Sep 22 | Football
MORGAN STATE (2-1) at RUTGERS (0-3)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 27 3:30 p.m.
Site: Piscataway, N.J.
Stadium: Rutgers Stadium
Series Record: Rutgers leads 2-0
Last Meeting: RU 37, MSU 14 (1972)
Television: BIG EAST Network (SNY-Regional) - Bob Picozzi - Play-by-Play, Doug Graber- Analyst. The game will also be televised nationally as part of ESPN's GamePlan PPV package and online at ESPN360.com. MASN will show the game on a tape-delay basis in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. television market Saturday night.
Radio: The Rutgers Radio Network can be heard on WOR (AM-710) and WCTC (AM-1450) Chris Carlin (Play-by-Play), former Rutgers TE Tim Pernetti (Color Analyst) and Anthony Fuccilli (Sideline Reporter) on the call. Marc Malusis serves as the rre-game and post-game host. The game can also be heard on the Internet at www.scarletknights.com, the official athletics website of Rutgers University.
Student Radio: WRSU 88.7 FM
Internet: ScarletKnights.com (audio)
Rutgers (0-3) returns home to Rutgers Stadium as the Scarlet Knights host Football Championship Subdivision member Morgan State (2-1) Saturday, Sept. 27. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. with live television coverage on SNY.
Bob Picozzi (play-by-play) and former Rutgers football head coach Doug Graber (analyst) will have the call.
Morgan State Series
For the first time since 1972, Rutgers and Morgan State will meet on the gridiron. The Scarlet Knights are 2-0 all-time vs. the Bears. Rutgers defeated MSU 27-8 in 1971 and 37-14 in 1972.
Morgan State Connections
Redshirt freshman RB Jourdan Brooks will have the opportunity to face the alma mater of his parents - Maurice Brooks and Andrea Simmons-Brooks - Saturday when Rutgers hosts Morgan State.
Brooks is coming off a career-day last week vs. Navy. The Maryland native totaled career-highs in rushing yards (134) and rushing attempts (22) to go along with the first two rushing touchdowns of his career vs. the Midshipmen.
Rutgers has four players on its roster from the state of Maryland - Brooks, Joe Lefeged, Andrew DePaola and Wayne Warren.
Morgan State's roster features seven players from the Garden State
Bittersweet Homecoming
Despite coming up short at Navy, two native Marylanders enjoyed career days back in their home state. Along with Jourdan Brooks' career-high 134 rushing yards vs. the Mids, sophomore SS Joe Lefeged equaled a career-high with nine tackles vs. Navy.
Rutgers Stadium Sold Out for 2008
For the second consecutive season, Rutgers is sold out for its entire home schedule. With the seven home games sold out for 2008, it moves Rutgers' consecutive sell-out streak at Rutgers Stadium to 17 games, the longest streak in the BIG?EAST.
The most fans in school history - 349,306 - entered the gates at Rutgers Stadium in 2007. Rutgers averaged a school-record 43,663 fans per game in 2007.
TV Time
For the 40th consecutive game, Rutgers will appear on television this week vs. Morgan State. The game will mark Rutgers' first appearance on SNY - the new exclusive television home of Rutgers Football.
SNY airs Inside Rutgers Football (coaches show), Rutgers Rush Hour (one hour condensed game) and Tuesday Knight Football (full broadcast) throughout the season in addition to this week's Morgan State game and next week's BIG?EAST opener at West Virginia.
| BROOKS |
The Freshman 100
Jourdan Brooks became the seventh freshman during Greg Schiano's tenure at Rutgers to rush for 100 yards in a game with his 134-yard performance at Navy.
Below is the list of freshmen who have eclipsed the 100-yard mark in a game under Schiano at Rutgers:
Player Att.-Yards-TD Opponent (Date)
Ray Rice 27-217-0 at UConn (10-22-05)
Ray Rice 24-195-2 Cincinnati (11-26-05)
Brian Leonard 33-184-2 at UConn (11-8-03)
Justise Hairston 31-161-4 vs. Navy (9-27-03)
Ray Rice 26-158-0 USF (11-5-05)
Brian Leonard 37-138-1 Syracuse (11-29-03)
Jourdan Brooks 22-134-2 at Navy (9-20-08)
Brian Leonard 16-132-1 at Army (9-13-03)
Markis Facyson 32-129-1 Army (9-14-02)
Justise Hairston 27-115-1 at WVU (10-11-03)
Ray Rice 15-114-0 Pittsburgh (9-30-05)
Ray Rice 20-108-0 Arizona St. (12-27-05)
Jason Nugent 26-106-1 at BC (11-30-02)
Marcus Jones 30-105-1 at WVU (11-3-01)
Clarence Pittman 31-104-0 at Tennessee (9-28-02)
Comparing First Starts at Running Back
With 134 yards at Navy, Jourdan Brooks is among elite company in Rutgers history for rushing yards by a player in their first career start.
Player Opponent Att.-Yards-TD
Terrell Willis at Army (10-16-93) 37-221-4
Jourdan Brooks at Navy (9-20-08) 22-134-2
"JJ" Jennings vs. Colgate (11-20-71) 21-108-3
Bruce Presley vs. West Virginia (11-14-92) 27-105-0
Kordell Young vs. Fresno State (9-1-08) 26-94-0
Mason Robinson vs. North Carolina (9-11-08) 16-82-0
Ray Rice at Illinois (9-3-05) 12-55-0
Brian Leonard vs. Buffalo (8-30-03) * 6-11-0
* started at fullback
The Century Club
Junior WR Kenny Britt tied the Rutgers career record with his seventh 100-yard receiving game Sept. 11 vs. North Carolina. Britt led RU with eight receptions for 109 yards.
He is tied for the top spot in RU history in 100-yard receiving games with Tres Moses (2001-05) and former All-America TE Marco Battaglia (1992-95).
Senior WR Tiquan Underwood is second in school history with six career 100-yard receiving games.
| BRITT |
Britt Continues Assault on Record Books
Kenny Britt is sixth in school history with 1,934 yards receiving and needs just 66 yards to become only the sixth player in school history to record 2,000 yards receiving. Britt owns the single-season school record with 1,232 receiving yards set in 2007.
Rutgers Career Receiving Yards Leaders
1. Tres Moses (2001-05) 2,522
2. Andrew Baker (1981-84) 2,268
3. Marco Battaglia (1992-95) 2,221
4. Jim Guarantano (1989-92) 2,065
5. Clark Harris (2003-06) 2,015
6. Kenny Britt (2006-present) 1,934
7. Chris Brantley (1990-93) 1,914
8. Brian Leonard (2003-06) 1,868
Te Time
Redshirt freshman PK San San Te connected on the first two field goals of his career Sept. 11 vs. North Carolina. Te booted a 34 and 32-yard field goal against the Tar Heels. The North Carolina native is 2-for-4 on field goal attempts on the season.
| D'IMPERIO |
South Jersey Stopper
Junior LB Ryan D'Imperio ranks fourth in the BIG?EAST with 8.3 tackles per game. The South Jersey native totaled a career-high 13 tackles vs. North Carolina on Sept. 11.
In his first year as the full-time starter at middle linebacker, D'Imperio has started every game this season for the Scarlet Knights.
D'Imperio broke his leg in the spring of 2007 and forced him to miss the start of the 2007 season. Now completely healthy, D'Imperio has been one of the leaders of the Scarlet Knight defense in 2008.
34 On the Tackle
Senior LB Kevin Malast has been as steady as they come in the BIG?EAST at linebacker since becoming a starter in 2007. After finishing second on the team with 92 tackles as a junior, Malast leads RU and ranks third in the BIG?EAST in tackles in 2008. He has 27 tackles on the season and ranks third in the league with 9.0 tackles per game,
Malast led all players in the Fresno State game with nine tackles.
Welcome to Rutgers
Here is the list of Scarlet Knights who have made their first career appearances this season:
Player Year Pos.
Marvin Booker Fr. LB (special teams)
Jourdan Brooks R-Fr. RB (starter)
Marcus Cooper Fr. WR
Teddy Dellaganna R-So. P (starter)
Patrick Kivlehan Fr. DB
Eric LeGrand Fr. DE
Joe Martinek R-Fr. RB
Marlon Romulus R-So. OL
David Rowe Fr. DB
Caleb Ruch R-Fr. RG (starter)
San San Te R-Fr. PK (starter)
Wayne Thomas R-Fr. DL
| YOUNG |
Welcome Back Kordell
Redshirt sophomore RB Kordell Young made his return from a torn ACL?and earned the start at running back in the season-opener vs. Fresno State.
The West Deptford, N.J., native rushed for a career-high 94 yards on a career-high 26 carries in the season-opener vs. Fresno State. He missed the UNC and Navy games due to a sore knee.
Young also scored his first touchdown in the Fresno game since Oct. 14, 2006 against Navy. His 26 carries were also the second-highest total ever for a game for Young. He totaled 27 rushing attempts as a senior in high school in one game.
Young, one of six starters from South Jersey on the roster, suffered his knee injury in the third game of the 2007 season vs. Norfolk State and was forced to miss the remainder of the year.
Rutgers Stadium Expansion
The Board of Governors of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, approved a plan in January of 2008 to expand Rutgers Stadium.
The $102 million project, which will increase the stadium's seating capacity to 56,000, will be funded entirely by the revenue generated from ticket sales for the 14,000 new seats and from private donations. Rutgers students will continue to have access to football tickets free of charge.
The first phase of the project - a new mezzanine level with club seats and loge boxes - opened to rave reviews Sept. 1 at the Fresno State game.
Airing it Out
Senior QB Mike Teel set a school record with 20 touchdown passes in 2007. He also finished second in single-season school history with 3,147 yards passing.
Teel is the second player in Rutgers history with three consecutive 300-yard passing games. Ryan Hart (2002-05) holds the school record for consecutive 300-yard passing games with seven during the 2004 season.
Teel is second in Rutgers history with six, 300-yard passing games.
The senior from Oakland, N.J. is 21-11 as Rutgers' starting quarterback. He has started 29 consecutive games under center.
Spreading the Wealth
Mike Teel completed passes to seven different receivers in the Fresno State game. Teel completed passes to three wide receivers, one tight end, two running backs and a fullback.
The WR tandem of Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood combined for 12 receptions and 162 yards vs. the Bulldogs to lead the Scarlet Knight offense.
| TVERDOV |
Tough Up the Middle
Senior captain and DT Pete Tverdov is one of the team's defensive anchors in 2008 and he started the season in strong fashion in the first game of the year vs. Fresno State.
Tverdov was all over the field in the opener, finishing with seven tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, one QB hurry and a pass breakup.
Tverdov missed the Navy game with an ankle injury.
Spanning Three Centuries
Rutgers Football, now in its 139th season, has played only three opponents in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. The three - Army, Navy and North Carolina - are all on the 2008 schedule.
Three Straight Bowls for Rutgers
For the first time in school history, the Scarlet Knights played in a bowl for the third consecutive season with their appearance in the 2008 International Bowl.
Rutgers won its second straight bowl - another first in school history - with a 52-30 victory over Ball State in the International Bowl.
Starting a Bowl Tradition
Before Greg Schiano's arrival at Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights played in one bowl game in 131 seasons of football. In seven seasons at the helm of the program, Schiano has guided Rutgers to three straight bowl games.
The Scarlet Knights are one of 34 teams to play in three consecutive bowls. Among BCS members, Rutgers is one of 25 schools to play in three straight bowl games and just one of three BIG?EAST programs to play in three consecutive bowls (Rutgers, West Virginia, USF). All-time, Rutgers is 2-2 in postseason play.
Protecting the Quarterback
Under the direction of assistant head coach/offensive line coach Kyle Flood, Rutgers has allowed just 19 sacks since 2006 - the fewest amount in the nation. The Scarlet Knights led the Football Bowl Subdivision in fewest sacks allowed in 2006 with eight and followed with just 10 sacks yielded last season to tie for second nationally.
The Scarlet Knights return two starters on the offensive line. Sophomore Anthony Davis moves from right guard to left tackle and junior center Ryan Blaszczyk returns to man the middle of the Scarlet Knight offensive line.
Britt/Underwood Return as Nation's Second Leading WR Tandem
Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood return as the nation's second leading wide receiver tandem in 2008. Last season, the two players both went over the 1,000-yard mark in receiving. It marked just the 26th time in NCAA history and the first time in BIG EAST history two players from the same team had 1,000 yards receiving in the same season.
The pair also became the second and third players in Rutgers history to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in a season. The first Scarlet Knight to achieve the feat was Tres Moses, who posted 1,056 yards in 2004.
The 1,232 yards receiving by Britt led the BIG EAST in 2007 and was the fifth-best total in single-season history by a BIG EAST player. Underwood ended the season second in RU history with 1,100 yards receiving.
Block Party
Junior CB Devin McCourty has been one of the team's top special teams standouts throughout his career. McCourty has blocked four career kicks, including the third punt block of his career vs. Navy on Sept. 20. All four of McCourty's blocked kicks have led to Rutgers touchdowns.
McCourty has also scored two touchdowns in his career on a pair of interception returns. He returned a pick 36 yards for a touchdown vs. Cincinnati in 2007 and returned an INT 38 yards for a score his freshman year in 2006 vs. Illinois.
| MARTINEK |
Joe Mart
Redshirt freshman Joe Martinek made the most of his first extensive action of his career Sept. 20 at Navy. Martinek recorded his first career rushing attempt, gaining seven yards on a 1st and 10 at the 12-yard line in the first quarter. One play later, he posted his first career touchdown on a five-yard rush with 5:22 to play in the first quarter.
Martinek finished with career-highs in attempts (8) and rushing yards (61) against the Midshipmen.
Martinek was the 2006 Gatorade New Jersey State Player of the Year and is the all-time leading rusher in New Jersey high school football history with 7,589 rushing yards and 80 touchdowns.
He finished his high school career as the No. 38 rusher in high school history with 7,589 rushing yards.
First Career Start for Bines
Junior DT Blair Bines started the spring at linebacker and moved to defensive tackle in preseason camp. Only three games into the season, Bines earned his first career start at DT for an injured Pete Tverdov.
One of the most versatile players on the roster, the New York native has also lined up at fullback this year for the Scarlet Knights.
| KITCHEN |
Comeback in the Kitchen
Junior SS Zaire Kitchen has been one of the best stories of the season for the Scarlet Knights. Kitchen has overcome three ACL surgeries during his career, including two at Rutgers, and has made it all the way back into the starting lineup Sept. 20 at Navy. In his first career start vs. the Mids, Kitchen tallied two tackles.
Kitchen played in nine games in 2007 before his season was cut short with a torn ACL against Pittsburgh. During his freshman campaign in 2006, Kitchen played in 11 games before an ACL?injury ended his year prematurely.
In 23 career games, the hard-hitting Kitchen has 33 tackles. The Hightstown native also has one career interception, which secured the victory over No. 2 USF in 2007.
The 1,200 Club
Rutgers has played the most football games of any Football Bowl Subdivision school with 1,217 games played. All-time, Rutgers is 588-587-42.
Three other schools will join the exclusive list later this year. Navy will play its 1,200th college football game on Oct. 25 against SMU. Michigan will play its 1,200th game on Nov. 1 against Purdue, while Nebraska will play game number 1,200 against Colorado on Nov. 28.
Not in a Rush
Since Greg Schiano took over as defensive coordinator for the Scarlet Knights, Rutgers' defense has limited the opposition to less than 100 yards rushing 14 times, including three games with negative yards rushing.
Nine times during Schiano's tenure as defensive coordinator, the Rutgers defense has yielded less than 200 yards of total offense to an opponent.
The "Chop Shop"
A school-record crowd of 44,267 were in attendance as the Scarlet Knights upset No. 2 USF 30-27 last season The Scarlet Knights have posted the eight largest crowds in school history over the last two seasons.
Currently, the growing waiting list for season tickets is over 12,000 as the Scarlet Knights have played in front of 12 straight sell-out crowds at Rutgers Stadium, the longest current streak in the BIG?EAST.
Top Crowds in Rutgers Stadium History
1. RU 30, #2 USF 27 (10/18/07) 44,267
2. #14 RU 28, #3 Louisville 25 (11/9/06) 44,111
3. Maryland 34, #10 RU 24 (9/29/07) 43,803
4. #15 RU 38, Syracuse 7 (11/25/06) 43,791
5. #20 Cincinnati 28, #21 RU 23 (10/6/07) 43,768
6. #6 WVU 31, #25 RU 3 (10-/27/07) 43,620
7. #13 RU 59, Norfolk State 0 (9/15/07) 43,712
8. RU 20, Pitt 16 (11/17/07) 43,531
9. #15 RU 44, Navy 21 (9/7/07) 43,514
10. #16 RU 38, Buffalo 3 (8/30/07) 43,091
South Jersey Scarlet Knights
South Jersey has become a hot spot for Rutgers' recruiting in recent years as the Scarlet Knights have six starters from the southern part of the Garden State.
Below are six South Jersey standouts who are currently the starter or co-starter at their respective position:
Center - Ryan Blaszczyk (Medford Lakes)
Running Back - Kordell Young (West Deptford) *Co-starter
Fullback - Jack Corcoran (Atlantic City)
Defensive End - George Johnson (Glassboro)
Defensive Tackle - Alex Silvestro (Gibbstown)
Middle Linebacker - Ryan D'Imperio (Sewell)
| UNDERWOOD |
Off the Field Honors for Underwood
Due to his tremendous work and volunteer time away from the football field, Tiquan Underwood has been nominated for the 17th annual Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Underwood has been heavily involved in Rutgers' community service programs, including volunteer work with Special Olympics New Jersey. He is just one of several Scarlet Knight football players who have offered their time.
Underwood has spent time speaking to children about the importance of education at several area local schools, including MacAfee Elementary School, Linwood Middle School, Notre Dame Elementary School, Franklin High School and Somerset Middle School.
On the field, Underwood was a First Team All-BIG EAST selection in 2007. He finished second in Rutgers history with 1,100 yards receiving and tied for third in the BIG EAST with 7.1 receptions per game.
Watch Out!
Once again in 2008, several members of the Rutgers Football team are among the nation's elite at their respective position.
Bednarik Award Watch List
Courtney Greene, DB
Jamaal Westerman, DE
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Courtney Greene, DB
Davey O'Brien Award Watch List
Mike Teel, QB
Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
Courtney Greene, DB
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Watch List
Mike Teel, QB
Maxwell Award Watch List
Kenny Britt, WR
Tiquan Underwood, WR
Outland Trophy Watch List
Anthony Davis, OT
Rimington Trophy Watch List
Ryan Blaszczyk, C
Ted Hendricks Award Watch List
Jamaal Westerman, DE
| TEEL |
Teel in the Record Books
Mike Teel has a chance to own Rutgers' all-time records for career passing yards and career touchdowns entering the 2008 season.
Career Passing Yards
1. Ryan Hart (2002-05) 8,482
2. Scott Erney (1986-89) 7,188
3. Mike McMahon (1997-00) 6,608
4. Mike Teel (2005-present) 6,602
Career Touchdowns
1. Ryan Hart (2002-05) 52
2. Ray Lucas (1992-95) 43
3. Scott Erney (1986-89) 41
Mike McMahon (1997-00) 41
5. Mike Teel (2005-present) 35
Career Attempts
1. Ryan Hart (2002-05) 1,217
2. Scott Erney (1986-89) 1,128
3. Mike McMahon (1997-00) 974
4. Ray Lucas (1992-95) 908
5. Mike Teel (2005-present) 845
Career Completions
1. Ryan Hart (2002-05) 735
2. Scott Erney (1986-89) 614
3. Ray Lucas (1992-95) 514
4. Mike McMahon (1997-00) 482
5. Mike Teel (2005-present) 476
| GREENE |
Consistent Courtney
Since he arrived on campus as a freshman in 2005, Courtney Greene has started at free safety for the Scarlet Knights. The New Rochelle, N.Y., native, has started 41 consecutive games and ranks seventh in Rutgers history with 319 career tackles.
Career Tackles
1. Tyronne Stowe (1983-86) 533
2. Jim Dumont (1979-83) 448
3. Brian Sheridan (1993-97) 389
4. Pat Udovich (1986-89) 363
5. Aaron Brady (1995-98) 354
6. Keith Woetzel (1980-82) 323
7. Courtney Greene (2005-present) 319
| WESTERMAN |
Racking Up The Sacks
Senior DE Jamaal Westerman ranks fourth in school history in career sacks with 21.5. Westerman totaled 50 tackles and finished second on the squad with 14 tackles for loss in 2007. He led the team with eight sacks and posted 11 quarterback hurries.
Career Sacks
1. Nate Toran (1973-76) 52
2. Dan Gray (1975-77) 29
3. Dino Mangiero (1976-79) 26
4. Jamaal Westerman (2005-present) 21.5
Best Three-Year Run in BIG?EAST Play
Since the BIG?EAST Football Conference was formed in 1991, Rutgers has enjoyed its best three-year stretch from 2005-07.
The Scarlet Knights have won 12 conference games over the last three seasons, equaling their total of 12 victories combined from 1993-2004.
Eight Wins "On the Banks"
Rutgers finished the 2007 season with an 8-5 record after the International Bowl victory vs. Ball State. For just the second time since 1980, the Scarlet Knights recorded an eight-win season. It was also the 12th time in 138 seasons of football at Rutgers the Scarlet Knights reached the eight-win plateau.
Watts Out for the Season
Senior DE Gary Watts will miss the remainder of the 2008 season with a knee injury. A native of Miami, Fla., Watts will apply for a medical redshirt this season and have the opportunity to complete his career in 2009.
Rutgers in the NFL
As of Sept. 17, 14 former Scarlet Knights are on NFL rosters, including the captains of the previous two Super Bowl winners - Shaun O'Hara with the New York Giants and Gary Brackett of the Indianapolis Colts.
Of the 14 players currently in the NFL from Rutgers, 13 were coached by Greg Schiano at Rutgers.
Player (Letters at RU) NFL Team
Gary Brackett (1999-02) Indianapolis
Last Game:?Started at MLB; Led team with 11 tackles
Eric Foster (2003-07) Indianapolis
Last Game:?Started at DT vs. Jaguars; 2 tackles
Gary Gibson (2001-04) Carolina
Last Game:?Played vs. Vikings; 1 tackle at DT
Nate Jones (2000-03) Miami
Last Game:?Played vs. Patriots at CB and on ST
Brian Leonard (2003-06) St. Louis
Last Game:?Inactive vs. Seahawks
Ryan Neill (2001-02, 04-05) Buffalo
Last Game:?Handled LS duties vs. Oakland
Shaun O'Hara (1997-99) N.Y. Giants
Last Game:?Started at C vs. Bengals
J'Vonne Parker (2004) Baltimore
Last Game:?Member of the practice squad
Joe Porter (2003-06) Green Bay
Last Game:?Member of the practice squad
Ray Rice (2005-07) Baltimore
Last Game:?Played vs. Browns at RB; 21 yds on 5 att.
Derrick Roberson (2003-06) Houston
Last Game:?Member of the practice squad
L.J. Smith (1999-02) Philadelphia
Last Game:?Started at TE vs. Steelers
Darnell Stapleton (2005-06) Pittsburgh
Last Game:?Played vs. Eagles on OL
Jeremy Zuttah (2004-07) Tampa Bay
Last Game:?Third straight start at RG vs. Bears
No. 3 Nationally in APR
The Rutgers football team was ranked No. 3 in the nation in the Academic Progress Rate according to the latest APR figures released by the NCAA. The Scarlet Knights have a four-year APR score of 977, which covers the academic years of 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
The top five Football Bowl Subdivision schools in terms of APR are Stanford (986), Navy (979), Rutgers (977), Duke (977) and Air Force (976). For the second consecutive year, Rutgers football has the best APR mark of any state university in the nation.
The Rutgers football team was one of only six Football Bowl Subdivision programs to be ranked in the top 10 percent in the APR scores. Rutgers is the lone state university on the list and the only institution to have its football team ranked in the top 10 percent of the APR and to have won a bowl game last season.
The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete. The APR includes eligibility, retention, and graduation in the calculation and provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport.
Top Five Football Bowl Subdivision APR Scores
1. Stanford (986)
2. Navy (979)
3. Rutgers (977)
Duke (977)
5. Air Force (976)
Atlantic City's Witherspoon Joins Team
Greg Schiano announced that Marcus Witherspoon (Atlantic City, N.J.) has joined the Rutgers football program. Witherspoon is a product of Holy Spirit High School and played for head coach Bill Walsh. He led his squad to a 12-0 record and the Non-Public III state championship as a senior. Witherspoon totaled 319 tackles, 62 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered for touchdowns during his career.
Here are some additional notes on Witherspoon:
Led the state of New Jersey with 27 sacks and registered 125 solo tackles as a senior ??? also forced four fumbles and returned two for touchdowns as a senior ??? posted 90 tackles, 18 sacks and intercepted five passes as a junior ??? Associated Press First Team All-State selection on the defensive line as a senior in 2007 ??? Star-Ledger All-State honoree PrepStar Magazine All-American and the publication's 135th-best prospect nationally ??? four-star prospect and the nation's No. 20 outside linebacker prospect by Rivals.com ??? rated as the fifth-best player in the state of New Jersey according to Rivals.com ??? four-star prospect and the No. 14 weakside linebacker in the country by Scout. com ??? named the No. 23 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com ??? listed as a top-300 prospect nationally by Tom Lemming.
