positives for the Spartans in 2017 aside from Dantonio’s coaching and the rushing attack. I really feel that the teams absolute ceiling it 7-5 and that’s if they get above average production from the QB position and the defense really over-performs. After a team bottoms out like Sparty did in 2016, it’s usually not a quick path back to the top, especially after watching how much they played down to their opponents level last season. I feel pretty comfortable going with under 6.5 wins here.</p>
<p id="wOTYwI">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>UNDER 6.5 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="4kGqCn"><strong>Minnesota Golden Gophers</strong></h1>
<p id="4kmDQ4"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record: </strong>8-4 </p>
<p id="IdHTet"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 7.5</p>
<p id="SUjFdh">Minnesota has been secretly decent over the past five years, reeling off 6+ wins in each season under a combination of Jerry Kill and Tracy Claeys. Claeys was let go during the offseason stemming from a rash of suspensions that occurred just before their bowl game win over Washington State. Minnesota made what most consider to be a home run hire by hiring former Rutgers assistant coach PJ Fleck. Fleck comes over from being the head man at Western Michigan to try and lead the Golden Gophers in his row boat to the promised land.</p>
<p id="dlb7kU">The Golden Gophers recent success in the past few seasons have come despite the complete lack of a passing attack from the offense. Minnesota will have to move on from the gritty Mitch Leidner and replace his leadership with either Conor Rhoda or Demry Croft at the QB position. New offensive coordinator (and a name Rutgers fans will remember) Kirk Ciarrocca is going to have to pull a rabbit out of his hat to put together some semblance of a passing attack. The Gophers lost number one WR target Drew Wolitarsky and will need a primary weapon to emerge early or it could be more of the same from the passing game. The strength of the offense is once again going to be the running game with the 1-2 punch of Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks coming back. The combo of Smith and Brooks put up over 1,800 yards and 21 TD’s in 2016 and they look to pick up right where they left off behind an offensive line that returns 3 out of 5 starters from a year ago.</p>
<p id="iWPE4V">Despite only returning 5 starters from a 2016 defense that ranked 4<sup>th</sup> in the conference in total defense, defensive coordinator Robb Smith will have some nice weapons to build his defense around. DL Steven Richardson recorded 7 sacks and 11 tackles for loss last year and LB Jonathan Celestin ranked 2<sup>nd</sup> on the team in tackles and they’re both back for 2017. Both starting safeties return to a squad that held Mike Leach’s Washington State team to just 12 wins in their bowl game so the potential is there for the defense to be solid again in 2017. Minnesota also returns one of the best kickers in the country in Emmit Carpenter, who hit 22 out of 24 attempts last year including a perfect 10 for 10 from 40+ yards.</p>
<p id="U6guHE">This will be a very interesting season for PJ Fleck and the Gophers as they try to rise up in the Big Ten West to go alongside Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska as contenders. Looking at the schedule, it isn’t out of the question for Minnesota to open up 7-0 or 6-1 which would be incredible for the teams momentum. I love the running game and the defense but it’s hard to get completely behind a team with such a huge hole at QB. I think they land squarely between 7 and 8 wins as the latter part of their schedule is brutal but I’m a big believer in PJ Fleck and that makes me lean towards the over here but I’m not very confident. Minnesota has the lowest floor and highest ceiling of any team in the conference. Nothing from 4-8 to competing for the West would shock me.</p>
<p id="2nSwIA">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>OVER 7.5 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="GOtdIx"><strong>Nebraska Cornhuskers</strong></h1>
<p id="2VLA2L"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record:</strong> 9-3 </p>
<p id="6GEfAy"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 7</p>
<p id="Vv63Ub">Last year Mike Riley’s Nebraska team started off red hot, winning 7 straight to open up the season before losing a heartbreaker against Wisconsin in overtime that would’ve put them at 8-0. The following week they went to Ohio State and the wheels fell off of the wagon when veteran QB Tommy Armstrong got taken out with a devastating injury in the first half. A 9-4 record is nothing to scoff at when you consider how beat up the veteran QB was and the fact that they didn’t have a 1,000 yard rusher or a 600 yard receiver.</p>
<p id="Srchg6">The Huskers have to replace Armstrong at QB which is going to be no small task. Armstrong took a lot of heat from fans but he was a flat out gamer and he will be sorely missed in 2017 in Lincoln. Tulane transfer QB Tanner Lee figures to take over and he was reportedly very impressive at the Manning Passing Academy during the offseason. The rushing attack will miss Armstrong’s legs as well as leading rusher Terrell Newby who had close to 900 yards last season. The offensive line returns 3 out of 5 starters from 2016 and hopefully they can help the new QB and RB’s get this offense to the next level in 2017.</p>
<p id="3q59oH">The Huskers certainly weren’t the juggernaut Blackshirts we’ve seen in the past but they were decent enough, allowing 148 yards rushing per game but also allowing 60% completions and registering just 26 sacks. Nebraska will be without the top two tacklers from last years unit and they won’t have Thorpe Award watch list CB Chris Jones for most of the season. Look for the defensive line and safeties to be the strength of the defense but expect more of the same in terms of points per game from last season when they allowed 24 per game.</p>
<p id="1w0t5J">Mike Reilly looks to be in for a rough season in 2017 with their inexperience on both sides of the ball and a schedule that doesn’t offer much in terms of easy wins. They can start the season 4-1 and still have a difficult time finding 3 more wins. This just has all the makings of what seems to be a down year for the Huskers and I’m pretty confident they go under 7 wins in the regular season. Looks like a 5-7 season to me.</p>
<p id="oMkphx">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>UNDER 7 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="qZcQYm"><strong>Northwestern Wildcats</strong></h1>
<p id="4wWLTx"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record:</strong> 6-6</p>
<p id="Z5I3In"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 8</p>
<p id="mcUdFg">Northwestern started the 2016 season 0-2 which included a loss to 1-AA Illinois State but they managed to claw their way back to grab bowl eligibility in the final week of the regular season versus Illinois. They turned that win against the Illini into a Pinstripe Bowl win against a talented Pitt team and have a lot of momentum heading into this season. Pat Fitzgerald is looking to get back into the discussion of competing for a Big Ten title and he seemingly has all the tools to make that happen in 2017.</p>
<p id="g5jjiq">The Wildcats come into this season with an ideal situation at QB where Clayton Thorson will lead the offense after throwing for over 3,100 yards last season to go along with 22 touchdowns. Thorson will look to take another step forward this season but it could prove to be difficult with his top target Austin Carr moving onto the NFL after posting 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2016. The ground attack will be led by one of the best RB’s in the conference in Justin Jackson who rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 15 touchdowns on the ground last season. The offensive line will return 4 of 5 starters which will allow the ground game to flourish but the line has to improve on their pass protection as they gave up 39 sacks in 2016.</p>
<p id="WQFOuZ">On defense, Northwestern will return a ton of experience with 8 starters coming back to a unit that only allowed 22 points per game in 2016. 3 out of 4 starters along the defensive line are back and they have some serious size on the interior line which will help out against some of the better rushing attacks in the conference. The secondary has all 4 starters back from last season which includes safety Godwin Igwebuike who led the Wildcats in tackles in 2016. Northwestern should be able to match or even improve upon that 22 points per game allowed this upcoming season.</p>
<p id="cDq5Kx">All of the ingredients are here for Pat Fitzgerald to have a monster season with this squad. A 3-0 start looks all but certain and then they get to play fresh in Madison, Wisconsin after a bye week. If Fitzgerald can lead the Wildcats to a win over the Badgers, it’s full steam ahead towards a Big Ten West title. Northwestern checks all of the boxes in things I look for in successful college football teams: solid QB, great running game, solid defense. I think 8 wins could very well be attained entering the final two weeks with a chance to get to 9 either at home versus Minnesota or one the road against Illinois. Give me the over.</p>
<p id="eWhhfn">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>OVER 8 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="hkhU1M"><strong>Ohio State Buckeyes</strong></h1>
<p id="eeH7i5"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record:</strong> 11-1</p>
<p id="fdMqTy"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 11</p>
<p id="mmPfBl">As I predicted last year, Ohio State did their thing in the regular season, picking up 11 wins and going well over the posted total of 9.5 with their only loss coming at Penn State. The Buckeyes were a bit embarrassed by Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl but an 11-2 record is a great building block for what many considered was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Ohio State. Urban Meyer has created a monster in Columbus with a program that is a threat to win it all year in and year out.</p>
<p id="Q2loK8">Last season the Buckeyes were first in the conference in total offense, racking up 39 points per game and they will return 9<sup>th</sup> year (kidding) QB JT Barrett who, along with Tracy McSorley, has to be considered one of the best QB in the conference. Last season Barrett threw for 24 touchdown passes and rushed for over 800 yards. If Barrett can improve a bit on those numbers and leads Ohio State to another playoff appearance, he will be right in the thick of the Heisman discussion at years end. The problem with him improving his numbers is the lack of experience that returns in the receiving game as the Buckeyes have no WR’s who had more than 20 catches in 2016. TE Marcus Baugh is the most experienced receiving threat and he only caught 24 passes in 2016. The rushing attack will be heavily relied on and the man who will lead that attack is sophomore Mike Weber who had 1,096 yards in his freshman year and will look to improve on that this year. Keep an eye on freshman JK Dobbins and don’t be shocked if Dobbins takes the reigns and becomes the Buckeyes leading rusher at years end. Dobbins is a fully developed physical specimen who looks like he could play on Sunday’s already. Ohio State returns 4 out of 5 starters on the offensive line from 2016 which will help this offense run like a well oiled machine all season long to the tune of another 40 points per game under new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson.</p>
<p id="b8GPTs">In the past two seasons, the Ohio State defense has allowed around just 15 points per game. This year they return 7 starters including almost the entire front seven, minus all world LB Raekwon McMillan who moved onto the NFL. Look for DL Tyquan Lewis to have another big year after racking up 8 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2016. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, three out of four members of their secondary from 2016 were selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft but Urban Meyer recruits the best of the best and they should be fine in the secondary. The fact that Greg Schiano is the defensive coordinator for Ohio State and gets to coach up the recruits that they attract is just flat out unfair. The defense might take a slight dip from their 2016 production but they will still be a force in the conference.</p>
<p id="7NkI4u">Since Meyer took over at Ohio State, they have an incredible +33 turnover margin. Even more impressive is the fact that the Buckeyes have recorded 11 wins in each of Meyer’s 5 seasons in Columbus. The posted total here of 11 wins seems to be begging you to take the under but I can’t see Ohio State losing more than 1 game this season. Kevin Wilson is a colossal hire to run this offense and with Schiano running the defense, Ohio State has a legit shot to go undefeated in the regular season so I will take my chances here and bet on 12-0.</p>
<p id="ILewSU">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>OVER 11 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="EYkGtH"><strong>Penn State Nittany Lions</strong></h1>
<p id="nkjjvd"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record: </strong>10-2</p>
<p id="5k62We">2<strong>017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 9.5</p>
<p id="iOKMuL">I just got done throwing up thinking about the Big Ten Championship Game versus Wisconsin that I wagered quite a bit on and now it’s time to eat my crow about 2016 Penn State. James Franklin seemed to have passed a lot of game day responsibilities onto his coordinators and things worked out beautifully for the Nittany Lions last year when they reeled off nine straight wins to finish the regular season at 10-2. They had USC against the ropes in the Rose Bowl but couldn’t close it out yet they still ended up with their first double-digit win season since 2009. Sorry guys but I think Penn State is back and they’re here to stay. Ugh.</p>
<p id="K6V8fK">Penn State will be led on offense by a guy I completely dismissed as a trash bag last year, QB Tracy McSorley. McSorley had himself quite a year in 2016, throwing for over 3,600 yards with 29 touchdowns while adding another 7 scores with his legs. Pretty good call by me, huh? Last years top receiving target WR Chris Godwin is gone but they bring back a strong group of WR’s and they also have the incredibly gifted Mike Gesicki back at TE. Gesicki had a nice 2016 reeling in 48 catches for 679 yards for 5 touchdowns and he will probably do more of the same in 2017. This is going to be a sore spot for Rutgers fans but former Scarlet Knight verbal commit Saquan Barkley is back and he is arguably the best RB in the country. Barkley rushed for almost 1,500 yards last season to go along with his 18 touchdowns. The offensive line is returning 4 of 5 starters and has incredible size which puts to rest the past concerns about the line from a few seasons ago. Penn State averaged 38 points per game in 2016 under new offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead and I expect Moorhead to have them firing on a similar level this upcoming season.</p>
<p id="GU0jwC">The definitive weakness of the Penn State team was their defense last season as they were up and down all year and finished 8<sup>th</sup> in the conference in total defense, allowing 368 yards per game. They finished second in the conference in sacks but lose 3 out of their 4 top sack producers from 2016. The experience at linebacker and in the secondary will help things a bit and I believe Penn State’s stop unit will take a step forward from last season and be more of a compliment to their juggernaut offense than a hindrance. On special teams, the Nittany Lions return kicker Tyler Davis who made 22 of 24 field goals last year, punter Blake Gillikin who averaged over 42 yards a punt, and their starting return men. All of the pieces are in place for a monster season in Happy Valley.</p>
<p id="SoT40m">It absolutely pains me to type this, but this team feels like the real deal. The offense will compete with Ohio State in terms of being the top of the scoring in the conference and the defense should rise to the upper third of the conference in terms of points allowed. Penn State is a team that can beat every single team on their schedule and absolutely destroy the bottom feeders of the conference. If Nick Saban were their coach instead of James Franklin, I would say they were a lock for 11 wins but Franklin is still there and I have a hard time thinking they easily get over the 9.5 wins. I can see this team sleepwalking through a game they’re supposed to win but I still think they finish 10-2. Forgive me.</p>
<p id="gTO9AU">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>OVER 9.5 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="iLkvT0"><strong>Purdue Boilermakers</strong></h1>
<p id="XhY3dO"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record: </strong>3-9</p>
<p id="fgRacd"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 2.5</p>
<p id="VElewt">It’s safe to say the days of Drew Brees and Kyle Orton are long gone for Boilermaker fans. Over the past four seasons, Purdue has compiled a woeful 9-39 record with 2016 culminating with seven straight losses to close out the campaign. Jeff Brohm is coming over from Western Kentucky to take over as the new head coach to try and get Purdue back to a level of respectability.</p>
<p id="XtSBgM">Purdue actually has a legitimate quarterback with David Blough who threw for 3,352 yards and 25 touchdowns a year ago. Blough’s weakness is in his decision making as he threw for a whopping 21 interceptions last season. Jeff Brohm is a very good QB coach and I think he can definitely help Blough take care of the football more in 2017. The bad news for Blough is that Purdue is going to have a completely new group of WR’s to catch the ball this year so chemistry may be in short supply. The running game was atrocious in 2016, averaging just 96 yards per game which was good for last in the conference by a wide margin. The offensive line returns just two starters from 2016 and they will likely struggle while adapting to a new offensive system.</p>
<p id="2XTwu1">In the last two seasons, Purdue has given up 38 and 36.5 points per game so there really isn’t anywhere to go but up for Brohm on this side of the ball. Eight starters are returning from last year’s defense so they are expecting quite a large step forward in terms of being able to stop their opponents from scoring in 2017. The defensive line has great size and the linebackers will be led by 2016’s leading tackler in Markus Bailey. The secondary has good experience at cornerback as well so this unit should be able to shave 5 or so points off of their points allowed per game in 2017.</p>
<p id="VfgE0n">With just three Big Ten wins in the past four seasons, Jeff Brohm shouldn’t have much in terms of heavy expectations for his first year or so in West Lafayette. With a solid QB and an experienced defense, Brohm should have this team playing with more confidence as the season goes on. The schedule isn’t very kind however as I only see 3 to 4 winnable games so if they win half of those they will still go under the 2.5 total. </p>
<p id="nGfYpA">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>UNDER 2.5 WINS</strong></em></p>
<h1 id="12sXUs"><strong>Wisconsin Badgers</strong></h1>
<p id="1I4Epe"><strong>2016 Regular Season Record: </strong>10-2</p>
<p id="bEvFyH"><strong>2017 Over/Under Regular Season Wins:</strong> 10.5</p>
<p id="bJFbbS">It seems like you can just pencil in Wisconsin for 10 wins every year lately doesn’t it? The Badgers came very close to winning the conference and of their 3 total losses to Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State, they only lost those three games by seven points each. Fans were definitely down after the heartbreaking loss to Penn State in the conference championship game, but they’re in good hands with Paul Chryst as they start another campaign towards a possible conference title in 2017.</p>
<p id="IlVBE2">You, me, your girlfriend, and your neighbor’s cat named “Butch Catsidy” all know that the Wisconsin offense is going to rely mainly on running the ball a vast majority of the time. The offensive line this season looks great on paper and they are absolutely gigantic. The Badgers will be without their top two rushers from last season including star RB Corey Clement who had 1,375 yards and 15 TD’s in 2016 but we all know they will just reload in the backfield. RB’s Bradrick Shaw and Chris James will look to replace the productivity that Clement is leaving behind. Wisconsin was able to win 11 games last year with inexperienced freshman QB Alex Hornibrook starting most of the time. Hornibrook had a pedestrian season, throwing for 9 touchdowns and 7 interceptions but I expect him to take a nice leap forward due to his ability to rely on the rushing game and having two great weapons in WR Jazz Peavy and TE Tony Fumagalli.</p>
<p id="Fut1yh">Wisconsin’s defense has been outstanding over the past two seasons, ranking 7<sup>th</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> in total defense in the entire FBS and they make life a living hell for opposing offenses who look to establish the run. Former Badgers safety Jim Leonhard will take over as the new defensive coordinator and he will look to continue the dominant run from the past few seasons. Seven starters are back from 2016’s defense including all 3 along the defensive line in their 3-4 scheme. 2016’s leading tackler LB TJ Edwards is back and the secondary will return 2 out of 4 starters from a year ago. If they can keep opposing passing attacks at bay this has all the makings of another top 10 defense in the country.</p>
<p id="ZOJCSk">The Badgers look ready for another really good season and are the odds on favorite to win the Big Ten West. I expect the West to be a little more competitive this year with Minnesota and Northwestern lurking in the shadows to step up and 10.5 wins is a huge total for any team. All of the pieces are in place for an 11 or 12 win season, it’s just up to them to deliver. I’m a little too gun shy about going over a massive 10.5 win total so I’m going to bank on the fact they sleep walk through a game they shouldn’t and finish the regular season at 10-2.</p>
<p id="48yu4j">T.J.’s Pick: <em><strong>UNDER 10.5 WINS</strong></em></p>
<p id="KfgdRW">Here are the 6 picks in which I am the most confident in and would consider risking my own money on, in order of most confident:</p>
<p id="iV1S9F">1) Maryland <em><strong>OVER</strong></em> 3.5 wins</p>
<p id="gkqgkA">2) Nebraska <em><strong>UNDER</strong></em> 7 wins</p>
<p id="9t1m56">3) Illinois <em><strong>UNDER</strong></em> 3.5 wins</p>
<p id="LCyjX4">4) Michigan State <em><strong>UNDER</strong></em> 6.5 wins</p>
<p id="NDS0Gj">5) Northwestern <em><strong>OVER</strong></em> 8 wins</p>
<p id="Yk7iKX">6) Penn State <em><strong>OVER</strong></em> 9.5 wins</p>
<p id="cCSOWl"> </p>
<p id="YBll9F"> </p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/24/16195136/cappin-b1g-predicting-rutgers-football-big-ten-michigan-penn-state-2017-regular-season-win-totalsT.J. Jurkiewicz2017-08-24T07:42:48-04:002017-08-24T07:42:48-04:00Rutgers Football 2017 Preview: Running Back
<figure>
<img alt="Arkansas State v Miami" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3hqryzyXzoYn7rHXIkd_1h3PJvw=/0x0:2865x1910/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56340063/455386532.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Edwards has gotten a lot of praise in camp | Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Only one football, who will carry it?</p> <p id="H3Z4xs">With practices for the fall season underway, we continue positional previews with the Scarlet Knights 2017 running backs. (<a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2016/10/25/13394096/mid-season-running-back-report-rutgers-big-ten-chris-ash-robert-martin-josh-hicks-justin-goodwin">2016 mid-season review here</a>). All of the players listed as running backs, some tailbacks others fullbacks will be reviewed in turn by jersey number, followed by the freshmen. Find our recap of Coach Erb’s Friday <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/18/16171742/rutgers-football-lester-erb-talks-running-backs-sneed-blackshear-edwards-martin-hicks">press conference here</a>.</p>
<h3 id="J7AIX5">#4 Trey Sneed (5’10”, 214 lbs.) Sophomore </h3>
<p id="LTrdxZ">Sneed burst on the scene as an early enrollee in spring 2016 and was one of the first players to be Knighted. After that he was always in mix, getting <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2016/10/25/13394096/mid-season-running-back-report-rutgers-big-ten-chris-ash-robert-martin-josh-hicks-justin-goodwin">a few carries</a> in games while being one of the most consistent members of the special teams units. He was the only player who got any props in the Michigan game and wasn’t much of a factor after that, fourth on the depth chart. Coach Erb had positive things to say about him and he could surprise by overtaking multiple seniors on this list for playing time. Whatever happens this season, he is in a good place to fill the roles of Hicks, Martin, and perhaps Edwards as the bigger back with some speed in 2018.</p>
<h3 id="Xt13MR">#7 Robert Martin (5’11”, 212 lbs.) Senior</h3>
<p id="drihWq">The presumed starter coming into camp, Martin is closing in on the top 10 all-time at Rutgers for career rushing yards, currently at 1,822 yards and 15 career TD. He led the conference in average <a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/132545/crunching-the-numbers-big-ten-running-backs">yards after contact</a> in 2015. Whenever he has played in his career, he has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyCPvU2ryPg">done well</a>, so barring injury, he has to get touches in 2017. There have been injuries especially in off-season camp that hindered his development. Erb said he really played well last week and does not make mental errors. If the offensive line can open some holes or the passing attack can limit the number of defenders in the box you have to watch out for his ability to make the first man miss especially on a cutback if that defender is not meeting him near the line of scrimmage.</p>
<h3 id="ibNFxq">#8 Josh Hicks (5’10”, 210 lbs.) Senior</h3>
<p id="5TVYFX">The lone former Bowl game MVP on this list, Hicks was a forgotten man for parts of 2015 and 2016. Coach Ash mentioned in the 2016 post-mortem that the staff needs to find more ways to get their best athletes on the field and Hicks seemed like exhibit A. The Florida native <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFX6z_kHTJ0">obliterates arm tackles</a>, made perhaps the most <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpRKZRzST2I">impressive effort</a> in recent Rutgers football, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hADHrh7q8sc">always falls forward</a>. Despite the team’s struggles in 2015 Josh was the <a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/132545/crunching-the-numbers-big-ten-running-backs">best short yardage runner</a> in the Big Ten! And after all this, will he even get a carry this year? If you were playing NCAA football on dynasty mode you’d surely redshirt him barring an injury to Edwards or Martin, but this is real college football and he’d like to get a real paycheck next year. If Edwards falters, Hicks has to be the short yardage back and maybe more than that.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Rutgers v North Carolina" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iZ0v5Z8TQucnU2tB919e4sjF_1o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9058481/460845324.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Hicks best game was in the Quick Lane Bowl.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="pfgK7z">#13 Gus Edwards (6’1”, 235 lbs.) Redshirt Senior</h3>
<p id="vSHRmH">Edwards was viewed as a guy to add depth, especially as a big back. OTB did an <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/3/11/14892922/q-a-with-state-of-the-u-on-miami-transfer-new-rutgers-running-back-gus-edwards-football-big-ten-acc">interview with State of the U</a> when he signed on which mentioned doubts about Gus’s style of play. Then he turned heads with his commitment, intensity, and power/speed combination. Coach Ash specifically mentioned him as a guy who has impressed, as did Coach Kill, a guy who comes ready to play every day. It sounds right now he will be the lead back in week one. With his size, it’s doubtful he would be removed in short yardage. He has the potential to be a monster.</p>
<h3 id="k8Qyvb">#24 Charles Snorweah (5’10”, 178 lbs.) Redshirt Sophomore</h3>
<p id="iIHv1S">A guy who had to help out at defensive back early in his career and born in Liberia, Snorweah is back at running back in 2017. With respect to Hayden Rettig, I don’t think anyone in the last 15 years of Rutgers football with the same physical talent has gotten less game opportunity to show what he can do. Part of that the position switch (which Hicks and Justin Goodwin also persevered through), and the production of the guys in front of him. For those who didn’t know his speed, he blew past a bunch of students at the spring game festivities while in full pads. For a team that looked for speed in the offseason, Snorweah ran a 4.41 in the 40 in high school track and that’s why he wasn’t training for football year round like many other members of the Knights. Seeing action in 8 games last year on special teams and none on offense, there is still plenty of potential for him to breakout with another spring season under his belt.</p>
<h3 id="YnwCng">#27 McDerby Ceneus (5’8”, 190 lbs.) Redshirt Junior</h3>
<p id="KIRLm9">A football, wrestling, and track athlete at West Orange, Ceneus spent his first year at William Paterson. If he ever carries the ball in a game, it will have to be one of the coolest names of an RU player ever to be announced on television. The walk-on is unfortunately low on eligibility in a position group stacked with bigger, more experienced guys who have done it before. </p>
<h3 id="7luSrE">#28 Aslan Pugh (6’0”, 215 lbs.) Redshirt Freshman</h3>
<p id="gIAdkG">Aslan would likely be considered a “big back” on other teams whereas at RU, Hicks, Martin, and Sneed are all about his build and Edwards is bigger. Another walk on, he hails from Wilmington, DE like former Knight, now Charger, Andre Patton. Just a redshirt freshman, he could earn a scholarship eventually. </p>
<h3 id="Giux3s"><strong>#38 Jim Brady (6’1”, 237 lbs.) Redshirt Freshman</strong></h3>
<p id="TmfnsG">Brady was at linebacker before the re-insertion of the fullback position to the team’s roster. Hailing from Egg Harbor, he excelled in wrestling (sound familiar) and on the gridiron. Since he and Max Anthony have been so impressive, the staff gave DeVera a look at linebacker last week. With Jerome Washington the only tight end on the roster who is known for blocking at this juncture, Brady could get rotations at fullback and H-back. </p>
<h3 id="ZKr9A5"><strong>#44 Max Anthony (6’0”, 240 lbs.) Redshirt Sophomore</strong></h3>
<p id="LZ1YMr">Anthony, the less recognizable of the two guys with the same last name in spring camp seems to have the edge in the fullback battle. A preferred walk-on, he is the type of low risk signing that was one of Flood’s successes and OTB <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2015/3/1/8089757/rutgers-football-recruiting-walkon-chris-parker-max-anthony">sure liked it</a>. You can see in the highlights how strong he is at the point of attack and the reason he didn’t get more interest was a senior year injury. At the moment, he appears to be the starting H-back. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Iowa v Rutgers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0-DPUmsrdoI9Qs2h1OkI733W7y0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9058491/610165240.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Elsa/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Martin tallied over 100 yards against the Hawkeyes</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="8rkYVV">Incoming Freshmen</h2>
<h3 id="HsgE7K">#20 Elijah Barnwell (5’11”, 205 lbs.) </h3>
<p id="D2NjzC">Barnwell was almost hidden by the staff until the last days before Signing Day 2017. He has been overshadowed by Blackshear thus far, but when legendary Piscataway coach Dan Higgins says you had the biggest impact of anyone in his tenure at the storied program there is no need for any more hype. With three bigger backs seniors in 2017, I expect him to redshirt and potentially be the goal line ball carrier in 2018, perhaps even the thunder half of a combo with Snorweah or Blackshear’s lightning. </p>
<h3 id="7DXzwl">#25 Raheem Blackshear (5’9”, 185 lbs.) </h3>
<p id="zVaVa6">Considered by some sources only a two-star recruit, Blackshear has turned heads with his quickness in training camp already. You can see why, despite his rating, he had several offers, including the one he left at the last moment to sign with RU, in Michigan State. Coach Erb mentioned he brings a unique skillset to the position. With none of the guys ahead of him truly showing that scatback receiving potential, he could be playing first quarter downs against Washington. </p>
<h3 id="MTCy0c">#40 Brendan DeVera (6’0”, 242 lbs.) </h3>
<p id="hLUTZZ">Also a consensus two-star recruit, in his case because he didn’t project at one specific position, DeVera is being used all over the field. He recently was moved primarily to middle linebacker, but was specifically recruited by Jerry Kill as an H-back. He is still listed at running back on the team’s roster and seems like the ideal fit at punt protector if nothing else in week 1. The dude is a football player who will be a multi-year contributor on the banks if the coaching staff sticks to their word of maximizing the skillsets of their players. </p>
<h2 id="YuRgWl">Predictions:</h2>
<p id="TAsSRF"><strong>Personnel: </strong>There are plenty of capable ball carriers in this group and Chris Ash came out and said that it is no one’s job to keep all five (Edwards, Martin, Hicks, Sneed, and Blackshear) happy. Don’t expect any individual player to rack up the stats. If anyone does, I’d guess it is Edwards against <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej3DMxy0-XM">inferior competition</a>.</p>
<p id="bPPJVO">Edwards looks like the lead dog of the “Erbivores” right now, Martin closing the gap from second team, with Blackshear filling the scatback role potentially. Edwards or Hicks will likely draw short yardage carries, though Martin is more than capable in those situations as well. If the staff feels Blackshear is not ready, they could plug and play Snorweah in that spot who has made some nice catches in camp, or possibly use someone like Janarion Grant or Dacoven Bailey in the backfield. </p>
<p id="v5kTX1">In terms of superlatives, there is not a lot of separation with this group falling into two major groupings. The big cutback RBs Martin, Hicks, Edwards, Sneed, and Barnwell being one with the other two scholarship guys being true “speed backs”. (Snorweah and Blackshear). If I had to guess: Fastest 40 (Snorweah), best 60 (Sneed), best shuttle run (Blackshear), strongest overall (Hicks), least mistakes (Martin), best after contact beyond line of scrimmage (Martin), best after contact at the line (Hicks), best stiff arm (Edwards), most momentum with the ball as per sports science (Edwards), best hands (Blackshear, Snorweah?), best blitz pickup (Martin? Sneed?). This is not an easy exercise.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Illinois at Rutgers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/REa32GDypGfVFMuaY0H7O-NUb14=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9058541/usa_today_9607640.jpg">
<cite>Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Snorweah had this huge hit on special teams against the Illini.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="0LxkFT"><strong>Scheme:</strong> If the passing game can look functional, there should be a lot more room for the running backs to gain yards in 2017. The staff did not take advantage of the depth at this position a year ago much to the chagrin of many fans, but Coach Kill has ensured the masses that there will be more personnel groupings this year. Adding a fullback, H-back, or tight end is consistent with the <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/9/16117864/rutgers-football-gets-visit-on-btn-bus-tour-chris-ash-pat-hobbs-dave-revsine-gerry-dinardo">Big Ten Network crew’</a>s assessment. The team’s base offense is probably an offset I with three receivers, a tailback, and an H-back who could be virtually anyone (second running back, fullback, tight end, even 6th offensive lineman). Minor wrinkles include one of the receivers being a flexed out tight end (maybe Griffin-Stewart), a shotgun with split backs, or the H-back going in all sorts of motion from virtually anywhere in the formation to virtually anywhere else. </p>
<p id="jh3Ne7">To take advantage, and if I was playing with this team in NCAA Football 14 on PS3 (wink wink), expect a heavy dose of shotgun with three wide, an H-back, and a tailback. The slot receiver could be a “running back”, the H-back could be a tight end, fullback, or a second tailback. Also expect pistol formations, perhaps a package specifically for Gio or J. Lewis at QB that feature two receivers to one side, a tight end, H-back (full or second tail), and a tailback. I like the idea of quick hitters with perhaps Hicks or Edwards in that H-back position to gain a few quick yards. If the staff has a specific package of these plays for Lewis, it might make sense to have a specific RB that he can feel comfortable with, maybe a spot for Trey Sneed. In goal line formation, possibly Anthony and Brady on the field with one or two tight ends to block for Hicks or Edwards. With the receiver group so deep, it probably doesn’t make sense to run many plays without any of them on the field. </p>
<p id="skytJY">It will be interesting to see if the team uses one of the versatile receivers in jet sweep situations like Grant, Mitchell, Harris, Bailey, or even Bo Melton. It’s entirely possible if one of the running backs shows enough promise as a receiver, he might instead inherit this role. Blackshear is the most obvious candidate as a guy who should see time at running back and receiver. Hicks also can run jet sweeps. DeVera could get a look in what I would call the “anything can happen” personnel grouping. Especially if the team struggles early or spices it up against a team like Ohio State, they could become completely unpredictable in a formation with Gio/Lewis, Grant, DeVera, Bailey, Harris, and Melton who all can throw passes on gadget plays. </p>
<p id="n24lEf">On special teams, Snorweah will battle some of the freshmen wideouts and DBs for a gunner spot. Robert Martin played punt coverage last year but shouldn’t have to this year. Sneed should be on several special units. Punt and kick returning spots are wide open alongside Grant. The staff may also elect not to use Grant on every return freeing up more opportunity for one of this talented group to touch the ball. Hicks hasn’t returned many kicks, but he or Blackshear probably are the best fits there among this group. Fullbacks will have plenty of blocking responsibilities on specials. </p>
<p id="buBZxr"><strong>Long term outlook:</strong> Barring an injury redshirt for Martin or Hicks, this group will lose its three most experienced players (along with Edwards) after this season. That means the staff will choose one of the underclassmen as the main guy they envision for 2018 so someone has game experience toting the rock.</p>
<p id="pBSsSl">With two true freshmen tailbacks, the highly regarded recruit Stevie Scott verbally <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/8/16115586/3-star-running-back-stevie-scott-commits-to-rutgers-football-chris-ash-big-ten">committed</a>, plus Sneed in the same mold as those players that are graduating, the staff should feel at least okay going into 2018 with the group. Also losing Bolin to graduation, it means Gio, Lewis, or one of the dual threat current verbal commit QB’s will likely bring more of a running option to the offense next season. Snorweah or Blackshear would be running the option or Sneed/Barnwell could be used as a single back to both carry the ball and block QB keepers. </p>
<p id="z7Sdbe"><strong>Overall:</strong> Most teams have plenty of depth and skill at running back, but Rutgers has even more than most. Despite the highly hyped stable of running backs, don’t expect the offensive line to overwhelm opposing teams in 2017 in the run game for huge gains all over the field. The position group is the best the team has to offer other than maybe cornerback and its best chance to be elite, if Edwards puts it all together. If the offense can throw and catch the ball, this group could really wear opponents down. Camp is almost over, so let’s hope Edwards can deliver his message on gameday!</p>
<div id="yF7PAK">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">" ... that when I do get the chance, I can prove that I'm able to be trusted on the field." <a href="https://t.co/4Nw05oDBFl">pic.twitter.com/4Nw05oDBFl</a></p>— GO 'CANES! (@83_87_89_91_01) <a href="https://twitter.com/83_87_89_91_01/status/798697024614989824">November 16, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h3 id="bXOQLm"><strong>Don’t Miss the Other Previews in our Series:</strong></h3>
<h3 id="dvBLrH"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/7/27/16033800/rutgers-football-2017-preview-wide-receivers-jerry-kill-janarion-grant-jawuan-harris-damon-mitchell"><strong>Wide receiver</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="c0p1Ia"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/6/16099826/rutgers-football-2017-preview-defensive-line-joseph-kemoko-turay-davis-hogan-bateky-wilkins-nash"><strong>Defensive line</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="ahVxtx"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/9/16104740/rutgers-football-2017-position-preview-tight-ends-chris-ash-jerry-kill-big-ten"><strong>Tight end</strong></a></h3>
<h3 id="LTqA5J">
<a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/10/16100618/rutgers-football-2017-preview-linebackers-roberts-morris-maddox-williams-fogg-taylor-battle-onyechi"><strong>Linebacker</strong></a><strong> </strong>
</h3>
<h3 id="RAPqRY">
<a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/14/16105292/rutgers-2017-football-preview-special-teams-big-ten-vince-okruch"><strong>Special Teams</strong></a><strong> </strong>
</h3>
<h3 id="92q4kP"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/16/16108912/rutgers-football-2017-preview-offensive-line-cole-miller-jackson-seymour-applefield-venesky-clark"><strong>Offensive Line</strong></a></h3>
<p id="w2BG9T"><strong>NOTE:</strong> I am not the OTB staff member to invent the term “Erbivores” and do not take credit. The person who coined the phrase may chose to reveal him or herself at any time!</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/24/16155350/rutgers-football-2017-preview-running-back-edwards-martin-hicks-snorweah-barnwell-blackshear-anthonyRUready4Brazil2017-08-23T16:05:40-04:002017-08-23T16:05:40-04:00Rutgers Football: Wide Receivers “More Explosive” Heading Into This Season
<figure>
<img alt="Maryland v Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qUrMRZWtnyIGZD2d8p4TUIhF4QY=/1x0:3000x1999/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56332077/499066374.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Position coach Jafar Williams breaks down perhaps the deepest and most intriguing unit on the team.</p> <p id="6RuZU4">While head coach Chris Ash has made it known that many freshmen will have the opportunity to play this season, there is a good chance that the wide receiver position will be the one where those newcomers make the biggest impact. Wide receivers coach Jafar Williams met with the media after Tuesday’s practice and seemed excited about his group of players. He started his press conference with an optimistic tone:</p>
<blockquote><p id="KnwMMN">“We have an opportunity to be a lot more consistent than we were last year. Obviously, we are a little more explosive, which is probably the most noticeable thing. Once everyone is healthy and have everybody on the field at the same time, I think we will have a solid unit.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="5Y5EzG">Not surprisingly, the first player Williams was asked about was dynamic playmaker, Janarion Grant. When asked what he hopes he can bring to the team this season, Williams was blunt in his expectations for Grant:</p>
<blockquote><p id="5wEkmI">“Everything, I hope (laugh). We’re planning on him being the guy he was and even better than he was before he got hurt. He’s been looking good on the field. He’s knocking off a little bit of rust and we’ve had to monitor his reps a little bit throughout camp to make sure we can get him to gameday and make sure he is healthy.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="j3Ik3S">Williams was asked how Grant is progressing through camp and whether or not he is on schedule:</p>
<blockquote><p id="lNpv8n">“That’s the plan, to gradually get him through practice to get him game ready. With Janarion, he is the type of guy you have to hold back, because he wants to do more. But we have to be smart with him and the training staff does a great job.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="xYyaX4">The 2017 recruiting class included five receivers and many of them are making a very positive impression on Williams and the team.</p>
<blockquote><p id="b7eCEJ">“I’m impressed with all of those guys, to be honest. You look at Hunter (Hayek), he just goes out there and makes a lot of plays. The mental part of the game he has been able to grasp pretty well and that is unusual for a freshman. You look at a guy like (Everett) Wormley, who physically came in from day one and is able to compete. Then obviously, Bo (Melton) has a really good feel for the position and is making plays. Really those three guys stand out, but I’m happy with all of our freshmen.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="zU3G21">He spoke about the importance of the freshmen getting reps during training camp in helping to translate what they see and discuss in the team meeting room.:</p>
<blockquote><p id="uDaPkO">“With all of our freshmen, if you aren’t taking a lot of reps, it makes it hard to go out there and execute your assignment. With freshmen a lot of times, you can go over stuff in the meeting room, but they need to go out there and get the reps. </p></blockquote>
<p id="D7QcBB">Williams was asked if Melton, Hayek, and Wormley could potentially see the field at the same time during a game and he stressed that class year is irrelevant”</p>
<blockquote><p id="hU3xPf">“Right now we are planning on whoever the best players are, then we will put them on the field and whether that is freshmen, seniors, or sophomores, it doesn’t matter. Throughout camp I wanted to put them on the field with the one group, because guess what, when we line up against Washington, we need them to play and they’ve got to play against their best players. And I think the room of our corners and secondary is pretty good, so if they can play and compete against those guys, we can do it when it is game day.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="M6qaNN">On the status of Ahmir Mitchell, the former 4-star recruit and Michigan transfer, nothing new regarding his timeline for return was mentioned. However, Williams gave good insight on how Mitchell is doing in learning the offense and mentally preparing during his recovering from injury:</p>
<blockquote><p id="7bzxM1">“I don’t know when he is expected back, it’s really for the training staff to decide. He’s been great. Ahmir is an energetic and very passionate person. He is passionate about the game of football. The good news is that he is in our meetings and paying attention. He’s engaged. I want to get him back and make sure he’ll be ready to go.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="yE4sK5">And as you already knew, mother’s always know best, as Williams confirmed about Mitchell’s mom’s prediction after the injury:</p>
<blockquote><p id="XZdxRh">“His mother said something about that when he got hurt, she said “my boy is a fast healer” and she was right. A couple months after surgery, they said he was out there, trying to run around. Yeah, he has come back pretty fast, so hopefully we can get him back early in the season.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="Xfau2H">A major issue last season, despite having two former receivers on NFL rosters right now, Andre Patton and Carlton Agudosi, was that the Rutgers wideouts struggled in gaining separation from their defenders. Williams praised the newcomers and stressed that the group as a whole has a chance to be more explosive this season:</p>
<blockquote><p id="Fkdg2H">“Good and I think a lot of that is just natural talent. Especially for the young guys right now. When those guys during the summer, they got all of these numbers back from the strength staff and it basically said they were more explosive than guys we’ve had in the past. They were good players, but we have a lot more explosive players and that was the focus in that recruiting class, which was that we need to bring some more guys in here with a little bit more speed and quickness. That helps that part. The technique part of it is going to take time.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="dLUnT5">Williams was asked the benefits for his players in now knowing that Kyle Bolin will be <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/21/16159894/kyle-bolin-named-rutgers-starting-quarterback-big-ten-louisville-jerry-kill-chris-ash-gio-rescigno">the starting quarterback</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="Jk4BJD">“Yes, I do think so. I said before it doesn’t matter who the quarterback is, but right now, as you get closer to games, you do want to have some type of relationship with the receivers and quarterbacks. Some type of consistency, rotation, I think that helps. They are hearing it from one guy, they get used to how he throws the ball, where he throws them open, those things.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="2wNOL3">One big takeaway is the positive influence that new offensive coordinator Jerry Kill is having on the offensive assistants. Williams praised Kill for his experience and past success. He explained that it’s helped more than just the head coach as well:</p>
<blockquote><p id="ZYRIKZ">“Coach Ash is always hard on us (laugh), but it’s a good thing because he likes to work. If you asked a difference, it’s probably I’m sure he can lean on Jerry and his experience. That’s the biggest benefit for us as an offensive staff is we really have a head coach in our room. I think that is great for us and obviously I’ve learned a lot from Jerry. We can all learn a lot from Jerry. He’s done it at a high level and he’s done it multiple times. I’m sure coach Ash can lean on him and doesn’t feel like he has to do everything.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="9JZxdq">The wide receivers this season give real hope that the Rutgers offense will be much improved in 2017. For a breakdown on each receiver, <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/7/27/16033800/rutgers-football-2017-preview-wide-receivers-jerry-kill-janarion-grant-jawuan-harris-damon-mitchell">click here</a> for our positional preview on this group. With Janarion Grant returning, the arrival of Arkansas grad transfer Damon Mitchell, and the potential impact of the true freshmen, there is a chance that the pass offense could be a real strength this season. If Ahmir Mitchell does return before too long and Jawuan Harris can get going, the options seem almost endless for Kill and Bolin to utilize on the field in the passing game. That is certainly an exciting prospect for Rutgers fans heading into this season. </p>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/8/23/16189286/rutgers-football-wide-receivers-more-explosive-season-jafar-williams-bo-melton-janarion-grantAaron Breitman