PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Led by P Adam Korsak being selected Special Teams Player of the Year and First Team All-America, five from Rutgers football across offense, defense and special teams were recognized by Phil Steele in the publication's preseason accolades released this week.

Rutgers Football Phil Steele Preseason Honors
Special Teams Player of the Year: P Adam Korsak
First Team All-America: P Adam Korsak
First Team All-Big Ten: P Adam Korsak
Second Team All-Big Ten: PR Aron Cruickshank, S Christian Izien
Third Team All-Big Ten: CB Max Melton
Fourth Team All-Big Ten: OG Curtis Dunlap Jr.


ADAM KORSAK
Named Second Team All-America by the Associated Press, FWAA, Phil Steele and Walter Camp, Korsak helped the Scarlet Knights to a net punt of 45.25 in 2021 to set a new NCAA record. The Aussie was voted a Ray Guy Award finalist, winning the fan vote, to become the first Scarlet Knight to place in the top-three for a national on-field award since 2007. Opponents had a return of less than four yards 69-of-72 attempts, with 65 times recording a zero or negative return. In addition, Korsak pinned 38 inside the 20 with 16 settling at the 10 or closer and four times stopping a punt at the 1-yard line. He boomed 19 at least 50 yards on the way to setting a new program record with a 45.8 average, recording zero touchbacks. The two-time team captain has posted 124 consecutive attempts without a touchback dating back to 2019 and was voted First Team All-Big Ten in the coaches' vote. Korsak additionally earned the Homer Hazel Award as the most valuable player on the team at the Rutgers football banquet.


ARON CRUICKSHANK
Cruickshank recorded 153 yards on eight punt returns last season, including a 62-yard touchdown versus Delaware. The performance helped earn Big Ten Co-Special Teams Player of the Week. Cruickshank added 55 yards on two punt returns versus Temple. He ripped off a season-best 57-yard kickoff return against the Owls as well. Overall, the New York native finished second on the Scarlet Knights with 743 all-purpose yards (316 kickoff return, 244 receiving, 153 punt return, 30 rushing) in seven games played. Cruickshank owns five career kick return touchdowns (four kickoff, one punt).


CHRISTIAN IZIEN
Named honorable mention All-Big Ten each of the last two seasons, Izien started all 13 games with 75 tackles in 2021. That included at least five stops in 10 games, contributing nine tackles-for-loss and four pass breakups. The New York native posted a season-high 10 stops versus Michigan State with three in the backfield. In 38 career games, Izien has racked up 219 tackles with 15 passes defended (11 pass breakups, four interceptions) and three fumble recoveries.


MAX MELTON
Melton earned Phil Steele Fourth Team All-Big Ten in 2021 after leading the team with three interceptions, including a pick-six against Temple. The defensive back totaled 28 tackles with two for a loss, adding six pass breakups and a fumble recovery. In the win at Syracuse, Melton blocked a punt.


CURTIS DUNLAP JR.
Dunlap Jr. is set for his first season with the Scarlet Knights after playing in 21 games with 16 starts for Minnesota over the previous four seasons. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, he played both in the 2018 Quick Lane Bowl and 2020 Outback Bowl at guard.

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