#NFLKnights
Seventeen Scarlet Knights signed NFL contracts in 2020, with 15 appearing on active rosters and 14 playing at least one game during the regular season. Ten logged one or more starts for their respective teams, while Gus Edwards (Baltimore), Duron Harmon (Detroit), Clark Harris (Cincinnati), Sebastian Joseph-Day (Los Angeles Rams), Devin McCourty (New England), Jason McCourty (New England) and Logan Ryan (New York Giants) played in all 16 of their team’s regular-season games.
Four former Rutgers football players combined for 12 touchdowns in 2020, the most for the Scarlet Knights since the 2017 season, when four players combined for 19 scores. Edwards led the way with six scores, Tyler Kroft (Buffalo) produced three touchdown receptions, Devin McCourty added touchdowns on defense and special teams and Mohamed Sanu (Detroit/San Francisco) tallied one touchdown reception.
On defense, Scarlet Knights accounted for 400 tackles, 30 passed defended, five interceptions and two sacks. Ryan produced 94 tackles for the most by a Rutgers football player in 2020, while Devin McCourty registered a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown on Sunday Night Football. Sebastian Joseph-Day (Los Angeles Rams) added 55 tackles and contributed to the No. 1 statistical defense in the league during the 2020 campaign.
Six Scarlet Knights - Edwards, Joseph-Day, Kroft, Michael Burton (New Orleans), Willington Previlon (Green Bay) and Kemoko Turay (Indianapolis) - advanced to the 2020 NFL Playoffs. In the offseason, five former players signed with new teams while Edwards and Ryan inked multi-year contract extensions with their respective clubs.
After the 2021 NFL Draft, defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour and safety Brendon White signed NFL contracts with the pair joining the New York Jets. Both signings made it 85 Scarlet Knights who have signed NFL contracts under head coach Greg Schiano during his time "On the Banks".
Current #NFLKnights
| Scarlet Knights | Team |
| Blessuan Austin - DB | New York Jets |
| Michael Burton - FB | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Andrew DePaola - LS | Minnesota Vikings |
| Michael Dwumfour - DL | New York Jets |
| Gus Edwards - RB | Baltimore Ravens |
| Saquan Hampton - DB | New York Jets |
| Duron Harmon - DB | Atlanta Falcons |
| Clark Harris - LS | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Sebastian Joseph-Day - DL | Los Angeles Rams |
| Tyler Kroft - TE | New York Jets |
| Devin McCourty - DB | New England Patriots |
| Jason McCourty - DB | Miami Dolphins |
| Andre Patton - WR | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Willington Previlon - DL | Green Bay Packers |
| Logan Ryan - DB | New York Giants |
| Mohamed Sanu - WR | San Francisco 49ers |
| Kamaal Seymour - OL | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Kemoko Turay - DE/LB | Indianapolis Colts |
| Brendon White - DB | Free Agent |
Blessuan Austin (2015-18)
DB | New York Jets
@BlessuanAustin
| Season | GP (GS) | Tackles | Interceptions | Passes Defended | Touchdowns |
| 2020 | 11 (10) | 63 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Career | 18 (16) | 88 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
2021 Preseason: Started at cornerback in Jets' first preseason game against the Giants (8/14)
2020: In his second season, Austin played in 11 games at cornerback with 10 starts for the New York Jets in 2020. Austin finished with 63 tackles, four passes defended, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble. His 63 total stops ranked third on the team during the 2020 campaign.
Career at Rutgers: Austin played in 27 career games for Rutgers, totaling 89 tackles, 23 passes defended and four interceptions as a starter since his debut. The cornerback from Queens, New York, was named honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2016 by the media after ranking second in the conference and 12th nationally with 1.4 passes defended per game. His final college game included two tackles-for-loss and a pick in the win over Texas State.
Michael Burton (2010-14)
FB | Kansas City Chiefs
@MikeBurtonFB
| Season | GP (GS) | Carries | Yards | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
| 2020 | 15 (4) | 7 | 18 | 4 | 28 | --- |
| Career | 80 (17) | 15 | 29 | 13 | 81 | 1 (Rec.) |
2020: Burton started 15 games with four starts at fullback for New Orleans in 2020. The six-year veteran produced seven rushes for 18 yards, four receptions for 28 yards and helped star running back Alvin Kamara earn 932 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns on the ground. On April 5, 2021, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Burton to a one-year contract for the 2021 season.
Career at Rutgers: Burton was a consistent starter at fullback for the Scarlet Knights after winning the job late in his freshman season. Incredibly valuable and versatile player who had 69 touches in his Rutgers career for 517 all-purpose yards and 3 touchdowns. Had at least one reception in 11 games during his senior campaign. Burton was also a three-time conference All-Academic team member and winner of team Offensive Swarm and Finish award junior and senior year and Paul Robeson award senior year at team banquet.
Andrew DePaola (2005-09)LS | Minnesota Vikings
| Season | GP |
| 2020 | 7 |
| Career | 72 |
2020: After sitting out the start of the season, DePaola signed with Minnesota on Nov. 21, 2020 and appeared in sevens games at long snapper. He is one of two long snappers on Minnesota's roster heading into 2021 training camp.
Career at Rutgers: Before becoming a special teams maestro, DePaola initially walked on to the team as a reserve quarterback and eventually became the holder for the field goal unit. He threw for a touchdown in an upset win over No. 2 USF in 2007. He moved to wide receiver in 2008 and was thrust into long snapping duties for the final four games of the season. DePaula became the full-time long snapper for the entirety of his senior season in 2009.
Michael Dwumfour (2020)
DL | New York Jets
2021 Preseason: Produced a half sack and recovered a fumble for the Jets in their first preseason game against the Giants (8/14).
Career at Rutgers: A 2020 honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media, Dwumfour started eight games at defensive tackle for the Scarlet Knights. Dwumfour finished his final collegiate season with 25 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss and an assisted sack, which included six tackles and 1.5 for loss in his Rutgers debut at Michigan State. Overall, Dwumfour played in 41 collegiate games and produced 59 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four passes defended and an interception.
Gus Edwards (2017)
RB | Baltimore Ravens
@GodsGiftGus13
| Season | GP (GS) | Rushes | Yards | Touchdowns | Long |
| 2020 | 16 (6) | 144 | 723 | 6 | 36 |
| Career | 43 (13) | 414 | 2,152 | 10 | 63 |
2020: Edwards produced career-highs in rushing yards (723), touchdowns (six) and rushes (144) in 16 games for Baltimore in 2020. Edwards also added nine catches for 129 yards and totaled 80 rushing yards in the Ravens' two playoff games. On June 7, 2021, Edwards signed a two-year, $10 million contract extension to remain in Baltimore.
Career at Rutgers: A graduate transfer from the University of Miami, Edwards started all 12 games at running back in his lone season with the Scarlet Knights in 2017, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten accolades. Edwards led the team with 713 rushing yards, 816 all-purpose yards and seven total touchdowns (six rushing, one receiving) in 2017. Edwards finished his collegiate career with 1,690 yards on the ground to go along with 18 rushing touchdowns and one touchdown reception.
Saquan Hampton (2014-18)
DB | New York Jets
| Season | GP (GS) | Tackles | Interceptions | Passes Defended | Touchdowns |
| 2020 | 1 (0) | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Career | 6 (0) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2020: Hampton signed with the New York Jets on Nov. 3, 2020 and appeared in one game in 2020 before he suffered a season-ending injury. The Jets placed Hampton on the PUP list on May 10, 2021.
Career at Rutgers: Hampton, a 2018 honorable mention All-Big Ten pick, tied for the league lead and ranked 12th nationally with 1.3 passes defended per game in 2018 on 13 pass breakups and three interceptions. The free safety also totaled 65 tackles, including a game-high 11 versus then-No. 4 Michigan, three tackles-for-loss and a fumble recovery. In the game at Wisconsin, he became the first Scarlet Knight since 2012 with multiple interceptions in a contest. He was honored with the Homer Hazel Award as most valuable player on the team last season. Overall, the Hamilton, New Jersey, native played in 39 college games with 177 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, 24 passes defended and five interceptions.
Duron Harmon (2009-12)
DB | Atlanta Falcons
@dharm32
| Season | GP (GS) | Tackles | Passes Defended | Interceptions | FF |
| 2020 | 16 (16) | 73 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Career | 127 (45) | 248 | 33 | 19 | 1 |
2020: A team captain for Detroit, Harmon started 16 games at safety and finished the 2020 season with 73 tackles, five passes defended, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Harmon signed a one-year deal with Atlanta for the 2021 campaign.
Career at Rutgers: Harmon saw action in 50 games over his four years as a Scarlet Knight, starting all 26 games his junior and senior seasons. He intercepted six passes in his career, five of which came in 2011 with a pick-six against NC Central and was twice named First Team All-Big East. In 2012 Harmon was named a finalist for the ARA Sportsmanship Award and Senior CLASS Award, nominated for the Draddy Trophy, also known as the Academic Heisman and received the Scholar-Athlete Award at the team banquet, given to the player on the team with the highest academic average.
Clark Harris (2002-06)
LS | Cincinnati Bengals
| Season | GP |
| 2020 | 16 |
| Career | 188 |
2021 Preseason: Served as Cincinnati's primary long snapper in first preseason game against Tampa Bay (8/14).
2020: The longest-tenured Rutgers football player in the NFL, Harris closed out his 13th professional season with 16 appearances as Cincinnati's long snapper in 2020. Harris signed a one-year, $1.12 million contract extension to remain with the Bengals for the 2021 season.
Sebastian Joseph-Day (2014-17)
DL | Los Angeles Rams
@SJD_51
| Season | GP (GS) | Tackles | Sacks | TFLs | FF |
| 2020 | 16 (16) | 55 | 1.0 | 1 | 1 |
| Career | 32 (31) | 99 | 3.0 | 6 | 1 |
2020: Joseph-Day started all 16 games for the Los Angeles Rams at nose tackle and finished the 2020 season with 55 tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and three passes batted down. With Joseph-Day in the starting lineup, Los Angeles finished with the top-rated defense in the NFL during the 2020 campaign, allowing just 281.9 yards per game.
Career at Rutgers: Joseph-Day started all 12 games at nose tackle this season and finished his career playing in 49 consecutive games and 50 overall. The defensive lineman totaled 41 tackles as a senior with a career-high seven in the win over Maryland. He also had 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, one pass batted down, one forced fumble, one blocked field goal. During his career, Joseph-Day totaled 97 tackles during his career "On the Banks" along with 14.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two passes batted down and two forced fumbles.
Tyler Kroft (2011-14)
TE | New York Jets
@Kroft86
| Season | GP (GS) | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
| 2020 | 10 (4) | 12 | 119 | 3 |
| Career | 72 (42) | 85 | 851 | 12 |
2021 Preseason: Produced a 13-yard reception in the Jets' first preseason game against the Giants (8/14).
2020: Kroft appeared in 10 games with four starts at tight end for Buffalo in 2020, hauling in 12 catches for 119 yards and three touchdowns. On March 22, 2021, Kroft signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the New York Jets.
Devin McCourty (2005-09)
DB | New England Patriots
@McCourtyTwins
| Season | GP (GS) | Tackles | Passes Defended | Interceptions | FF |
| 2020 | 16 (16) | 68 | 6 | 2 | --- |
| Career | 171 (171) | 840 | 92 | 28 | 11 |
2020: A three-time Super Bowl Champion and two-time Pro Bowl selection, McCourty wrapped up his 11th NFL season with 68 tackles, six passes defended, two interceptions, two tackles for loss and a touchdown in 16 games for New England during the 2020 campaign.
Career at Rutgers: One of the most accomplished defensive backs in school history, McCourty played in all 52 games for Rutgers from 2006-09. A model of consistency, McCourty had recorded an interception in every season as a Scarlet Knight, while also returning one for a touchdown as a freshman in 2006 and another one in 2007, He finished his Rutgers career with 238 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 6 interceptions. McCourty was also a standout on special teams, blocking three kicks in 2007, a punt in 2008 and assuming kick return duties in 2009, where he had 14 returns for 356 yards and most notably, a 98-yard return for a touchdown.
Jason McCourty (2005-08)
DB | Miami Dolphins
@McCourtyTwins
| Season | GP (GS) | Tackles | Passes Defended | Interceptions | FF |
| 2020 | 16 (11) | 42 | 3 | --- | --- |
| Career | 166 (137) | 723 | 106 | 18 | 9 |
2021 Preseason: Started at safety in Dolphins' first preseason game against Chicago (8/14).
2020: McCourty appeared in 16 games with 11 starts at cornerback for New England in 2020 and finished the season with 42 tackles and three interceptions. On May 7, 2021, McCourty signed a one-year contract with Miami.
Andre Patton (2012-16)
WR | Philadelphia Eagles
| Season | GP (GS) | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
| Career | 13 (5) | 6 | 56 | --- |
2021 Preseason: Produced a 13-yard reception for Philadelphia in its first preseason game against Pittsburgh (8/12).
2020: Patton was waived by Los Angeles on Aug. 1, 2020 and signed by Arizona on Aug. 5, 2020. Patton was released on Oct. 27, 2020. Patton was signed by Miami to its practice squad on Nov. 18, 2020. Patton's practice squad contract expired on Jan. 11, 2021. Patton signed with Philadelphia on July 29, 2021.
Career at Rutgers: Patton played in 44 games in his career at wide receiver with 27 starts. He caught at lease one touchdown in all four of his seasons including a career-high five touchdowns in his senior year in 2016. In total Patton caught 90 passes for 1,164 yards and 10 touchdowns as a Scarlet Knight.
Willington Previlon (2015-19)
DL | Green Bay Packers
| Season | GP (GS) | Tackles | Sacks | TFLs | FF |
| 2020 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Career | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
2021 Preseason: Produced a solo stop for Green Bay in its first preseason game against Houston (8/14).
2020: Previlon was active for Green Bay's Week 2 game against Detroit on Sept. 20, 2020 and returned to its practice squad for the remainder of his rookie season.
Logan Ryan (2009-12)
DB | New York Giants
@RealLoganRyan
| Season | GP (GS) | Tackles | Passes Defended | Interceptions | Sacks |
| 2020 | 16 (15) | 94 | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| Career | 125 (100) | 588 | 87 | 18 | 12 |
2020: Ryan finished second on the team with 94 tackles to go along with nine passes defended, a sack and an interception in 16 games for the New York Giants during the 2020 season. On Dec. 25, 2020, Ryan signed a three-year, $31 million contract extension with $20 million guaranteed to remain with the Giants.
Career at Rutgers: Ryan appeared in 11 games as a redshirt freshman before assuming the starting cornerback role his final two seasons at Rutgers. He was named Second Team All-Big East as a sophomore, collecting 67 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 17 passes defended and intercepting three passes, including one returned for a touchdown against Pitt. As a junior, Ryan amassed 94 tackles, five sacks, four interceptions and broke up 21 passes while also recovering a fumble. He was named First Team All-Big East.
Mohamed Sanu (2009-11)
WR | San Francisco 49ers
@Mo_12_Sanu
| Season | GP (GS) | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
| 2020 | 10 (4) | 17 | 187 | 1 |
| Career | 128 (96) | 420 | 4,694 | 27 |
2020: Sanu appeared in 10 games - seven with Detroit and three with San Francisco - during the 2020 season and finished with 17 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown. On March 30, 2021, Sanu signed a one-year deal to return to San Francisco.
Career at Rutgers: Sanu was an unstoppable force at Rutgers, breaking out as a freshman in 2009 with 51 receptions for 639 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterbacking the "Wild Knight" offense, he also rushed for 346 yards and five touchdowns while throwing for a touchdown as well. As a sophomore in 2010, Sanu did it all once again, catching 44 passes for 418 yards, two touchdowns and rushing for 309 yards and four touchdowns. He completed 6-of-9 passes for 160 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. As a senior in 2011, Sanu was a dominant receiver, blowing away Larry Fitzgerald's Big East record of 92 receptions in a season with his 115. Sanu also added 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns. He holds multiple Rutgers records with 210 career receptions, 115 receptions in a season and 16 receptions in a single game while also holding the Big East record for career receptions. He was the 2011 Maxwell Club Tri-State Player of the Year, a unanimous All-BIG EAST selection, an All-American by Phil Steele and SI,com and the Rutgers Offensive MVP and Homer Hazel award winner.
Kamaal Seymour
OL | Las Vegas Raiders
2020: Seymour spent his rookie season on Las Vegas' practice squad in 2020. On May 26, 2021, Seymour was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list.
Career at Rutgers: Seymour started 41-straight games at right tackle to finish his career, the most overall starts on the roster last season. Joining the program as a defensive lineman, he switched sides of the ball as a redshirt freshman and became a four-year starter. In his final season, Seymour was part of an offensive line that helped pave to the way for 271 rushing yards versus Liberty and totaled 554 total yards to beat Massachusetts. He recently became a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree as an information technology and informatics major.
Kemoko Turay (2014-17)
DL/LB | Indianapolis Colts
@Kturay_58
| Season | GP (GS) | Tackles | Sacks | TFLs | FF |
| 2020 | 7 (0) | 4 | 1.0 | 1 | --- |
| Career | 25 (3) | 24 | 6.5 | 2 | 2 |
2021 Preseason: Produced two QB hits for Indianapolis in its first preseason game against Carolina (8/15).
2020: After starting the 2020 season on injured reserve, Turay appeared in seven games and finished with four tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss for Indianapolis.
Career at Rutgers: Turay recorded a career-best 65 tackles in 2017, with 52 versus the run, eight against the pass and five on sacks. He accumulated 4.0 sacks overall with a team-leading 7.0 tackles-for-loss. Turay played in 44 games during his time at Rutgers and finished his career with 15.5 sacks as a Scarlet Knight, registering 7.5 in his rookie season to earn Freshman All-America honors.
Brendon White (2020)
LB | Free Agent
2020: After the 2021 NFL Draft, White was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent. White was waived on July 30, 2021.
Career at Rutgers: A honorable mention All-Big Ten pick, White started five games at safety during his one season with Rutgers and finished with 40 tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception. He also forced a fumble and recorded a fumble recovery. His standout season included a career-high 15 tackles against Michigan and a game-clinching interception in the Scarlet Knights' season-opening win at Michigan State to begin the 2020 campaign. Overall, White appeared in 34 collegiate games and combined for 106 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, five pass breakups, two interceptions, one sack, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
