2008 Statistics

QUARTERBACK

The race to replace Rutgers all-time leading passer (Teel) is still neck-and-neck, and-neck. Fifth-year senior Jabu Lovelace was held out this spring (ankle); his dual threat abilities are more realized with his ground production, though, than with his arm. This Tenafly product has to hold off Warren classmate Dom Natale, last year’s backup who had a solid spring to become the early leader in the clubhouse. Natale stood above dual-threat frosh D.C. Jefferson and overmatched RS classmate Steve Shimko, but a third name being seriously considered is this year’s No.8 pro-style prospect, Tom Savage. Without “a ton of [QB] plays being made anywhere”, according to Schiano, Savage’s skill set as a hurler (and his decent set of wheels) assure this guy who turned down Michigan, Miami and Georgia will probably get a good look and some real game reps. Though not available yet, Savage attended every spring practice and was found staying up late absorbing game film. Bet on Lovelace to get the initial nod on venerability, but to be given a short leash if/when his passing prowess falls short.

RUNNING BACK

There are definitely more capable hands on deck in this unit than at QB. Smallish Kordell Young has the seniority and got the bulk of last year’s carries, but he is no lock to become the main backfield weapon. Young’s ‘08 ACL tear meant a limited eight-game showing, and that gave the state’s all-time career prep rushing leader, Joe Martinek of Hopatcong, his chance to secure more carries for ’09. Still, the svelte Martinek isn’t as popular as Young in the flat. Scott Jourdan is the between-the-tackles linchpin at 245lbs, but last year’s second leading rusher and top ground scorer surprisingly doesn’t occupy the fullback slot. Atlantic City’s Jack Corcoran gets that nod; his abilities in the flat also need to be noted by defenders. This many quality runners, along with a new QB needing backfield distractions, should equal a better showing than last year’s ranking as the league’s second-worst rushing attack, especially with five starters back on the line.

RECEIVER / TIGHT END

Britt and Underwood leaving with Teel mean new QB-WR relationships will need to be established. 5-8 Miami senior Tim Brown is a quality, speedy deep threat, but stepping in as one of the top receivers will make his slot role(s) change. Brown still stands out as both a leader and the top target after spring. RS frosh Keith Shroud and senior Julian Hayes are still fighting for the second spot, but none, including Brown, is at the same stellar level as the two departees. The big news in this corps has been the emergence of ex-safety Mohamed Sanu. Sanu was an all-around type of player in high school (South Brunswick) and has an acumen for playing anywhere, hence his move here in the last week of spring ball as the need arose. Sanu’s move proves how desperate Schiano and co-coordinators Ciarrocca and Flood must be here. Fortunately, junior TE Shamar Graves is more like a large WR than a true TE, so the Knights have a decent target for the middle. This group should find identity by mid-season, though, role players will need to be found quickly with the new QBs needing structure.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Junior LT Anthony Davis earned Second Team all-league honors and proved his freshman all-American designation was no fluke. Davis’s huge frame is representative this entire group. Like Davis, senior Kevin Haslem moved from guard to tackle in 2008 with moderate success (Haslem straddled both spots on the right side). Classmate Ryan Blaszczyk will anchor at center, so his middle assignment can foster the two soph guards who are still picking up the finer points at the FBS level. Forst bumped inside as a true frosh in ’08 and did adequate work, but it was Kaleb Ruch’s improved footwork that really helped turn the line’s group results around by mid-season last year. That turnaround was the catalyst for Rutger’s seven-game win streak to end the campaign and is a key for this year’s offense to prove it can handle all of the key personnel losses. Per 2008, this same starting five has a wide range of possibilities; good group play can deliver the offense into a productive post-Teel era, but inconsistency again rearing its ugly head early on would set Schiano back in finding that new offensive identity.

DEFENSIVE LINE

For their modest size, the Rutger’s DLmen do pretty well. Tackles like junior Alex Silvestro need to be closer to 300lbs, but this mobile ex-wrestler has surpassed expectations every year, so far. He will have to hold off senior Blair Bines and others like promising RS frosh Scott Vallone, but such competition bodes well. Don’t be surprised if Silvestro is bumped outside with his quick feet. Charlie Noonan really soared this spring, earning himself both the Douglas A. Smith award (most improved player on this side of the ball) and the likely start at nose. But Noonan will have Eric LeGrand vying for reps, as well as four-star newbie Isaac Holmes looking to make an early splash. Hoboken’s Holmes has the size this interior lacks. Just note how the line’s leader, end senior George Johnson, outweighs Silvestro by nearly 15 pounds. Johnson will anchor his side without needing much help, while Jon Freeney is the best candidate to replace Westerman if Silvestro doesn’t land at end. Sorie Bayoh will press for and is sure to get plenty of reps. Rotations here happen often, so size issues can be offset by tenacity via fresher legs. Run stopping results improved last year by over 20 less yards allowed, which gives promise for a quick DL that mostly hovers between 240-270 pounds.

LINEBACKER

Grounded by second leading Scarlet Knight tackler Ryan D’Imperio possibly moving back to his more natural position in the middle, this corps looks to again be strong. D’Imperio is also the second leading returning Big East tackler, so expectations are high for the Sewell native. Assignments aren’t set until summer ball concludes. Antonio Lowery is the designated MLB on some early depth charts, so much has to be ironed out still before this unit of quality individual components gels. The outside will likely see Manny Abreau continue to improve like he did his entire ‘08 RS freshman season. The spring game saw this Union City product lead all tacklers (10), so Abreau seems to be “feeling it” already. The guy he eventually supplanted, Damaso Munoz, should be found on the other side, but he has also started at MLB (10 times in ‘07) and could be used there when needed. Freeny and Dumont have important roles as oft-seen backups, with Dumont better as a possible hybrid-nickel for foes that use spread looks. New co-coordinator Bob Fraser also oversees this group’s progress, so after years of Schiano holding the defensive reigns, expect big things from Fraser and his LBs.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Once this secondary finds its starters at corner, opposing passing games will hate playing Rutgers. Devin McCourty led the team in pass breakups last year, but he is expected to take a more limited role. That leaves the door open for Brandon Bing to return to his 2007 form, when he slaughtered as a true freshman. True soph David Rowe impressed last season in run support, but fifth-year senior Billy Anderson has earned his steady career rise to possibly start. Coverage looks adequate, but will have to improve to match recent results. Joe Lefeged is the incumbent at SS, with 6’2 Zaire Kitchen as a rangy alternate (team leading three forced fumbles in ’08). They’ll foster Khaseem Greene (not related to departed namesake Courtney, who started all 51 of his games at free safety). The latest Greene is having heaps of praise come his way, but it’s unknown Pat Kivlehan who has developed the most this off-season and is now turning heads. Safeties shuffling around to find the best combinations will happen early, but the bodies here are capable of becoming a formidable unit.