Rutgers Football: Chas Dodd Impresses in Scarlet-White Spring Game

Rutgers quarterback Chas Dodd showed that he has no plans in starting the 2011 season off on the sidelines.

At the Scarlet-White spring game on April 30, Dodd went 27-for-35, for 289 yards and two touchdowns. 

Dodd also managed to avoid any turnovers in the highly touted scrimmage.

Offensive guard Antwan Lowery says that he can see the increased confidence in Dodd, while safety David Rowe agreed that “he’s grown up a lot.”

The South Carolina native was not shy to chime in about his own performance. “I’m learning the offense. I’m getting good at controlling the huddle and leading the guys. I feel really confident with where we are now and how much I’ve learned.”

Rowe continued to gush about how far Dodd’s game has come along, even comparing him to an NFL legend at this early stage in his college career.

“I see a Brett Favre kind of guy, someone who won’t let the play end. And that’s a good thing,” Rowe said. “It can be a bad thing sometimes but for him it’s mostly a good thing. He can definitely spin the ball.”

Dodd has had the luxury of taking basically all the snaps this spring, since incoming freshmen Gary Nova and Mike Bimonte are not eligible to practice until the summer. 

Head Coach Greg Schiano also chimed in about the situation, stating that “Chas was in competition last season and now Chas is in pursuit of excellence,” he said.

Rowe had made some big strides of his own recently, earning the most improved defensive player of spring.

De’Antwan “The Rocket” Williams earned the offensive honor.

The Scarlet squad, led by Dodd, defeated the White squad comfortably, 31-14, in the annual spring game.

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Brandon Coleman opened some eyes with a nice stat line, making five catches for 78 yards and finding the end zone twice.

Running backs De’Antwan Williams and Jawan Jamison also both managed to cross the chalk for the Scarlet team. 

Also of note, defensive tackle Eric LeGrand joined the broadcast booth for a portion of the third quarter.  In his most recent interview, LeGrand said he plans to pursue a career in sports broadcasting after graduating from Rutgers.

Thanks to NJ.com for providing the quotes, and ScarletKnights.com for providing the stats from the game.