2026 Football Spring Awards
Apr 25 | Football
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano announced the spring award winners for the Scarlet Knights following Saturday's practice.
Mark Mills Second Effort Award – WR Jourdin Houston
Named in memory of former Scarlet Knight running back Mark Mills and awarded to the offensive player who through determination, dedication and hard work has shown the most improvement during the offseason and spring practices.
Now in his sophomore year, Houston played in two games last season with action at wide receiver versus Purdue and Oregon. The Bronx, New York, native played scholastically at St. Thomas More in Connecticut.
Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award – DB Jesse Ofurie
Named in memory of former Scarlet Knight defensive tackle Doug Smith and awarded to the defensive player who through determination, dedication and hard work has shown the most improvement during the offseason and spring practices.
A two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Ofurie played in all 12 games last season and enters 2026 with 30 games of experience overall for the Scarlet Knights. From Salem, Massachusetts, the defensive back is in his fourth season in the program.
Frank R. Burns Award – TE Logan Blake
Named after former Scarlet Knight All-America quarterback Frank Burns and awarded to the player who demonstrates extraordinary mental and physical toughness during the spring.
A two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Blake is in his fourth season in the program. A native of Frenchtown, New Jersey, the tight end brings 19 games of experience into 2026.
Follow Rutgers football on X (@RFootball & @RUboardwalk), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball & @ruboardwalk) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.
Mark Mills Second Effort Award – WR Jourdin Houston
Named in memory of former Scarlet Knight running back Mark Mills and awarded to the offensive player who through determination, dedication and hard work has shown the most improvement during the offseason and spring practices.
Now in his sophomore year, Houston played in two games last season with action at wide receiver versus Purdue and Oregon. The Bronx, New York, native played scholastically at St. Thomas More in Connecticut.
Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award – DB Jesse Ofurie
Named in memory of former Scarlet Knight defensive tackle Doug Smith and awarded to the defensive player who through determination, dedication and hard work has shown the most improvement during the offseason and spring practices.
A two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Ofurie played in all 12 games last season and enters 2026 with 30 games of experience overall for the Scarlet Knights. From Salem, Massachusetts, the defensive back is in his fourth season in the program.
Frank R. Burns Award – TE Logan Blake
Named after former Scarlet Knight All-America quarterback Frank Burns and awarded to the player who demonstrates extraordinary mental and physical toughness during the spring.
A two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Blake is in his fourth season in the program. A native of Frenchtown, New Jersey, the tight end brings 19 games of experience into 2026.
Follow Rutgers football on X (@RFootball & @RUboardwalk), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball & @ruboardwalk) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.
Players Mentioned
Head Coach Greg Schiano Spring Press Conference - 04/25/26
Saturday, April 25
Wide Receivers Coach Dave Brock - 04/23/26
Thursday, April 23
Associate Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Coach Damiere Shaw - 04/23/26
Thursday, April 23
Cornerbacks Coach Eric Finney - 04/21/26
Tuesday, April 21
