PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Having played in two previous bowl games in the Bronx, Yankee Stadium is a familiar backdrop for Rutgers football. For one Scarlet Knight, the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl is a chance for a trip down memory lane.

The iconic venue played host to the New York Public Schools Athletic League Championships for more than a decade from 2010-21. Senior defensive back Kessawn Abraham, a native of Brooklyn, played on four Erasmus Hall squads that competed in the title game at Yankee Stadium.

"It's nothing like it, I grew up playing in New York," said Abraham. "I get the chance to end my career playing in New York. It's a great feeling to be able to play in my hometown."

Abraham, a key contributor on the Scarlet Knights' special teams units, will be in search of a bowl victory when he returns to the Bronx on Thursday. The Dutchmen found themselves on the losing side of four games from 2014-17, facing the likes of Lincoln, Grand Street Campus and Curtis High Schools.

"Being able to end off my last game on a positive note will be big," added Abraham.

Despite the final outcomes in high school, the opportunity to play football on the field at Yankee Stadium was an awe-inspiring experience for Abraham.

"Anytime you get an opportunity to step on the field it's a blessing," said Abraham. "That was a surreal experience. As a high school kid coming up, I wasn't used to that scenery. Being in [Yankee Stadium] makes you want to play at a higher level."

Abraham saw action as a true freshman in 2018, making a name for himself on special teams. That season he played all 12 games, tying the team lead in special team tackles. Injuries limited his time on the field the next two seasons, however, he persevered through those trying times to appear in all 13 games during the 2021 season.

"Coming in, I haven't had the easiest journey," said Abraham. "A lot of ups and downs [with injuries] but I was able to get myself back on track being named All-Big Ten and the defensive MVP in 2021. I always felt that all I needed was a chance and to end my career as part of one of the better DB groups in the Big Ten is big for me."

Named the MVP on defense at the team banquet, Abraham earned First Team All-Big Ten by Pro Football Focus, as he earned 12 starts at cornerback. He totaled 44 tackles, including three for loss and added nine pass breakups. One of his signature plays that season came late in the fourth quarter as he delivered a fourth down stop to help seal the Scarlet Knights' road win against Illinois.

Since his breakout season in 2021, Abraham has battled injuries but continued to make an impact on special teams. It's an area of the game that head coach Greg Schiano places a great deal of emphasis on. Rutgers has blocked 69 kicks, including on 13 occasions that resulted in scores off blocked punts under Schiano. Entering the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, the Scarlet Knights lead the nation in kickoff returns and ninth nationally in kickoff return defense.

"Special teams is a big part of this program," said Abraham. "Coach Schiano is big on special teams. It's not for everybody, it's not easy but in the end, it's worth it. I try to come in and give my best, and whatever he wants me to do, I put my all into it."

Abraham will have a large contingent on hand to watch him and his fellow Scarlet Knights compete against Miami for the program's seventh bowl championship.

"I was hoping I could bring the whole New York out to the game, but I don't think I have enough tickets for that," said Abraham.