Football: NSD 2020
Dec 18 | Football
Head coach Greg Schiano welcomes 19-member class, first since returning to RU
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano announced the Scarlet Knights' 19-member recruiting class during the Early Signing Period. The group comprises his first class since returning to the helm of the Rutgers football program on Dec. 1.
The 2020 recruiting class consists of players from seven different states and one from Canada. Ten Scarlet Knights hail from New Jersey, followed by two each from New York and Florida, and one each from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Canada.
The following nine students will enroll in January and begin practice in March: Malik Barrow, Tunde Fatukasi, Victor Konopka, Robert Longerbeam, Max Melton, Cedrice Paillant, Peyton Powell, Tyreem Powell and Evan Simon.
* - indicates mid-year enrollee
Wesley Bailey
DL • Fr. • 6-5 • 225
Clearwater, Fla./Clearwater Academy International
Prior to Rutgers: Originally from Orleans, Ottawa, Ontario ... played for head coach Jesse Chinchar at Clearwater Academy International ... played defensive end for the Knights and helped the team to an 8-2 record as a senior ... finished senior campaign with 62 tackles, seven sacks, three caused fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a blocked field goal ... arrived in Clearwater after playing with the Cumberland Panthers, a youth football organizations in Ottawa ... consensus three-star recruit by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com.
Malik Barrow
DL • Sr. • 6-3 • 257
Tampa, Fla./IMG Academy (UCF)
2019 (Redshirt junior at UCF): Appeared in four games at UCF. 2016-18 (At Ohio State): Played for then-co-defensive coordinator Greg Schiano at Ohio State ... appeared in three games for the Buckeyes before transferring. Prior to College: Played three seasons at Tampa Catholic for head coach Mike Gregory ... spent senior season at IMG Academy with head coach Kevin Wright ... rated a four-star prospect out of high school ... a First Team Florida 3A All-State selection as a junior ... totaled 158 career tackles and 31 tackles-for-loss.
Shawn Collins
ATH • Fr. • 6-5 • 207
Montclair, N.J./Montclair
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach John Fiore at Montclair ... started at tight end and along the defensive line for the Mounties ... caught eight passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns ... added 28 tackles, including 5.5 for loss and four sacks ... named to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team as a tight end ... caught a pair of touchdowns, including the game-winner against Irvington ... named First Team All-SFC Liberty Blue Division by NJ.com ... earned All-Essex County first team on defense ... rated a top-40 recruit in New Jersey by 247Sports.com and top-30 according to Rivals.com.
Jack Del Rio
LB • Fr. • 6-2 • 220
Palm Harbor, Fla./Clearwater Central Catholic
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Chris Harvey at Clearwater Central Catholic ... as a junior, had 78 total tackles (34 solo, 44 assisted), including 10 tackles-for-loss ... suffered season-ending injury at the start of senior campaign.
Tunde Fatukasi
OL • Fr. • 6-4 • 303
Far Rockaway, N.Y./Erasmus Hall
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Danny Landberg at Erasmus Hall ... earned back-to-back PSAL Championships as a junior and senior ... named all-city and all-conference ... rated No. 13 recruit in New York by Rivals.com and 15th by 247Sports.com ... younger brother of Scarlet Knight linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi ... older brother, Foley Fatukasi, plays defensive line for the New York Jets.
Bryan Felter
OL • Fr. • 6-3 • 324
Westfield, N.J./Bergen Catholic
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Vito Campanile at Bergen Catholic ... also played for current Rutgers assistant coach Nunzio Campanile when he was head coach of the Crusaders ... named First Team All-New Jersey by USA Today Network in 2019 ... helped guide Bergen Catholic to the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 4 quarterfinal round ... named First Team 2019 All-North Jersey by the Bergen Record ... First Team All-Bergen County team selection by the Bergen County Coaches Association ... earned First Team All-Bergen County by NJ.com ... named to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team ... selected to the MaxPreps Freshman All-American team in 2016 ... rated No. 13 prospect in New Jersey by Rivals.com.
Victor Konopka
TE • Fr. • 6-6 • 244
Kinnelon, N.J./Blair Academy
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Greg Bowman at Blair Academy ... named First Team All-MAPL (Mid-Atlantic Prep League) on defense ... competed on the Don Bosco Prep basketball team throughout high school ... a first team all-county selection in basketball as a senior ... averaged 14.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game ... rated No. 35 football recruit in New Jersey.
Chris Long
CB • Fr. • 6-0 • 160
Willingboro, N.J./Willingboro
Prior to Rutgers: Played for Stephen Everett at Willingboro ... guided the Chimeras to a 12-1 record as a senior, the most single-season wins in school history ... captured NJSIAA South/Central Group 1 Regional Championship ... won NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 1 Tournament ... caught seven passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns to lead Willingboro to win in NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship game ... totaled 67 receptions for 1,619 yards and 20 touchdown as a senior ... 1,619 receiving yards set the school and South Jersey all-time record ... on defense, had 44 tackles (23 solo, 21 assisted) and seven interceptions in 2019 ... named First Team All-New Jersey by USA Today Network in 2019 ... named All-South Jersey by the Philadelphia Inquirer ... First Team All-South Jersey by Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football Club ... selected to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team as a wide receiver ... rated No. 24 prospect in New Jersey by 247Sports.com.
Robert Longerbeam
WR • Fr. • 5-11 • 153
Alexandria, Va./T.C. Williams
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Jimmy Longerbeam at T.C. Williams ... guided the Titans to an 8-4 record and first playoff win in 28 years ... played quarterback as a junior and senior ... completed 81 passes for 1,623 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2019 ... rushed for 721 yards on 126 carries ... also saw action at wide receiver, cornerback and returned both punts and kickoffs ... earned first team all-district, all-region and all-met ... rated No. 24 prospect in Virginia according to 247Sports.com.
Elijuwan Mack
S • Fr. • 5-11 • 174
Newark, N.J./St. Joseph Regional
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Augie Hoffmann at St. Joseph Regional ... guided the Green Knights to a 7-4 record as a senior ... advanced to the NJSIAA Tournament Non-Public Group 4 semifinal ... named First Team All-Bergen County on defense by NJ.com ... First Team All-Bergen County team selection on defense by the Bergen County Coaches Association ... named honorable mention 2019 All-North Jersey by the Bergen Record ... rated No. 27 prospect in New Jersey by 247Sports.com.
Max Melton
CB • Fr. • 6-0 • 175
Mays Landing, N.J./Cedar Creek
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Tim Watson at Cedar Creek ... guided the Pirates to a 10-3 record ... caught 60 passes for 785 yards and seven touchdowns, while rushing for 211 yards and a touchdown as a senior ... helped Cedar Creek to a win over Camden in the NJSIAA Tournament South/Central Jersey Group 2 Final Round ... also advanced to NJSIAA South Group 2 Regional Championship ... named Second Team All-New Jersey by USA Today Network in 2019 ... named All-South Jersey by the Philadelphia Inquirer ... selected to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team as a wide receiver ... named Press of Atlantic City First Team All-Star on defense ... First Team All-South Jersey by Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football Club ... rated No. 25 prospect in New Jersey according to 247Sports.com ... younger brother of Scarlet Knight wide receiver Bo Melton ... father, Gary, played wide receiver and running back at Rutgers from 1987-91 ... mother, Vicky, competed on the Rutgers women's basketball team from 1989-93.
Kyle Monangai
RB • Fr. • 5-9 • 205
Roseland, N.J./Don Bosco Prep
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Dan Sabella at Don Bosco Prep ... guided the Marauders to the final round of the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 4 Tournament ... rushed for over 900 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding more 400 yards receiving and another five scores as a senior ... named First Team All-Bergen County on offense by NJ.com ... named Second Team 2019 All-North Jersey by the Bergen Record ... selected honorable mention All-New Jersey by USA Today Network in 2019 ... First Team All-Bergen County team selection by the Bergen County Coaches Association ... named to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team ... All-New Jersey honorable mention by USA Today Network in 2019 ... a 2018 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team selection ...
Cedrice Paillant
OL • Jr. • 6-4 • 311
New Rochelle, N.Y./New Rochelle (Monroe College)
Prior to Rutgers: Played scholastically at New Rochelle for head coach Lou DiRienzo ... attended Monroe College, appearing in eight games on the offensive line ... named First Team Northeast Football Conference on offense in 2019 ... as a senior, guided the Huguenots to their second-straight Class AA Championship with a win over Scarsdale ... rated the No. 15 JUCO offensive tackle in the nation by JCGridiron.com.
Peyton Powell
ATH • R-Fr. • 6-2 • 187
Odessa, Texas/Odessa Permian (Baylor)
Prior to Rutgers: Originally signed with Baylor as a member its 2019 recruiting class ... played for head coach Jeff Ellison at Odessa Permian … helped team to 8-4 record as a senior … passed for 1,514 yards and 15 touchdowns during 2018 season … rushed for 460 yards and seven scores … Dave Campbell's Texas Football Best in Texas second team … spent early high school career at Midland Christian School … threw for 1,077 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions despite missing three games as a junior at Midland Christian … also rushed for 1,014 yards and 10 touchdowns … finished sophomore season with 42 combined touchdowns … a four-star recruit and No. 13 player nationally by 247Sports.com ... No. 21 athlete in the country, No. 29 overall prospect in Texas and a four-star recruit by Rivals.com ... No. 237 in the ESPN 300.
Tyreem Powell
OLB • Fr. • 6-4 • 200
Vineland, N.J./Vineland South
Prior to Rutgers: Played for Dan Russo at Vineland South ... played quarterback on offense, throwing for 868 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing for 454 yards and five scores ... on defense, totaled 60 tackles and two interceptions ... guided Fighting Clan to a win in the NJSIAA South Group 5 Tournament quarterfinals ... two-time All-South Jersey by the Philadelphia Inquirer ... selected to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team at linebacker ... First Team All-South Jersey by Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football Club ... named Press of Atlantic City First Team All-Star on defense ... rated the No. 19 prospect in New Jersey according to 247Sports.com ... high school teammate with fellow Scarlet Knights Isaih Pacheco and Nihym Anderson.
Troy Rainey
DT • Fr. • 6-4 • 301
Bridgeport, Conn./Harding
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Eddie Santiago at Harding ... totaled 63 tackles (45 solo, 18 assisted), 14 tackles-for-loss and five sacks as a senior ... three-year starter on the offensive line ... named First Team CHSCA All-State on offense... selected to the 2019 All-Southern Connecticut Conference Football Team Tier 2 on offense ... recorded 40 tackles, including nine tackles-for-loss and four sacks as a junior ... rated the No. 14 prospect in Connecticut by 247Sports.com.
Ahmirr Robinson
WR • Fr. • 6-1• 179
Vauxhall, N.J./Union
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Lou Grasso at Union ... helped the Farmers to a 12-1 record and berth to the NJSIAA North Group 5 Championship game ... caught 51 passes for 970 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior ... named First Team All-New Jersey by USA Today Network in 2019 ... named to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team ... selected to the 2019 Mid-State 38 All-Watchung team on offense ... as a junior, hauled in 41 passes for 769 yards and seven touchdowns ... rated No. 21 prospect in New Jersey by Rivals.com.
Evan Simon
QB • Fr. • 6-3 • 211
Mount Joy, Pa./Manheim Central
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Dave Hahn at Manheim Central ... started at quarterback for the Barons ... threw for over 2,500 yards in each of his three high school seasons ... as a senior, completed 154 passes for 2,625 yards and 25 touchdowns ... also ran for 930 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns ... earned First Team Lancaster-Lebanon League Section Two All-Star honors on defense and a second team selection on offense ... guided Barons to three-straight Lancaster-Lebanon League Section Two and District Three Class 5A titles ... passed for 2,756 yards and 30 touchdowns, while rushing for 662 yards and 12 scores ... First Team All-USA Pennsylvania by USA Today in 2018 ... three-time all-state selection ... named Easter PA Football Co-Player of the Year in 2018 ... sixth-best recruit in Pennsylvania by Rivals.com ... rated the 12th-best recruit in the state and 38th pro-style quarterback in the country by 247Sports.com.
Isaiah Wright
OL • Fr. • 6-4 • 273
North Plainfield, N.J./St. Peter's Prep
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Rich Hansen at St. Peter's Prep ... guided the Marauders to an 11-1 record as a senior ... won the 2019 Non-Public Group 4 Championship held at MetLife Stadium ... honorable mention USA Today Network 2019 All-New Jersey on offense ... named to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone team on offense ... rated 29th in New Jersey according to 247Sports.com and 34th in the state by Rivals.com.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding football, follow the program on Twitter (@RFootball). For additional updates, please download the Scarlet Knights App via the app store or play store.
The 2020 recruiting class consists of players from seven different states and one from Canada. Ten Scarlet Knights hail from New Jersey, followed by two each from New York and Florida, and one each from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Canada.
The following nine students will enroll in January and begin practice in March: Malik Barrow, Tunde Fatukasi, Victor Konopka, Robert Longerbeam, Max Melton, Cedrice Paillant, Peyton Powell, Tyreem Powell and Evan Simon.
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Hometown | High School (Previous School) |
| Wesley Bailey | DL | 6-5 | 225 | Ottawa, Ontario | Clearwater Academy International |
| Malik Barrow * | DL | 6-3 | 257 | Tampa, Fla. | IMG Academy (UCF) |
| Shawn Collins | ATH | 6-5 | 205 | Montclair, N.J. | Montclair |
| Jack Del Rio | LB | 6-3 | 215 | Palm Harbor, Fla. | Clearwater Central Catholic |
| Tunde Fatukasi * | OL | 6-4 | 295 | Far Rockaway, N.Y. | Erasmus Hall |
| Bryan Felter | OL | 6-3 | 300 | Westfield, N.J. | Bergen Catholic |
| Victor Konopka * | TE | 6-7 | 255 | Kinnelon, N.J. | Blair Academy |
| Chris Long | CB | 6-1 | 175 | Willingboro, N.J. | Willingboro |
| Robert Longerbeam * | WR | 6-0 | 160 | Alexandria, Va. | T.C. Williams |
| Elijuwan Mack | S | 6-0 | 185 | Newark, N.J. | St. Joseph Regional [Montvale] |
| Max Melton * | CB | 6-0 | 170 | Mays Landing, N.J. | Cedar Creek |
| Kyle Monangai | RB | 5-10 | 200 | Roseland, N.J. | Don Bosco Prep |
| Cedrice Paillant * | OL | 6-5 | 305 | New Rochelle, N.Y. | New Rochelle (Monroe College) |
| Peyton Powell * | ATH | 6-2 | 187 | Odessa, Texas | Odessa Permian (Baylor) |
| Tyreem Powell * | OLB | 6-4 | 205 | Vineland, N.J. | Vineland South |
| Troy Rainey | DT | 6-5 | 305 | Bridgeport, Conn. | Harding |
| Ahmirr Robinson | WR | 6-2 | 195 | Vauxhall, N.J. | Union |
| Evan Simon * | QB | 6-3 | 200 | Mount Joy, Pa. | Manheim Central |
| Isaiah Wright | OL | 6-5 | 275 | North Plainfield, N.J. | St. Peter's Prep |
* - indicates mid-year enrollee
Wesley Bailey
DL • Fr. • 6-5 • 225
Clearwater, Fla./Clearwater Academy International
Prior to Rutgers: Originally from Orleans, Ottawa, Ontario ... played for head coach Jesse Chinchar at Clearwater Academy International ... played defensive end for the Knights and helped the team to an 8-2 record as a senior ... finished senior campaign with 62 tackles, seven sacks, three caused fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a blocked field goal ... arrived in Clearwater after playing with the Cumberland Panthers, a youth football organizations in Ottawa ... consensus three-star recruit by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com.
Malik Barrow
DL • Sr. • 6-3 • 257
Tampa, Fla./IMG Academy (UCF)
2019 (Redshirt junior at UCF): Appeared in four games at UCF. 2016-18 (At Ohio State): Played for then-co-defensive coordinator Greg Schiano at Ohio State ... appeared in three games for the Buckeyes before transferring. Prior to College: Played three seasons at Tampa Catholic for head coach Mike Gregory ... spent senior season at IMG Academy with head coach Kevin Wright ... rated a four-star prospect out of high school ... a First Team Florida 3A All-State selection as a junior ... totaled 158 career tackles and 31 tackles-for-loss.
Shawn Collins
ATH • Fr. • 6-5 • 207
Montclair, N.J./Montclair
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach John Fiore at Montclair ... started at tight end and along the defensive line for the Mounties ... caught eight passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns ... added 28 tackles, including 5.5 for loss and four sacks ... named to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team as a tight end ... caught a pair of touchdowns, including the game-winner against Irvington ... named First Team All-SFC Liberty Blue Division by NJ.com ... earned All-Essex County first team on defense ... rated a top-40 recruit in New Jersey by 247Sports.com and top-30 according to Rivals.com.
Jack Del Rio
LB • Fr. • 6-2 • 220
Palm Harbor, Fla./Clearwater Central Catholic
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Chris Harvey at Clearwater Central Catholic ... as a junior, had 78 total tackles (34 solo, 44 assisted), including 10 tackles-for-loss ... suffered season-ending injury at the start of senior campaign.
Tunde Fatukasi
OL • Fr. • 6-4 • 303
Far Rockaway, N.Y./Erasmus Hall
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Danny Landberg at Erasmus Hall ... earned back-to-back PSAL Championships as a junior and senior ... named all-city and all-conference ... rated No. 13 recruit in New York by Rivals.com and 15th by 247Sports.com ... younger brother of Scarlet Knight linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi ... older brother, Foley Fatukasi, plays defensive line for the New York Jets.
Bryan Felter
OL • Fr. • 6-3 • 324
Westfield, N.J./Bergen Catholic
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Vito Campanile at Bergen Catholic ... also played for current Rutgers assistant coach Nunzio Campanile when he was head coach of the Crusaders ... named First Team All-New Jersey by USA Today Network in 2019 ... helped guide Bergen Catholic to the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 4 quarterfinal round ... named First Team 2019 All-North Jersey by the Bergen Record ... First Team All-Bergen County team selection by the Bergen County Coaches Association ... earned First Team All-Bergen County by NJ.com ... named to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team ... selected to the MaxPreps Freshman All-American team in 2016 ... rated No. 13 prospect in New Jersey by Rivals.com.
Victor Konopka
TE • Fr. • 6-6 • 244
Kinnelon, N.J./Blair Academy
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Greg Bowman at Blair Academy ... named First Team All-MAPL (Mid-Atlantic Prep League) on defense ... competed on the Don Bosco Prep basketball team throughout high school ... a first team all-county selection in basketball as a senior ... averaged 14.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game ... rated No. 35 football recruit in New Jersey.
Chris Long
CB • Fr. • 6-0 • 160
Willingboro, N.J./Willingboro
Prior to Rutgers: Played for Stephen Everett at Willingboro ... guided the Chimeras to a 12-1 record as a senior, the most single-season wins in school history ... captured NJSIAA South/Central Group 1 Regional Championship ... won NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 1 Tournament ... caught seven passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns to lead Willingboro to win in NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship game ... totaled 67 receptions for 1,619 yards and 20 touchdown as a senior ... 1,619 receiving yards set the school and South Jersey all-time record ... on defense, had 44 tackles (23 solo, 21 assisted) and seven interceptions in 2019 ... named First Team All-New Jersey by USA Today Network in 2019 ... named All-South Jersey by the Philadelphia Inquirer ... First Team All-South Jersey by Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football Club ... selected to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team as a wide receiver ... rated No. 24 prospect in New Jersey by 247Sports.com.
Robert Longerbeam
WR • Fr. • 5-11 • 153
Alexandria, Va./T.C. Williams
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Jimmy Longerbeam at T.C. Williams ... guided the Titans to an 8-4 record and first playoff win in 28 years ... played quarterback as a junior and senior ... completed 81 passes for 1,623 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2019 ... rushed for 721 yards on 126 carries ... also saw action at wide receiver, cornerback and returned both punts and kickoffs ... earned first team all-district, all-region and all-met ... rated No. 24 prospect in Virginia according to 247Sports.com.
Elijuwan Mack
S • Fr. • 5-11 • 174
Newark, N.J./St. Joseph Regional
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Augie Hoffmann at St. Joseph Regional ... guided the Green Knights to a 7-4 record as a senior ... advanced to the NJSIAA Tournament Non-Public Group 4 semifinal ... named First Team All-Bergen County on defense by NJ.com ... First Team All-Bergen County team selection on defense by the Bergen County Coaches Association ... named honorable mention 2019 All-North Jersey by the Bergen Record ... rated No. 27 prospect in New Jersey by 247Sports.com.
Max Melton
CB • Fr. • 6-0 • 175
Mays Landing, N.J./Cedar Creek
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Tim Watson at Cedar Creek ... guided the Pirates to a 10-3 record ... caught 60 passes for 785 yards and seven touchdowns, while rushing for 211 yards and a touchdown as a senior ... helped Cedar Creek to a win over Camden in the NJSIAA Tournament South/Central Jersey Group 2 Final Round ... also advanced to NJSIAA South Group 2 Regional Championship ... named Second Team All-New Jersey by USA Today Network in 2019 ... named All-South Jersey by the Philadelphia Inquirer ... selected to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team as a wide receiver ... named Press of Atlantic City First Team All-Star on defense ... First Team All-South Jersey by Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football Club ... rated No. 25 prospect in New Jersey according to 247Sports.com ... younger brother of Scarlet Knight wide receiver Bo Melton ... father, Gary, played wide receiver and running back at Rutgers from 1987-91 ... mother, Vicky, competed on the Rutgers women's basketball team from 1989-93.
Kyle Monangai
RB • Fr. • 5-9 • 205
Roseland, N.J./Don Bosco Prep
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Dan Sabella at Don Bosco Prep ... guided the Marauders to the final round of the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 4 Tournament ... rushed for over 900 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding more 400 yards receiving and another five scores as a senior ... named First Team All-Bergen County on offense by NJ.com ... named Second Team 2019 All-North Jersey by the Bergen Record ... selected honorable mention All-New Jersey by USA Today Network in 2019 ... First Team All-Bergen County team selection by the Bergen County Coaches Association ... named to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team ... All-New Jersey honorable mention by USA Today Network in 2019 ... a 2018 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team selection ...
Cedrice Paillant
OL • Jr. • 6-4 • 311
New Rochelle, N.Y./New Rochelle (Monroe College)
Prior to Rutgers: Played scholastically at New Rochelle for head coach Lou DiRienzo ... attended Monroe College, appearing in eight games on the offensive line ... named First Team Northeast Football Conference on offense in 2019 ... as a senior, guided the Huguenots to their second-straight Class AA Championship with a win over Scarsdale ... rated the No. 15 JUCO offensive tackle in the nation by JCGridiron.com.
Peyton Powell
ATH • R-Fr. • 6-2 • 187
Odessa, Texas/Odessa Permian (Baylor)
Prior to Rutgers: Originally signed with Baylor as a member its 2019 recruiting class ... played for head coach Jeff Ellison at Odessa Permian … helped team to 8-4 record as a senior … passed for 1,514 yards and 15 touchdowns during 2018 season … rushed for 460 yards and seven scores … Dave Campbell's Texas Football Best in Texas second team … spent early high school career at Midland Christian School … threw for 1,077 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions despite missing three games as a junior at Midland Christian … also rushed for 1,014 yards and 10 touchdowns … finished sophomore season with 42 combined touchdowns … a four-star recruit and No. 13 player nationally by 247Sports.com ... No. 21 athlete in the country, No. 29 overall prospect in Texas and a four-star recruit by Rivals.com ... No. 237 in the ESPN 300.
Tyreem Powell
OLB • Fr. • 6-4 • 200
Vineland, N.J./Vineland South
Prior to Rutgers: Played for Dan Russo at Vineland South ... played quarterback on offense, throwing for 868 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing for 454 yards and five scores ... on defense, totaled 60 tackles and two interceptions ... guided Fighting Clan to a win in the NJSIAA South Group 5 Tournament quarterfinals ... two-time All-South Jersey by the Philadelphia Inquirer ... selected to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team at linebacker ... First Team All-South Jersey by Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football Club ... named Press of Atlantic City First Team All-Star on defense ... rated the No. 19 prospect in New Jersey according to 247Sports.com ... high school teammate with fellow Scarlet Knights Isaih Pacheco and Nihym Anderson.
Troy Rainey
DT • Fr. • 6-4 • 301
Bridgeport, Conn./Harding
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Eddie Santiago at Harding ... totaled 63 tackles (45 solo, 18 assisted), 14 tackles-for-loss and five sacks as a senior ... three-year starter on the offensive line ... named First Team CHSCA All-State on offense... selected to the 2019 All-Southern Connecticut Conference Football Team Tier 2 on offense ... recorded 40 tackles, including nine tackles-for-loss and four sacks as a junior ... rated the No. 14 prospect in Connecticut by 247Sports.com.
Ahmirr Robinson
WR • Fr. • 6-1• 179
Vauxhall, N.J./Union
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Lou Grasso at Union ... helped the Farmers to a 12-1 record and berth to the NJSIAA North Group 5 Championship game ... caught 51 passes for 970 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior ... named First Team All-New Jersey by USA Today Network in 2019 ... named to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Team ... selected to the 2019 Mid-State 38 All-Watchung team on offense ... as a junior, hauled in 41 passes for 769 yards and seven touchdowns ... rated No. 21 prospect in New Jersey by Rivals.com.
Evan Simon
QB • Fr. • 6-3 • 211
Mount Joy, Pa./Manheim Central
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Dave Hahn at Manheim Central ... started at quarterback for the Barons ... threw for over 2,500 yards in each of his three high school seasons ... as a senior, completed 154 passes for 2,625 yards and 25 touchdowns ... also ran for 930 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns ... earned First Team Lancaster-Lebanon League Section Two All-Star honors on defense and a second team selection on offense ... guided Barons to three-straight Lancaster-Lebanon League Section Two and District Three Class 5A titles ... passed for 2,756 yards and 30 touchdowns, while rushing for 662 yards and 12 scores ... First Team All-USA Pennsylvania by USA Today in 2018 ... three-time all-state selection ... named Easter PA Football Co-Player of the Year in 2018 ... sixth-best recruit in Pennsylvania by Rivals.com ... rated the 12th-best recruit in the state and 38th pro-style quarterback in the country by 247Sports.com.
Isaiah Wright
OL • Fr. • 6-4 • 273
North Plainfield, N.J./St. Peter's Prep
Prior to Rutgers: Played for head coach Rich Hansen at St. Peter's Prep ... guided the Marauders to an 11-1 record as a senior ... won the 2019 Non-Public Group 4 Championship held at MetLife Stadium ... honorable mention USA Today Network 2019 All-New Jersey on offense ... named to the 2019 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone team on offense ... rated 29th in New Jersey according to 247Sports.com and 34th in the state by Rivals.com.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding football, follow the program on Twitter (@RFootball). For additional updates, please download the Scarlet Knights App via the app store or play store.
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