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2025 National Signing Day

Football

Football Announces 2025 Recruiting Class

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano announced the signings of 27 student-athletes to the 2025 recruiting class.

• Rutgers owns a consensus top-30 class nationally by 247Sports, ESPN, On3 and Rivals.
• Rutgers signed 10 four-star prospects (Kamar Archie, Michael Clayton, Renick 'Stretch' Dorilas, Tariq Hayer, Robbie 'RJ' Johnson Jr., Talibi Kaba, Braxton Kyle, Ja'Elyne Matthews, DJ McClary and Michael Thomas III) across multiple media outlets.
• The class has six defensive linemen, five offensive lineman and wide receivers, four linebackers, three defensive backs and one listed as athlete, quarterback, running back and tight end.
• The class is represented by 11 different states: New Jersey (10), Georgia (3), Maryland (3), Florida (2), New York (2), North Carolina (2), Connecticut (1), Delaware (1), Illinois (1), Michigan (1) and Ohio (1).
 
NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
Vernon Allen III WR 6-2 195 Baltimore, Md. Perry Hall
Kamar Archie LB 6-1 220 Ewing, N.J. The Hun School
Sean Ashenfelder QB 6-1 185 St. Johns, Fla. Creekside
Joshua Blackston OL 6-3 290 West Baltimore, Md. Paul Laurence Dunbar
Raedyn Bruens DL 6-5 250 Casey-Westfield, Ill. A. Crawford Mosley [Fla.]
Michael Clayton DB 6-0 180 Warner Robins, Ga. Northside
Sah'nye 'Icecup' Degraffenreidt WR 6-1 200 Atlantic City, N.J. Atlantic City
Isaiah Deloatch LB 6-0 220 Durham, N.C. Hillside
Renick 'Stretch' Dorilas DB 5-11 160 Newark, N.J. Don Bosco Prep
Canaan Edwards DL 6-3 235 Atlanta, Ga. Langston Hughes
Jayden Elijah OL 6-6 265 Matawan, N.J. Matawan Regional
Miron Gurman DL 6-6 270 Rochester, N.Y. Spencerport
Tariq Hayer DB 6-0 190 PG County, Md. St. John's College
Jourdin Houston WR 6-1 190 Bronx, N.Y. St. Thomas More
John Insinga LB 6-2 230 Greenwich, Conn. The Hun School [N.J.]/Greenwich
Robbie 'RJ' Johnson Jr. DL 6-4 250 Bear, Del. Salesianum
Talibi Kaba ATH 6-2 230 Newark, N.J. Hillside
Braxton Kyle DL 6-3 325 Suwanee, Ga. North Gwinnett
Ja'Elyne Matthews OL 6-6 340 Toms River, N.J. Toms River North
DJ McClary LB 6-1 210 Jersey City, N.J. Henry Snyder
Terrell Mitchell RB 5-9 195 Somerville, N.J. Somerville
Steven Murray WR 6-0 170 Gibsonville, N.C. Eastern Guilford
Ben Rothhaar TE 6-4 215 Norwalk, Ohio Norwalk
Jyon 'Big Catt' Simon DL 6-1 270 Jacksonville, Fla. William M. Raines
Michael Thomas III WR 5-11 205 Barnegat, N.J./Sayreville, N.J. Donovan Catholic
Chris Vigna OL 6-5 300 Glen Ridge, N.J. Bergen Catholic
N-Kye Wynn OL 6-4 290 Muskegon, Mich. Muskegon

Vernon Allen III
Vernon Allen III

WR • 6-2 • 195
Baltimore, Md./Perry Hall

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Ryan Pittillo at Perry Hall ... played wide receiver during scholastic career ... helped the Gators to a 10-3 record and an appearance in the MPSSAA semifinals as a senior in 2024 ... hauled in 34 receptions for 622 yards and nine touchdowns along with four scores on the ground during senior campaign ... also registered three tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks on defense ... finished junior season with 74 catches for 1,123 yards and 13 touchdowns ... helped guide Perry Hall to a 12-1 record and a MPSSAA Class 4A-3A semifinal appearance ... first team all-state on offense as a junior by the MPSSAA ... a top-25 prospect from Maryland by 247Sports and On3.

Kamar Archie
Kamar Archie
LB • 6-1 • 220
Ewing, N.J./The Hun School

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Todd Smith at Hun ... played linebacker and running back during scholastic career ... helped the Raiders to a 9-1 record as a senior in 2024 ... a four-star signee, No. 12 overall prospect in New Jersey and No. 13 inside linebacker prospect in the country by Rivals ... four-star signee and No. 8 in the state by On3 ... a four-star recruit and 12th-rated played from the Garden State by ESPN.

Sean Ashenfelder
Sean Ashenfelder
QB • 6-1 • 185
St. Johns, Fla./Creekside

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Sean McIntyre at Creekside ... played quarterback during scholastic career ... helped the Knights to a 7A FHSAA playoff appearance as a senior in 2024 ... threw for 2,905 yard and 25 touchdowns during time at Creekside ... a top-30 quarterback prospect in the country by Rivals ... also played baseball at Creekside.

Joshua Blackston
Joshua Blackston
OL • 6-3 • 290
West Baltimore, Md./Paul Laurence Dunbar

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Michael Carter Jr. at Paul Laurence Dunbar ... has played along the offensive line during scholastic career ... part of a Poets team that has won 65 consecutive games dating back to 2021 and is currently 13-0 in 2024 ... has helped Paul Laurence Dunbar to a 2A/1A MPSSAA championship appearance during senior campaign ... made Baltimore City Public Schools history as the first Baltimore student-athlete to be named to the Under Armour All-American Team during senior campaign ... anchored a line that helped the Poets' offense average more than 400 yards of offense and 300 rushing yards per game en route to a perfect record and MPSSAA Class 2A/1A state title during junior season ... a first team all-state selection along the offensive line as a junior by the MPSSAA ... a top-15 prospect in Maryland by Rivals ... a top-40 offensive guard nationally by 247Sports.

Raedyn Bruens
Raedyn Bruens
DL • 6-5 • 250
Casey-Westfield, Ill./A. Crawford Mosley [Fla.]

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Tommy Joe Whiddon at A. Crawford Mosley in Lynn Haven, Florida ... played along the defensive line and at tight end during scholastic career ... finished high school career with 146 tackles and 16 sacks ... helped the Dolphins to a 9-2 record and a 5A FHSAA playoff appearance as a senior ... closed out senior campaign with 46 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, six sacks, two pass breakups and a caused fumble ... also played basketball at A. Crawford Mosley, averaging 11.4 points and seven rebounds per game as a junior.

Michael Clayton
Michael Clayton
DB • 6-0 • 180
Warner Robins, Ga./Northside

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Ben Bailey at Northside ... played defensive back and wide receiver during scholastic career ... finished junior season with 35 tackles, seven passes defended, an interception and a forced fumble ... second team all-region on defense as a junior ... four-star signee and a top-40 defensive back prospect nationally by On3 ... a four-star prospect and No. 34 defensive back in the country by 247Sports ... also competed in track and field in high school, clocking a 10.44 in the 100 meter.

Sah'nye "Icecup" Degraffenreidt
Sah'nye 'Icecup' Degraffenreidt
WR • 6-1 • 200
Atlantic City, N.J./Atlantic City

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Keenan Wright at Atlantic City ... played wide receiver and defensive back during scholastic career ... finished high school tenure with 139 receptions for 2,707 yards and 37 touchdowns ... the 37 receiving scores set the all-time Atlantic County record ... accounted for 45 career touchdowns overall (37 receiving, three rushing, three returns and two interception returns) ... helped the Vikings to an 8-4 record and an NJSIAA Central Jersey Group V championship game appearance as a senior in 2024 ... finished senior season with 44 catches for 804 yards and 12 touchdowns along with 169 rushing yards and two scores on the ground ... hauled in 43 catches for 1,009 yards and 14 scores as a junior in 2023 ... a first team all-group, first team all-conference and third team all-state selection by NJ.com as a junior ... first team offense by The Press of Atlantic City ... finished sophomore season with 894 yards and 11 touchdowns ... a top-20 prospect in New Jersey by On3 ... also plays basketball at Atlantic City, helping the Vikings to 20 wins during junior season.

Isaiah Deloatch
Isaiah Deloatch
LB • 6-0 • 220
Durham, N.C./Hillside

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Torrey Nowell at Hillside ... played linebacker during scholastic career ... helped the Hornets to six wins and a 4A NCHSAA playoff appearance as a senior in 2024 ... finished junior season with 53 tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and interception ... helped Hillside to its third straight DAC-VI Conference title in 2023 ... a top-15 linebacker prospect nationally by ESPN ... rated a top-15 prospect in North Carolina by 247Sports and ESPN ... also competed in track with a personal-best 10.64 in the 100 meter.

Renick "Stretch" Dorilas
Renick 'Stretch' Dorilas
DB • 5-11 • 160
Newark, N.J./Don Bosco Prep

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Dan Sabella at Don Bosco Prep ... played defensive back and wide receiver during high school career ... transferred to Don Bosco from Union for senior season, helping the Ironmen to an 8-4 record and an NJSIAA Non-Public, Group A title game appearance in 2024 ... First Team All-United Red Division on defense ... closed junior season at Union with 41 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery ... also added 35 catches for 552 yards and five touchdowns ... first team all-conference as a junior by NJ.com ... a four-star signee and No. 7 overall player in New Jersey by Rivals.

Canaan Edwards
Canaan Edwards
DL • 6-3 • 235
Atlanta, Ga./Langston Hughes

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Daniel Williams at Langston Hughes ... played along the defensive line during scholastic career ... has helped the Panthers to a 12-1 record and a Class 5A GHSA semifinal appearance during senior season in 2024 ... Class 5A Region 3 honorable mention on defense.

Jayden Elijah
Jayden Elijah
OL • 6-6 • 265
Matawan, N.J./Matawan Regional

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Matt Walsh at Matawan Regional ... played along the offensive and defensive lines during scholastic career ... produced 80 career tackles and six tackles-for-loss for the Huskies ... a first team all-conference and third team all-group selection as a junior by NJ.com ... Second Team All-Shore in 2023 by the Asbury Park Press ... a top-15 signee in the state by ESPN ... also plays basketball at Matawan, averaging 11.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game across three varsity seasons with the Huskies.

Miron Gurman
Miron Gurman
DL • 6-6 • 270
Rochester, N.Y./Spencerport

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Brian Hugelmaier at Spencerport ... played along the defensive line during scholastic career ... first team all-county and second team All-Greater Rochester as a junior by The Democrat and Chronicle ... the No. 4 overall player in New York by 247Sports ... No. 6 in the Empire State by On3 ... also played basketball at Spencerport.

Tariq Hayer
Tariq Hayer
DB • 6-0 • 190
PG County, Md./St. John's College

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Pat Ward at St. John's College ... played defensive back during scholastic career ... earned invitation to 2025 Under Armour Next All-America game ... four-star prospect and No. 2 overall prospect in Maryland by On3 ... a four-star signee, No. 12 safety in the country and top-150 national recruit by ESPN ... also competed in track and field at St. John's College.

Jourdin Houston
Jourdin Houston
WR • 6-1 • 190
Bronx, N.Y./St. Thomas More

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Ernest Anderson at St. Thomas More ... played wide receiver during scholastic career ... hauled in four receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns in win over Ithaca ... added eight catches for 185 yards and two scores against St. Francis Academy ... had seven catches for 169 yards and two touchdowns against New Haven ... a consensus top-10 signee in New York by 247Sports, On3, ESPN and Rivals.

Robbie "RJ" Johnson Jr.
Robbie 'RJ' Johnson Jr.
DL • 6-4 • 250
Bear, Del./Salesianum

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Gene Delle Donne at Salesianum ... played along the defensive line during scholastic career ... helped the Sallies to an 11-2 record and a 3A DIAA championship appearance as a senior in 2024 ... named 3A-1 Lineman of the Year and District 3A-1 First Team All-Defense by the Delaware News Journal ... second team all-district as a junior by the Delaware News Journal ... four-star signee and No. 1 prospect from Delaware by 247Sports ... also played basketball at Salesianum.

John Insinga
John Insinga
LB • 6-2 • 230 
Greenwich, Conn./The Hun School [N.J.]/Greenwich

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Todd Smith at Hun ... played linebacker during scholastic career ... helped the Raiders to a 9-1 record in 2024 ... finished final scholastic campaign with 82 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery ... returned one interception for a touchdown ... First Team All-New Jersey Prep "A" and Defensive Player of the Year ... transferred to Hun from Greenwich High School in Connecticut, amassing 289 tackles, 42 tackles-for-loss, 11 passes defended, six sacks and three interceptions during tenure with the Cardinals ... finished 2024 season with 126 tackles, 25 tackles-for-loss, four sacks and four pass breakups ... first team all-state by The New Haven Register ... led Cardinals to a Class LL championship in 2022, finishing with 149 total stops and 17 tackles-for-loss ... second team all-state selection by The New Haven Register ... teammate of fellow signee Kamar Archie at Hun.

Talibi Kaba
Talibi Kaba
ATH • 6-2 • 230
Newark, N.J./Hillside

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Barris Grant at Hillside ... played linebacker and running back during scholastic career ... finished junior season with 95 carries for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns ... first team all-conference as a junior by NJ.com ... Big Central first team all-division ... four-star signee and No. 8 overall prospect from New Jersey by 247Sports ... a top-15 signee in the state by On3.

Braxton Kyle
Braxton Kyle
DL • 6-3 • 325
Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Eric Godfree at North Gwinnett ... played along the defensive line during scholastic career ... helped the Bulldogs to a 12-1 record and a 6A GHSA playoff appearance during senior season in 2024 ... led North Gwinnett to eight wins and a playoff berth in 2023 ... finished junior season with 55 tackles, 23 tackles-for-loss, 11 sacks and a caused fumble ... four-star signee and top-200 prospect nationally by Rivals ... a top-50 defensive line prospect nationally by 247Sports.

Ja'Elyne Matthews
Ja'Elyne Matthews
OL • 6-6 • 340
Toms River, N.J./Toms River North

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Dave Oizerowitz at Toms River North ... played along the offensive and defensive lines during scholastic career ... TRN went a combined 40-2 with three consecutive state titles from 2022-24 with Matthews staring on both sides of the ball ... a 2025 Navy All-American selection ... helped the Mariners to a 14-0 record and an NJSIAA Group V championship during senior season in 2024 ... TRN produced more than 4,800 yards and 64 touchdowns with Matthews on the line this past season ... contributed 36 tackles and five tackles-for-loss on defense ... helped Toms River North produced 5,032 yards of total offense and 61 touchdowns en route to an NJSIAA Group V state title during junior season in 2023 ... finished 2023 with 79 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss and 4.5 sacks ... first team all-state, all-group and all-conference by NJ.com ... First Team All-Shore by the Asbury Park Press ... four-star signee and No. 13 overall prospect in New Jersey by Rivals ... a four-star prospect and No. 10 recruit from the Garden State by ESPN.

DJ McClary
DJ McClary
LB • 6-1 • 210
Jersey City, N.J./Henry Snyder

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by AJ Dobson at Henry Snyder ... played linebacker, running back and quarterback during scholastic career ... finished high school career with 5,120 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns on the ground along with 1,533 passing yards and 13 touchdowns through the air ... tallied 409 career tackles with 71.5 tackles-for-loss, 9.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, three interceptions and two interceptions returned for touchdowns ... accounted for 79 career touchdowns ... a 2025 US Army Bowl All-American selection ... helped the Tigers to six wins and an NJSIAA North Jersey, Section I, Group III playoff appearance as a senior in 2024 ... closed out senior campaign with 88 tackles, 19 tackles-for-loss and 4.5 sacks ... rushed for 947 yards and 12 touchdowns on 92 carries ... junior season featured 95 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss and two sacks paired with 1,420 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns ... also threw for seven touchdowns in 2023 ... first team all-state, all-group and all-conference as a junior in 2023 ... a four-star signee, No. 11 overall prospect in New Jersey and No. 12 inside linebacker recruit in the country by Rivals ... four-star prospect and No. 9 signee from New Jersey by On3 ... a four-star signee and top-200 national recruit by ESPN.

Terrell Mitchell
Terrell Mitchell
RB • 5-9 • 195
Somerville, N.J./Somerville
 
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Matt Bloom at Somerville ... played running back and defensive back during scholastic career ... finished high school career with 381 carries for 2,644 yards and 35 touchdowns ... contributed 49 total touchdowns during time at Somerville ... helped the Pioneers to a 12-1 record and an NJSIAA Group III semifinal appearance as a senior in 2024 ... finished senior campaign with 178 carries for 1,406 yards and 18 touchdowns ... also added 22 receptions for 186 yards and five scores ... produced 20 tackles and two interceptions on defense ... an all-conference selection as a senior by the coaches ... rushed for 10 touchdowns as a junior in 2023 ... an all-conference and all-county selection by MyCentralJersey ... a top-20 signee in New Jersey by 247Sports.

Steven Murray
Steven Murray
WR • 6-0 • 170
Gibsonville, N.C./Eastern Guilford

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Tim Bagamary at Eastern Guilford ... played wide receiver and defensive back during scholastic career ... finished high school career with 130 receptions for 2,319 yards and 36 touchdowns along with 103 tackles, 15 pass breakups and 12 interceptions ... totaled 42 career touchdowns ... helped the Wildcats to six wins and a 3A NCHSAA playoff appearance during senior season in 2024 ... finished senior season with 34 tackles, five pass breakups, three interceptions and a forced fumble ... added 36 catches for 606 yards and eight touchdowns ... finished junior season with 55 catches for 935 yards and 16 touchdowns ... produced 32 tackles, eight pass breakups and five interceptions on defense ... second team all-state as a two-way athlete by High School OT ... a top-15 prospect in North Carolina by Rivals.

Ben Rothhaar
Ben Rothhaar
TE • 6-4 • 215
Norwalk, Ohio/Norwalk

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Keith Mora at Norwalk ... played tight end, wide receiver, linebacker and defensive back during scholastic career ... a second team all-division selection by the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association ... finished junior season with 32 catches for 451 yards and three touchdowns ... added 73.5 tackles and an interception on defense ... a first team All-SBC Lake Division selection ... a top-30 tight end prospect nationally by On3 ... also competed in baseball, basketball and track and field at Norwalk.

Jyon "Big Catt" Simon
Jyon 'Big Catt' Simon
DL • 6-1 • 270
Jacksonville, Fla./William M. Raines

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Donovan Masline at William M. Raines ... played along the defensive line during scholastic career ... has helped the Vikings to a 12-0 record and a 3A FHSAA semifinal appearance during senior season in 2024 ... finished junior season with 77 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks ... a first team All-First Coast selection by Jacksonville.com.

Michael Thomas III
Michael Thomas III
WR • 5-11 • 205
Barnegat, N.J./Sayreville, N.J./Donovan Catholic

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Dan Curcione at Donovan Catholic ... played wide receiver and defensive back during scholastic career ... finished high school career with 1,310 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns along with 1,028 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground ... also contributed 62 career tackles, eight pass breakups and two interceptions ... accounted for 27 career touchdowns ... finished senior season with 820 total yards and nine touchdowns ... first team all-conference and second team all-group by NJ.com ... also earned All-Shore accolades by the Asbury Park Press as a sophomore in 2022 ... First Team All-Shore by the Asbury Park Press ... four-star signee and No. 2 overall prospect in New Jersey by ESPN.

Chris Vigna
Chris Vigna
OL • 6-5 • 300
Glen Ridge, N.J./Bergen Catholic

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Vito Campanile at Bergen Catholic ... has played along the offensive line during scholastic career ... helped the Crusaders to an 11-1 record and a NJSIAA Non-Public, Group A championship as a senior in 2024 ... contributed on an offensive line that helped Bergen Catholic amass more than 3,600 yards of total offense ... First Team All-United Red Division at offensive line ... also helped the Crusaders to an 11-1 record and a NJSIAA Non-Public, Group A state title as a junior in 2023 ... a top-50 interior offensive line prospect nationally by 247Sports.

N-Kye Wynn
N-Kye Wynn
OL • 6-4 • 290
Muskegon, Mich./Muskegon

Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Shane Fairfield at Muskegon ... played along the offensive and defensive lines during scholastic career ... a 2024 preseason all-state selection ... helped the Big Reds to a 12-1 record and a Division II MHSAA state title as a junior in 2023 ... an all-area selection by MLive ... a top-10 prospect in Michigan by 247Sports and On3.

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Players Mentioned

Vernon Allen III

Vernon Allen III

WR
6' 2"
Freshman
Kamar Archie

Kamar Archie

LB
6' 1"
Freshman
Sean Ashenfelder

Sean Ashenfelder

QB
6' 1"
Freshman
Joshua Blackston

Joshua Blackston

OL
6' 3"
Freshman
Raedyn Bruens

Raedyn Bruens

DL
6' 5"
Freshman
Michael Clayton

Michael Clayton

DB
6' 0"
Freshman
Sah

Sah'nye Degraffenreidt

WR
6' 1"
Freshman
Isaiah Deloatch

Isaiah Deloatch

LB
6' 0"
Freshman
Renick Dorilas

Renick Dorilas

DB
5' 11"
Freshman
Canaan Edwards

Canaan Edwards

DL
6' 3"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Vernon Allen III

Vernon Allen III

6' 2"
Freshman
WR
Kamar Archie

Kamar Archie

6' 1"
Freshman
LB
Sean Ashenfelder

Sean Ashenfelder

6' 1"
Freshman
QB
Joshua Blackston

Joshua Blackston

6' 3"
Freshman
OL
Raedyn Bruens

Raedyn Bruens

6' 5"
Freshman
DL
Michael Clayton

Michael Clayton

6' 0"
Freshman
DB
Sah

Sah'nye Degraffenreidt

6' 1"
Freshman
WR
Isaiah Deloatch

Isaiah Deloatch

6' 0"
Freshman
LB
Renick Dorilas

Renick Dorilas

5' 11"
Freshman
DB
Canaan Edwards

Canaan Edwards

6' 3"
Freshman
DL
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