2022 First Glance Preview: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
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Written by: Zach Greene (@zachegreene)
Week 8: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Date & Time: October 22nd, 12 pm Kickoff
Venue: SHI Stadium. Piscataway, New Jersey
TV: BTN
Rutgers at a Glance
Head Coach: Greg Schiano
Entering his 3rd year as the Head Football Coach of the Scarlet Knights. Signed an 8-year 32-million dollar Deal on December 1st, 2019. 8-14 record overall in his second tenure with the Scarlet Knights. Coached the Knights from 2001-2011.
Record vs. Rutgers:
Overall Record: 5-3 All Time. Lost last season vs Rutgers.
Last Game vs. Rutgers. Loss 37-3
Key Returners for the Scarlet Knights
Passing: Noah Verdral. Nebraska Transfer and entering his senior Verdral is an all-around solid quarterback doing whatever it takes to win. He threw for over 1800 yards and showed the ability to run the ball as well. Federal enters their third season in the program and Rutgers fans are hoping this is his best season so far.
Receiving: Johnny Langan. Returning for his senior season and likely the starting Tight End, Langan is a threat to catch the ball and run the ball. They like to line him up on the in-the-slot as well as in the backfield. Expect big things for the Senior Tight End this season.
Tackles: Christian Izien. 2021 Academic All-Big Ten and Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Izien tallied 75 tackles last season at Safety. He earned second-team all-All-Big Ten by Phil Steele and was selected to the Shrine Bowl. Expect Izien to be a leader on the Scarlet Knights this upcoming season.
Preseason Predictions
Phil Steele: 7th in the Big Ten East
Athlon Sports: 6th in the Big Ten East
Lindy’s: 7th in the Big Ten East
SP+: 78th nationally
Toughest Games
Week 5: at Ohio State
Week 10: vs. Michigan
Impact Newcomers for the Scarlet Knights
● Jahzion Harris. DE
○ Texas A&M Transfer. Local Staten Island standout Harris transferred to the Scarlet Knights following his freshman season at Texas A&M. He is a big-time transfer and was a big-time recruit coming out of high school. He was a four-star prospect who received offers from Michigan and LSU. Expect Harris to have a big impact this upcoming season.
● Taj Harris. WR
○ Syracuse transfer. Local standout Harris played with the Orange since his freshman season and was a productive player. He started in most games with his best season coming in 2020 when he had over 700 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Harris is expected to have an exclusive role on the offense. Expect to hear his name to be called on often.
● J.D. DiRenzo. LG
○ Sacred Heart transfer and FCS All-American DiRenzo can play the guard as well as the tackle position. He stands at 6’6, 315. DiRenzo will be a massive presence on the offensive line and big addition to the program.
Biggest Questions Facing the Scarlet Knights
1. Can they improve from last year?
2. How will the team mesh together?
3. Who will step up on defense?
Program Preview
Schiano enters his third season as the Scarlet Knights' Head Coach and so far he has done a really good job. He’s recruiting locally at a high level and has brought in some top recruits. My first question for this program and if they can improve year over year. Last year, this program was 5-8 overall and 2-7 in the conference. Many consider it a win for the Rutgers program but there is still a lot to be done. They were inconstant and were blown out in a couple of games. They still are in the hardest division in the Big Ten which means they have to face Michigan and Ohio State just like Indiana does every year. Competitive games against this program will be a win for the program and beating teams like Nebraska and Minnesota will only add to Schiano's resume. Schiano enters his second tenure in the program and has a lot of weight on his shoulder.
Offensive Preview
Noah Vedral is the clear-cut starting Quarterback for the program going into the season. He knows what it takes to win at the D1 level and lead a football team. He now has speedy Taj Harris and Sean Ryan to throw to on the outside. At the running back slot, the team is young figuring sophomore and redshirt freshmen. Kyle Monangai is a local product who has seen a bunch of playing time before and is expected to be RB1. It will be interesting to see how the offense meshes, but if they can put it together and be consistent good things will happen.
Defensive Preview
The defense runs a 4-2-5 scheme featuring 4 Defensive Tackle, two linebackers, and 5 defensive backs. Christain Izien is one of the leaders on this side of the ball. He brings a big strong presence on the field. Along with Izien, Rani Abdulaziz is another player whose got a lot of experience and will be called on as a leader. These two pair nicely in the secondary and will be the focal point of the defense. Mayan Ahanoutu is at the line of scrimmage leading at the Nose Tackle Position. He is a Minnesota transfer who played in every game last season. The defense has a lot of experience but is lacking some talent. We’ll see how they mesh and put everything together.
Special Teams Preview
Senior Auzzie Adam Korsak takes over the duties at the punting position again. He has 46 career games under his belt so far. At kicker will be Jude McAtamney who transferred from Chowan University.