On the Banks - American Athletic Conference Media DayInsomnia for the sleeping giant.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50417/onthebanks-fav.png2013-07-31T00:16:34-04:00http://www.onthebanks.com/rss/stream/43354852013-07-31T00:16:34-04:002013-07-31T00:16:34-04:00Media Day Recap: News, Notes, and Impressions
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<figcaption>Jim O'Connor-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Kyle Flood & Co. showcase Rutgers for the last time in Newport, R.I.</p> <p>It was quite a day for the Rutgers HBC and his players. The media on hand were able to get a final glimpse of Brandon Coleman as a college student as well as see QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134152/gary-nova">Gary Nova</a> answer questions about his downward spiral in the last three games of last season. The real spotlight was on Kevin Snyder, who did an admirable job in front of co-hosts John Rooke and Pete Brock. As a player who is a bit of an unknown outside of the RU community, Snyder truly shined and set the tone that this year's squad does not plan on taking a step back, even with a record number of Scarlet Knights selected in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>.</p>
<p>There were plenty of other items of note, so let's go over some of the highlights:</p>
<p><b>bELieve #52</b></p>
<p>Kyle Flood showed the nation once again that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/rutgers-scarlet-knights">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a> are the class of college football. In his presser to the media, Coach Flood announced that the game against Eastern Michigan (9/14) will serve as a retirement ceremony for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37583/eric-legrand">Eric LeGrand's</a> jersey number. In 144 years of college football, Rutgers has never retired a jersey number. This is the perfect opportunity for the school to initiate a great tradition, while at the same time commemorate the legacy of a man whose presence is venerable on the banks. Here are some samples of the reaction around the Twitterverse:</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>What an honor thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/RFootball">@RFootball</a> this means the world to me <a href="http://t.co/k0T15iS82h">pic.twitter.com/k0T15iS82h</a></p>&mdash; Eric LeGrand (@EricLeGrand52) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricLeGrand52/statuses/362235199729303553">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote></p>
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<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Nice RT <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLuicci">@TomLuicci</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rutgers&amp;src=hash">#Rutgers</a> will retire Eric LeGrand&#39;s #52, Kyle Flood just announced. First retired jersey in football program history.</p>&mdash; Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BFeldmanCBS/statuses/362234623922679809">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote></p>
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<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Why We Love Sports Today: Rutgers says Eric LeGrand&#39;s No. 52 will never be worn again. 1st jersey retired in 144 years of Rutgers football.</p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/362237452083134465">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote></p>
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<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Eric LeGrand&#39;s #52 will be the first jersey retired in Rutgers football history: <a href="http://t.co/EYGLPW9ng2">http://t.co/EYGLPW9ng2</a> // <a href="http://t.co/5rmOjMKoK3">pic.twitter.com/5rmOjMKoK3</a></p>&mdash; USA TODAY Sports (@USATODAYsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/USATODAYsports/statuses/362261324291514368">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote></p>
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<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Congrats to my man <a href="https://twitter.com/EricLeGrand52">@EricLeGrand52</a> on the news that #52 will be the first-ever retired number <a href="https://twitter.com/RFootball">@RFootball</a> on 9/14 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bELieve&amp;src=hash">#bELieve</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ReeveFoundation">@ReeveFoundation</a></p>&mdash; Tim Pernetti (@Tim_Pernetti) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Pernetti/statuses/362262122509500416">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote></p>
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<p><b>Kyle Flood at the Podium</b></p>
<p>If you would like to read the entire transcript of Coach Flood's presser, click <a href="http://www.theamerican.org/documents/2013/7/30/Rutgers_-_7_30_13.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. Some interesting tidbits:</p>
<p><i>On the first game of the season on the road against Fresno State:</i></p>
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<p>One of the things that was important to me, as soon as I realized that we would lose four of the top five players in our secondary, I told Jason: Go out there find us the best quarterback in the country that we can play against in the first day. And that was Derek Carr.</p>
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<p>This will be a very good litmus test for the RU secondary. Everyone knows that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133918/teddy-bridgewater">Teddy Bridgewater</a> is looking to end Louisville's tenure in the <strike>Big East</strike> AAC on a winning note, and Rutgers fans should be able to tell early on whether the attrition of the secondary will be too tough to overcome. Of course, the defensive backfield can improve between the Fresno State game and the Louisville game. However, it will be reassuring to see the Rutgers D shut down a potentially high NFL draft pick in Derek Carr (not to mention his stable of wideouts).</p>
<p><i>On Eric's reaction to the news about his jersey number:</i></p>
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<p>His reaction was very typical Eric. Eric said: Coach, I was wondering when you were going to do that. That was awesome.</p>
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<p>I love seeing how comfortable players are with the coaches. I know it's cheesy, but that family atmosphere is why recruits love Rutgers.</p>
<p><i>Regarding the clown show that is the RU administration the past couple of months:</i></p>
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<p>[T]here's no doubt in my mind that once we start playing football games, that is openly what will put some of these other conversations behind us.</p>
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<p>We've all been saying this since all of the madness started happening. Rutgers football has been a bright spot for the university since Greg Schiano resurrected the program in the last decade. That culture continues with Kyle Flood at the helm, and there isn't a better remedy to all of the problems than a new season of Rutgers football.</p>
<p><b>News & Notes</b></p>
<ul>
<li>It turns out that Rutgers <a target="_blank" href="http://snyrutgers.com/rutgers/football/rutgers-will-display-american-athletic-conference-logo-at-high-point-solutions-stadium/">will show the American Athletic Conference logo on the stadium turf</a>. This is not a big deal by any means, but I sort of appreciated the "good riddance" attitude to the AAC. Oh well. Probably for the best not to burn any bridges.</li>
<li>The Big East's football records will stay under the Big East name. The AAC has decided to start anew with athletic record-keeping, and that <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2013/07/30/american-athletic-conference-media-day-poll-records/">includes football</a>. This is a good chance for Brandon Coleman to set some conference records for the future.</li>
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<p>I hope you enjoyed the coverage of AAC Media Day here at On The Banks. Only one month to go until actual football.</p>
<p><h4>More from On the Banks:</h4><br><ul><br><li><a href="http://www.onthebanks.com/2013/7/30/4571978/rutgers-around-the-web-media-day-edition">Rutgers Around The Web: Media Day Edition</a></li><br><li><a href="http://www.onthebanks.com/2013/7/30/4571262/rutgers-picked-to-finish-3rd-in-aac-media-poll">Rutgers Picked To Finish 3rd In AAC Media Poll</a></li><br><li><a href="http://www.onthebanks.com/2013/7/30/4570928/american-athletic-conference-media-day-schedule">American Athletic Conference Media Day Schedule</a></li><br><li><a href="http://www.onthebanks.com/2013/7/16/4529020/new-kids-on-the-block-2013-offense">New Kids on the Block 2013: Offense</a></li><br><li><a href="http://www.onthebanks.com/2013/7/8/4504208/new-kids-on-the-block-2013-defense">New Kids On The Block 2013: Defense</a></li><br></ul></p>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2013/7/31/4573600/media-day-recap-news-notes-and-impressionsKevin Recio2013-07-30T14:14:55-04:002013-07-30T14:14:55-04:00Rutgers Around The Web: Media Day Edition
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<figcaption>Patrick McDermott</figcaption>
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<p>Enjoy some links from around the interwebs!</p> <p>Hope your media day was as fun-filled as Mike Aresco's. Here are some links to get you through your Tuesday:</p>
<p><b>On <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37583/eric-legrand" class="sbn-auto-link">Eric LeGrand's</a> Jersey Retirement:</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2013/07/rutgers_to_retire_eric_legrands_no_52_during_sept_15_game_vs_eastern_michigan.html">Rutgers to retire Eric LeGrand's No. 52 during Sept. 14 game vs. Eastern Michigan | NJ.com</a><br><i>Tom Luicci of the Star-Ledger gives his take on LeGrand's jersey retirement announcement.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/rutgers-retire-eric-legrand-uniform-number-155046360.html">In a first for the program, Rutgers to retire Eric LeGrand’s uniform number | Dr. Saturday - Yahoo! Sports</a><br><i>Yahoo! college football blog Dr. Saturday covers the classy move by the Scarlet Knights.</i></p>
<p><b>Recruiting Roundup:</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/07/24085/ohio-state-football-recruiting-big-ten-rankings-july-29?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ElevenWarriors+(Eleven+Warriors)">B1G Football Recruiting Rankings: 7/29 | Eleven Warriors</a><br><i>OSU blog Eleven Warriors currently has Rutgers #3 in their B1G football recruiting rankings.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2013/07/rutgers_recruiting_5-star_dt_thomas_holley_still_has_rutgers_on_his_radar.html">Rutgers recruiting: 5-star DT, Thomas Holley, still has Rutgers on his radar | NJ.com</a><br><i>The Star-Ledger's consummate recruiting insider, Todderick Hunt, shows us an</i><i> impressive interior D-lineman out of Brooklyn and gives his impressions on his recruitment so far.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2013/07/rutgers_recruiting_5-star_curtis_samuel_to_visit_rutgers_this_week_247sportscom_reports.html">Rutgers recruiting: 5-Star Curtis Samuel to visit Rutgers this week, 247Sports.com reports | NJ.com</a><br><i>Todderick enlightens us on another 5-star prospect with interest in the State University of New Jersey.</i></p>
<p><b>More Season Previews:</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/blogs/college-gridiron-365/os-rutgers-scarlet-knights-ranked-no-33-20130723,0,6723856.post">Rutgers Scarlet Knights ranked No. 33 in Sentinel's preseason college football countdown - OrlandoSentinel.com</a><br><i>UCF-area news offers a preview of their AAC rivals.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://sportschatplace.com/football/dave/2013/july/27/rutgers-scarlet-knights/">Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2013 College Football Preview: Dave's AAC Analysis " Sports Chat Place</a><br><i>Sports Chat Place gives their 2013 Season Preview of the Scarlet Knights.</i></p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2013/7/30/4571978/rutgers-around-the-web-media-day-editionKevin Recio2013-07-30T11:46:55-04:002013-07-30T11:46:55-04:00Rutgers Picked To Finish 3rd In AAC Media Poll
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<figcaption>Andrew Burton</figcaption>
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<p>The media can't seem to agree on where to slot Rutgers this season.</p> <p>The media have spoken, and Rutgers was picked to finish third in its only year as a member of the American Athletic Conference. Louisville was picked first, surprising no one, with Cincinnati picked as runner-up. Here is the full poll:</p>
<table align="left" border="0">
<caption>American Athletic Conference Preseason Media Poll</caption>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Rank</b></td>
<td><b>Team (1st place votes) </b></td>
<td><b>Points</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>
</td>
<td>Louisville (28)</td>
<td>298</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Cincinnati (2)</td>
<td>257</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Rutgers</td>
<td>240</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>UCF</td>
<td>210</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>USF</td>
<td>155</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Houston<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>
</td>
<td>134</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>UConn</td>
<td>131</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>SMU</td>
<td>118</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="line-height: 9px;">9.</span></td>
<td>Temple</td>
<td>60</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Memphis</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>With all of the buzz and hype <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133918/teddy-bridgewater" class="sbn-auto-link">Teddy Bridgewater</a> is getting, Louisville is an easy pick for the best team. Not only does Charlie Strong return the best QB in the AAC, but his defense should be much improved from a year ago, especially the secondary. With an improved and veteran signal-caller and a more experienced defense, Louisville should have no problem matching their win total from a year ago.</p>
<p>Past Louisville, things get really murky. UCF, Cincinnati, and Rutgers all have been pegged as the runner-up to Louisville in various polls. UCF has a 3,000 yard passer in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/128013/blake-bortles" class="sbn-auto-link">Blake Bortles</a>, who many see as the second best QB in the AAC this season. Out of all the new teams in the conference, UCF appears to be the best prepared to compete for a conference title right away. Cincinnati is the other popular pick for the number two spot, but in my opinion, that sentiment is completely based on historical success. Tommy Tuberville is a new coach coming from a mediocre stint at Texas Tech. Brendan Kay is decent as a QB, but he isn't exactly a candidate for Player of the Year. Munchie Legaux isn't any better. Much of the rest of the team is more unknown than anything else, so it seems a bit strange that Cincinnati is such a strong pick for number two, much less getting two first place votes.</p>
<p>I definitely see Rutgers as the second-best team in the conference. Sure, there is definitely some uncertainty as to how the fresh faces on defense can replicate the production from last season's unit, but the offense is stacked. RU arguably boasts the best offensive line in the conference, and a strong O-line always gives you a good chance at a league title. Combine that with the experience returning at each skill position (Nova, Coleman, Huggins), and you have a formula for a very competitive season.</p>
<p>What do you think? Cast your vote for where Rutgers will finish this season in the poll below. Leave a comment on where you think other teams will finish. More coverage from media day to come.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2013/7/30/4571262/rutgers-picked-to-finish-3rd-in-aac-media-pollKevin Recio2013-07-30T09:33:08-04:002013-07-30T09:33:08-04:00American Athletic Conference Media Day Schedule
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<figcaption>Wesley Hitt</figcaption>
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<p>The Final Clam Bake for Rutgers players and coaches.</p> <p>The AAC Media Day is here! I know you're so excited to hear about Memphis and Temple, so here is the schedule for the live digital show on ESPN3 and on www.theamerican.org/kickoff.</p>
<p>9:30<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Paul Pasqualoni (UConn)</p>
<p>9:45<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>George O'Leary (UCF)</p>
<p>10:00<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Charlie Strong (Louisville)</p>
<p>10:20<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Justin Fuente (Memphis)</p>
<p>10:35<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tony Levine (Houston)</p>
<p>10:50<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tommy Tuberville (Cincinnati)</p>
<p><b>11:10<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Kyle Flood (Rutgers)</b></p>
<p>11:25<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Willie Taggart (USF)</p>
<p>11:40<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>June Jones (SMU)</p>
<p>12:00<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Matt Rhule (Temple)</p>
<p>12:15<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mike Aresco (AAC Commissioner)</p>
<p>With the inaugural season upon us, there should actually be quite a bit to talk about. Expect lots of coach-speak and commissioner-speak about how the conference is as strong as ever and that every team is committed to making this partnership work (except for Rutgers and Louisville of course). Plenty of new faces in the coaching ranks as well, with Willie Taggart in Tampa and Tommy Tubs in Cincy. Of course, the most popular girl at the ball will be Louisville and QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133918/teddy-bridgewater">Teddy Bridgewater</a>.</p>
<p>The coaches will also be doing live Q&A sessions on ESPN3. Here is the schedule:</p>
<p>9:00-9:20<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mike Aresco</p>
<p>9:30-9:45<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>George O'Leary</p>
<p>9:45-10:00<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Charlie Strong</p>
<p>10:00-10:15<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Paul Pasqualoni</p>
<p>10:20-10:35<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tony Levine</p>
<p>10:35-10:50<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tommy Tuberville</p>
<p>10:50-11:05<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Justin Fuente</p>
<p>11:10-11:25<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Willie Taggart</p>
<p><b>11:25-11:40<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Kyle Flood</b></p>
<p>11:40-11:55<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Matt Rhule</p>
<p>12:00-12:15<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>June Jones</p>
<p>Stay tuned for more coverage from Rhode Island.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2013/7/30/4570928/american-athletic-conference-media-day-scheduleKevin Recio