Rutgers Football: How Are The Holes Being Filled With 2011 Recruits?
The 2010 Rutgers Scarlet Knights suffered through a 4-8 football campaign.
Lack of depth at certain positions was highlighted as the team struggled. The most glaring holes were the offensive and defensive lines.
Let's take a look at how is Greg Schiano addressing these needs in the recruiting season?
Offensive Line: Key Recruits: Dallas Hendrickson, Lucas and Lumpkin
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Chas Dodd (pictured) ran for his life behind an offensive line that was a disaster for R.U. this season.
The unit needed someone who could help this unit immediately. The Rutgers' coaching staff responded by addressing this need with an immediate impact recruit from the junior college ranks.
Dallas Hendrickson may not be the biggest name in this year's class, but he may have the biggest immediate impact this season.
The JUCO center from Iowa Western College had offers from New Mexico, South Florida, and Washington State among others.
He will play right away as the starting center and the team hopes that he can impact the team as Darnell Stapleton did for the 2006 Scarlet Knights.
Two more commitments, Marquis Lucas of Miami Central High School and Keith Lumpkin from St. Peters Prep in NY round out the class of offensive lineman.
Both Lucas and Lumpkin had offers from major programs. Lucas was being looked at by Auburn, and had solid offers from FAU, FIU, and South Florida. Lumpkin had offers from UNC, Kansas, Pitt, Syracuse and West Virginia among others.
Rutgers got a late commitment from a great player in Josue Matias. A kid from NJ who is the best lineman recruit RU has landed on the o-line since Anthony Davis in 2006.
Quarterback: Replacing Tom Savage
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Tom Savage entered the Rutgers' program as the savior, and for lack of a better term, franchise quarterback for Rutgers.
He left the program by transfer as persona non grata.
Chas Dodd seems to be the answer for now at the position, but behind Dodd, there is very little in the way of experience or talent.
Rutgers got a major boost when Frank Cignetti joined the coaching staff, and helped to re-recruit Gary Nova, a local product from Don Bosco Prep school, to join R.U. after de-commiting from Pittsburgh.
Nova was a highly sought after prospect at quarterback.
Rutgers also recruited another quarterback, Mike Bimonte,who chose Rutgers over Temple, and has remained a Rutgers' commit even though Nova has committed.
Defensive Line: The Need For Size and Strength
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When the Knights were going to bowl games, a hallmark of the program was its defense.
Particularly, Rutgers got tremendous pressure from guys like Eric Foster, and before him Ryan Niell.
Later, it was players like George Johnson (pictured) providing pressure up front, and solid run-stopping.
This year, Scott Vallone, Alex Silvestro, and Charlie Noonan were supposed to provide the front line, but those guys were pushed around all year.
This year's recruiting class features several players with potential to play big up front.
Though it is unclear if either can make an immediate impact, Kenneth Kirksey and Djwany Mera highlight the group.
Kirksey is a guy with big time size at 6'1 290, and had offers from Miami (FL) and Arkansas. Mera is a 4-star recruit and could provide the badly needed pass-rusher Rutgers has missed since George Johnson graduated in 2009.
The class of DTs is rounded out by Al Page of the Bronx, and Daryl Stephenson. Another defensive end, Kyle George chose R.U. over West Virginia.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Linebackers: Can The Unit Be Improved?
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Linebacker play was a dissappointment for Rutgers this season.
The solution needs to come from within as the unit is still young and developing. Antonio Lowery is the only departing player, and the unit has developing players such as Steve Beauharnais, Kalial Gloud, and Marcus Thompson who came in as highly touted recruits.
The most impactful player at the linebacker position this year is Quentin Gause who has tons of upside, but is smallish at just 205 lbs.
Rutgers had recruited Andrew Campolattano, but he has since de-commited.
Kicker: San San Te Is Suddenly a Senior, Dellaganna Has Graduated
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The Rutgers' kicker, who has been largely inconsistent for the better part of his career at Rutgers, is now a senior.
He is still slated to start for Rutgers at the position, but Rutgers needed to start thinking of the future, and they made a move toward that end this year.
Anthony DiPaula commited to Rutgers. He is an under the radar, but talented punter/kicker.
Here is a look at him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziorWAXVQp4
Running Back: Perhaps The Most Glaring Need
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Rutgers hasn't had a big-time runner since Ray Rice bolted for the NFL.
They have tried many at the position, but only Joe Martinek has had any kind of success from tailback.
R.U. fans have seen the wildcat more times than they'd care to talk about as an attempt to create a running game.
Savon Huggins could be exactly what Rutgers needs. Will he choose the Knights on Signing Day?
Here is a look at him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNTp6dnZLBI&NR=1&feature=fvwp
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
