Jai Patel: The Team within Special Teams

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Success on special teams has been a hallmark of Greg Schiano-coached teams since his arrival 'On the Banks.' The emphasis on that third phase of the game is equal to that of the work put in on offense and defense. Several Scarlet Knights have been able to parlay their performance on special teams at Rutgers into promising careers at the next level.

For sophomore placekicker Jai Patel, that focus on special teams is one of the major contributing factors to him becoming a Scarlet Knight.

"It makes you feel appreciated and very confident in your abilities," said Patel. "That was one of the main reasons I came here because I knew how much Coach Schiano values special teams. I knew it wasn't something that was going to be thrown to the side. On PATs and field goals, our expectations are to always go out there and have points."

Patel won the starting job coming out of training camp and in his first season, became the third Rutgers kicker in program history to earn all-conference recognition. The All-Big Ten Third Team selection went 14-for-16 on field goals and connected on 29-of-30 extra points. He was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after making all three attempts with a long of 51 yards in the Scarlet Knights' win over Temple.

A native of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, Patel attended South Brunswick High School where he left holding the school record in career field goals and went a perfect 78-for-78 on point after attempts. In addition to handling field goal and kickoff duties, Patel also served as the Vikings' punter and team captain.

Growing up, Patel excelled at soccer and football, playing both sports until the seventh grade. His middle school would not allow him to play both fall sports, but his interest in the two sports gravitated more towards football which made for an easier choice.

"I always had more of an interest in football," said Patel. "I knew more stats about players in football versus soccer. It grabbed my eye more, so in seventh grade when it came time to pick between the sports, I decided to go with football full-time and it was one of the best decisions I ever made."

Patel has found a F.A.M.I.L.Y. in the specialist room. He may hail from Middlesex County, but the group spans the globe with an Australian punter (Flynn Appleby) and Irish kicker (Jude McAtamney) in the mix. Their connectedness on the field has extended into their personal lives with the unit spending as much time together outside of football as they do on the field.

"It is probably one of the most diverse groups I've ever been around in any sport," said Patel. "We have guys from different continents, different backgrounds, different religions but we mesh so well together. We have different outlooks and experience that we each bring to the table, and everyone seems to respect that."

The other thing the special teams unit has in common is finding ways to stay loose and ready for when their name is called. It can be a balancing act of not getting in the way of the offense and defense when there is a change of possession, while maintaining an active warm-up routine.

"It is the ultimate CHOP role," said Patel. "I might not go in for most of the game, but when my time comes, I have to be ready. It's about always being mentally prepared. Everyone has their own mechanism for staying loose and being able to stay focused on the sideline."

When Rutgers and Miami take the field for the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, special teams is certain to play a critical role. Patel is excited to have another chance to compete with this roster and do so in front of a largely Scarlet crowd.

"The Pinstripe Bowl is very cool because it allows Rutgers fans to travel closely and watch us play, and support the seniors one last time," said Patel. "Especially being from Middlesex County, I know a lot of people from my town will be able to make it."

Schedule

Players Mentioned

Flynn Appleby

Jude McAtamney

Jai Patel

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