The 2008 Spring signifies another turning of the page in Rutgers football history. It marks the beginning of a new cornerstone for the foundation of Rutgers football and the closing of a historical chapter in 2007. As head coach Greg Schiano and his staff enter another new season the goals and commitment to build a competitive and nationally recognized program remain the same.
 The 2007 campaign was one of great historical significance and served as affirmation that the Rutgers program is on the rise. For the first time in 138 seasons of football at Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights played in a bowl game for the third consecutive season with their appearance in the 2008 International Bowl. With the 52-30 victory over Ball State, RU won its second-straight bowl game – another first in school history.
After a season in which the defense cemented itself among the nation’s elite (Rutgers ranked fourth nationally in total defense in 2006), the Scarlet Knight offense showed it too was one of the best in the country.
Rutgers earned the distinction of being the first school in NCAA history to boast a 3,000-yard passer, 2,000-yard rusher and a pair of 1,000-yard receivers in the same season. The two 1,000-yard receivers were the first in BIG EAST history and 26th in NCAA history.
Although the Scarlet Knights return an experienced group with seven starters on offense and eight starters on defense, Rutgers must also look to overcome the departure of a Heisman Trophy candidate running back, two All-BIG EAST tackles, a trio of defensive standouts and one of the winningest senior classes in school history. These key losses coupled with a number of players recovering from off-season surgeries are one of the challenges facing Schiano as he assembles his next group of Scarlet Knights.
With upgrades in talent and improvements on the field, RU also has a bright future to look forward to off the field as groundbreaking has begun on the $102 million expansion of Rutgers Stadium. RU played in front of 10-straight sell-out crowds dating back to 2006 and averaged a school-record 43,663 fans per game in 2007. For the second-straight season, Rutgers set single-game and season attendance records, proving that fans have been ignited by the Scarlet Knights with a growing ticket waiting list of over 10,000.
OFFENSE
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RETURNING QUARTERBACKS
4 Chris Paul-Etienne 6-3 200 So.*
11 Domenic Natale 6-2 210 Jr.*
14 Mike Teel 6-4 220 Sr.*
15 Jabu Lovelace 6-2 205 Jr.*
16 Andrew DePaola 6-2 200 Jr.*
Steve Shimko 6-5 215 Fr. |
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The 2007 season for the Rutgers offense will go down as one of the most prolific in school history as last year’s Scarlet Knights were just one of eight teams in 138 years of football to score 300 points in a season. RU set school records for scoring (426), first downs (294) and total offense (5,841) in 2007. The team also posted five of the top 10 total offensive performances during the Schiano era.
Nationally, the Rutgers offense finished second in fewest sacks allowed, 18th in total offense, 22nd in passing efficiency, 26th in rushing offense and 33rd in scoring offense.
The Scarlet Knights returns to the gridiron with a pair of signal callers that handled the bulk of the quarterbacking duties in 2008. Senior Mike Teel, the most consistent player under center last season, will look to continue his momentum from a stellar junior campaign in which he set a school record with 20 passing touchdowns. In his third year “On the Banks,” Teel is 21-8 as the Rutgers starter and last season became the second player in school history with three consecutive 300-yard games and six for his career. Teel completed 203-of-349 passes for 3,147 yards and ranked 17th nationally in passing efficiency.
Junior quarterback Jabu Lovelace saw his playing significantly increase as a sophomore, appearing in 10 games after seeing time in just three as a redshirt freshman. Rutgers utilized Lovelace primarily in its rushing attack as he carried the ball from the shotgun set 82 times for 332 yards and four touchdowns. He had a pair of two TD games, against Norfolk State and at Army.
Sophomore Chris Paul-Etienne, who played in three games in his redshirt freshman season, will look to compete with juniors Domenic Natale and Andrew DePaola for time under center this spring. 2008 signee Steve Shimko, enrolled at Rutgers for the spring and could also find himself in the mix at quarterback.
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RETURNING RUNNING BACKS
4 Jonathan Castro 5-11 225 Jr.*
8 Kordell Young 5-9 185 So.*
19 Jack Corcoran 6-1 230 Jr.
24 Mason Robinson 5-10 180 So.
35 Ken Gordon 5-8 195 Jr.*
37 Andres Morales 6-2 250 So.*
38 Joe Martinek 6-0 210 Fr.*
39 Jourdan Brooks 6-1 255 Fr.* |
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Without arguably the best running back in Rutgers history, the Scarlet Knights will look to a number of talented backs to fill the shoes of the departed Ray Rice. Rice, an early entry into the 2008 NFL Draft, ended his career as a Scarlet Knight on an outstanding note. In his final game, the All-American rushed for a school-best 280 yards and became the first player in Rutgers and BIG EAST history and the 13th in NCAA history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. The Doak Walker Finalist and unanimous First Team All-BIG EAST selection, finished his collegiate career as the all-time leading rusher in school history (4,926) and second-leading ball carrier in BIG EAST history.
After suffering an injury in the third game of the season against Norfolk State, redshirt sophomore Kordell Young returns and is the most experienced tailback on the roster, having played in 14 career games. In his three games, Young carried 18 times for 58 yards and amassed 96 yards on kickoff returns.
Joining Young as the other veteran tailback is sophomore Mason Robinson. Robinson appeared in 10 games as a true freshman, gaining 202 yards on the ground off 36 carries. He also handled kick and punt return duties with 304 total return yards.
Also battling for time at tailback will be a pair of redshirt freshmen in Joe Martinek and Jourdan Brooks. The all-time leading rusher in New Jersey state history, Martinek made the return to running back after spending much of his redshirt season as a defensive back. With his bruising running style, Brooks at 6-1, 255-pounds will look to add size and strength to the mix in the backfield.
In addition to the competition at tailback, there will also be a likely challenge for the fullback position with returning players Jack Corcoran and Andres Morales. Corcoran enters his junior season, having played in all but one game in his first two seasons at fullback. Morales, who made the move from defensive end to linebacker and finally to lead blocker in 2007, played in the last eight games, making five starts.
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RETURNING WIDE RECEIVERS
2 Tim Brown 5-8 160 Jr.
5 Dennis Campbell 5-9 180 Jr.*
7 Tiquan Underwood 6-2 180 Sr.
18 Julian Hayes 6-1 205 So.*
22 Pat Brown 6-1 170 So.
80 Keith Taylor 6-4 190 Sr.*
81 Ryan Glueckert 5-10 175 So.*
81 Robenson Alexis 6-0 160 Fr.*
82 Jawann Westerman 5-11 160 Fr.*
88 Kenny Britt 6-4 205 Jr.
Keith Stroud 6-3 190 Fr. |
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The Scarlet Knights return the bulk of their receiving corps and will also get a major boost from an outstanding recruiting class. Senior Tiquan Underwood and junior Kenny Britt became just the second and third receivers, respectively, in Rutgers history to top the 1,000 yard plateau. Britt and Underwood also finished second and third in the BIG EAST in receiving yards per game.
Britt finished with a school record 1,232 yards on 62 catches, while Underwood gained 1,100 yards through the air on 65 receptions. The pair also combined for 15 touchdowns (eight for Britt, seven for Underwood).
Junior Tim Brown will be back in action as the team’s third-leading receiver. The Miami, Fla., native caught 24 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns, including one at the International Bowl.
Adding to the depth at the wide receiver position will be junior Dennis Campbell, sophomore Julian Hayes and speedy redshirt freshman Robenson Alexis. Keith Stroud, an early signee who enrolled at Rutgers for the spring, will also vie for playing time among the pass catchers.
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RETURNING TIGHT ENDS
3 Shamar Graves 6-3 230 So.*
46 Tom Lang 6-3 215 So.*
81 Tim Finnegan 6-4 225 So.
82 Jeff Minemyer 6-7 260 So.*
84 Evan Lampert 6-3 240 Fr.*
86 Craig McGovern 6-3 250 Sr.*
87 Fabian Ruiz 6-4 235 Fr.*
89 Kevin Brock 6-5 245 Sr.* |
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After emerging as a reliable run blocker and receiver midway through last season, senior Kevin Brock returns to lead a talented group of tight ends. Brock caught 23 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns as he went on to start four of the final six games in 2007.
The Scarlet Knights’ other returning letterwinner at the tight end position is sophomore Shamar Graves. In his redshirt freshman season, Graves appeared in nine games with three catches and a touchdown. Aside from Brock, he is the only other tight end with significant playing time as redshirt freshman Fabian Ruiz, redshirt sophomores Tom Lang and Jeff Minemyer will all compete for playing time in 2008.
Rutgers finished the 2006 season with one of the top-rated offensive lines in the nation (allowed eight sacks, fewest in country) and 2007 proved to be much of the same with the Scarlet Knights ranking second nationally, having relinquished just 11 sacks on the year. The offensive line also averaged 198.0 yards on the ground and 251.3 yards through the air, marks which ranked second and third, respectively, in the BIG EAST.
RU must look to replace three starters from its nationally-ranked offensive line in All-BIG EAST tackles Jeremy Zuttah and Pedro Sosa and left guard Mike Fladell.
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RETURNING OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
60 Caleb Ruch 6-4 290 Fr.*
61 Ryan Blaszczyk 6-4 285 Jr.*
62 Marlon Romulus 6-3 285 So.*
67 Keoni Harrison 6-2 250 Fr.*
68 Keith Newell 6-6 290 Fr.*
69 Chris Santiago 6-4 300 Fr.*
70 Mike Gilmartin 6-5 290 Sr.*
73 Desmond Stapleton 6-5 320 Fr.*
74 Howard Barbieri 6-5 290 So.*
75 Anthony Davis 6-6 325 So.
76 Mo Lange 6-7 315 So.*
78 Kevin Haslam 6-7 280 Jr.*
79 Richard Muldrow 6-6 300 Fr.*
Art Forst 6-8 290 Fr. |
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Sophomore Anthony Davis will take over at left tackle following a stellar true freshman campaign in which he earned All-America honors from the Football Writers of America Association and The Sporting News. The Piscataway native played in all 13 games and started the final eight contests.
Junior Ryan Blaszczyk returns to his starting center position after a solid sophomore season. In his first season as a starter, Blaszczyk helped the offensive line through a smooth transition following the departure of former center and current Pittsburgh Steeler Darnell Stapleton.
Helping to fill in at the other three vacant spots on the offensive line will be a number of veterans and several redshirt freshmen. Junior Kevin Haslam played in all 13 games (five starts) last season, seeing time at right guard, and both tackle spots. He will be joined by senior Mike Gilmartin (28 career games), and sophomores Howard Barbieri (10 games) and Mo Lange (12 games).
Redshirt freshmen Caleb Ruch, Richard Muldrow and Desmond Stapleton will also help bolster the offensive line, while early enrollee Art Forst is expected to compete for a position during spring drills.
DEFENSE
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RETURNING DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
31 George Johnson 6-4 250 Jr.
45 Alex Silvestro 6-4 230 So.
55 Jamiel Farrington 6-2 240 Fr.*
57 Sorie Bayoh 6-3 230 So.*
63 Clem Udovich 6-2 245 So.*
69 Kevin Small 6-2 270 Jr.*
90 Jamaal Westerman 6-3 260 Sr.*
91 Justin Francis 6-4 260 So.
92 Gary Watts 6-3 245 Sr.
93 Desmond Wynn 6-6 260 Fr.*
94 Matthew Hardison 6-4 270 Fr.*
95 Remo Fioranelli 6-3 245 So.*
95 Wayne Thomas 6-5 280 Fr.*
96 Charlie Noonan 6-2 265 So.*
97 Pete Tverdov 6-4 265 Sr.
98 Vantrise Studivant 6-3 270 Sr.
99 Jonathan Freeny 6-3 230 So. |
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The Rutgers defense once again took its place among the nation’s top units in 2007 as the squad ranked fifth nationally in pass defense, 12th in sacks, 20th in tackles for loss, 16th in pass efficiency defense, 17th in total defense and 30th in scoring defense.
This season, Schiano is faced with the tough task of replacing three defensive stalwarts in All-American and First Team All-BIG EAST selection Eric Foster, four-year starter Ron Girault and Draddy Trophy finalist Brandon Renkart.
There will be a noticeable difference to the defensive line with the absence of Foster. The two-time captain was a mainstay for the defensive front, however, there are several Scarlet Knights poised to fill his shoes.
Senior Jamaal Westerman leads the group of returning linemen. Westerman led the team and was tied for sixth in the conference with eight sacks in 2007. His 20 career sacks rank fifth on the school’s all-time list. Westerman recorded 50 tackles (21 solo, 29 assisted), 14 for loss and 11 quarterback hurries last season.
Classmate Pete Tverdov returns as the team’s other regular starter on the defensive line. Tverdov played in 10 games last season after missing the first three with an injury. He posted 36 tackles (15 solo, 21 assisted), eight for loss and one sack.
Other veterans expected to make an impact on the defensive line will be seniors Gary Watts and Vantrise Studivant and junior George Johnson. The trio appeared in all 13 games last season and combined for 72 tackles, 14 for loss and 10 sacks.
Sophomores Alex Silvestro, Justin Francis and Jonathan Freeny also saw significant action as true freshmen last season and should provide excellent depth for the Scarlet Knights as they battle for position on the defensive line.
The linebacking corps will be without Renkart, its captain and leader. The former walk-on took on the role of mentor last season as he helped guide a young group of linebackers that featured no senior other than himself and just one junior.
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RETURNING LINEBACKERS
13 Al-Ghaffaar Lane 6-3 205 Fr.*
17 Damaso Munoz 6-0 210 Jr.*
30 Edmond Laryea 6-1 215 So.*
33 Chris Quaye 6-0 225 Sr.
34 Kevin Malast 6-2 230 Sr.
37 Alan Ajamian 5-8 210 Jr.*
44 Ryan D'Imperio 6-3 235 Jr.
45 Jim Dumont 6-1 210 Fr.*
48 Blair Bines 6-2 245 Jr.
50 Antonio Lowery 6-2 220 So.
51 Manny Abreu 6-3 220 Fr.*
53 Jim Dumont 6-1 215 So.*
54 Brian Tracey 5-10 215 Sr.
54 Anthony Lisanti 5-8 193 Fr.*
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Taking over the reins this season will be senior Kevin Malast, who in his first season as a starter ranked second on the team with 92 tackles (38 solo, 54 assisted). He also had 2.5 sacks and recovered a fumble.
Malast will be joined by fellow second-year starter, junior Damaso Munoz. Munoz appeared in all 13 games at middle linebacker and was tied for third on the squad with 67 tackles (28 solo, 39 assisted).
Juniors Blair Bines and Ryan D’Imperio will also look to help steady the linebacker position along with senior Chris Quaye. Both Bines and D’Imperio suffered injuries in 2007, but are expected to return to form and provide experienced depth.
Despite the graduation of Girault, who started all but four games at strong safety during his four-year career, the Scarlet Knights look to be in good shape with the return of free safety Courtney Greene. The two-time All-BIG EAST selection decided to return for his senior season “On the Banks,” opting not to enter the draft early as a junior.
Greene, who led the Scarlet Knights in tackles with 101 (54 solo, 47 assisted), will help anchor a deep defensive backfield.
Also vying for time at safety will be sophomore Joe Lefeged who had an outstanding year as a true freshman. The Germantown, Md., native received Freshman All-American honors after a season in which he posted 38 tackles, 3.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks.
Others in the mix at safety will be senior Glen Lee and juniors Davon Smart and Zaire Kitchen.
Jason and Devin McCourty proved to be reliable options at the two starting cornerback positions and they return this season to resume their duties. Jason, a senior, has started the past three seasons, while Devin earned the starting role for the first time last year. Jason had 44 tackles on the season and a team-best 12 pass breakups.
In his first season as a starter, Devin posted 63 tackles and two interceptions, including one which he returned for a touchdown. He was also a stellar performer on special teams, coming up with the team’s three blocked kicks, all of which led to eventual touchdowns for the Scarlet Knights.
Junior Billy Anderson and sophomore Brandon Bing are two players to also watch for in the defensive backfield in 2008.
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RETURNING SPECIALISTS
11 Matt Voliva 5-11 190 Jr.*
12 San San Te 5-9 165 Fr.*
58 Jeremy Branch 6-0 220 Sr.*
59 Josh LaVecchia 6-2 230 Fr.*
93 Teddy Dellaganna 6-2 190 So.* |
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SPECIAL TEAMS
The Rutgers kicking game will deeply miss the services of All-American place-kicker Jeremy Ito. Ito handled the place-kicking duties for the past four years and also added punting to his repertoire last season.
Ito converted 23-of-31 field goals in 2007 and was a perfect 15-of-15 on PATs. Rutgers’ all-time leader in field goals made, Ito became one of six players in NCAA history to record at least 80 career field goals.
Taking over at place-kicker will be redshirt freshman San San Te. Coming out of high school Te ranked as the No. 5 place-kicking prospect in the nation by Scout.com.
Junior Matt Voliva and sophomore transfer Teddy Dellaganna will compete for the starting position at punter.
* Denotes redshirt. |
