Rutgers Football: The 10 Most Important People in the Program

Rutgers enjoyed a solid 2011 campaign that saw itself once again earn a trip to a bowl game.

This time, the Knights' 8-4 record earned them a trip to NYC for the second time this season, to play in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Rutgers previously played at Yankee Stadium when it defeated Army 27-12 in November.

After missing postseason play for the first time since 2005 last season, the Knights were picked to finish last in the Big East in 2011.

The team defied expectations of the experts and found itself in contention for at least a share of the Big East title in the last couple weeks of the regular season.

Although it fell short of its ultimate goal, RU has a young team that can build off of some of the successes it had in 2011.

The bowl game offers an opportunity for more practice time, and to end the season on a high note.

In order for Rutgers to take the next step, these 10 men must bring the school forward...

10. Frank Cignetti

Cignetti runs the offense at Rutgers, and his pro-style sets are just the thing to attract the top offensive talent in New Jersey.

He has established recruiting ties in New Jersey from his time running the offense at the University of Pittsburgh under Dave Wannstedt.

His hiring has already paid off, as he lured Gary Nova away from his commitment to Pitt to instead follow Cignetti to RU.

With Nova in the fold, New Jersey's best receiving prospect and Nova's former Don Bosco teammate Leonte Caroo will head to Piscataway in the fall of 2012.

Cignetti has been linked to head coaching rumors at Tulane, and would be greatly missed should he decide to leave RU.

9. Savon Huggins

Savon Huggins was having a good freshman campaign before being sidelined with a knee injury.

In his absence, Jawan Jamison stepped up.  Jamison, however, has a definite ceiling of ability.  Huggins has worlds of talent that can bring this offense to the next level.

8. Gary Nova/Chas Dodd; Tom Savage?

Between one of these two (or perhaps three), a quarterback needs to establish himself to lead Rutgers.

Whether it be Nova or Dodd, you can't win without a quarterback that you can count on.

Rumors are flying around that Savage is seeking a hardship transfer to a school close to his Pennsylvania home, and there have been some links back to Rutgers. 

7. Kyle Flood

When offensive line coach Kyle Flood was involved in the recruitment of stars like Anthony Davis, his stock was high as a coach.

RU's offensive lines were instrumental in the development of quarterbacks Mike Teel and, before him, Ryan Hart.  The lines were also greatly responsible for the development of Raymel Rice and Brian Leonard.

However, over the past couple of seasons, the line play has been erratic at best, and, at times, downright dismal.

He needs to re-establish that level of o-line play at RU, and get and develop some offensive line talent on the banks.

6. Khaseem Greene

Khaseem Greene went from being an average safety to a star at linebacker for the Knights this season.

His stellar performance in 2011 has vaulted his name up NFL draft boards.

Should he decide to stay, he will anchor what should be an excellent defensive unit in 2012.

If he leaves, which is doubtful, considering that his size would lead him to be a second- to third-round pick, Schiano will have his hands full trying to replace him. 

5. Eric LeGrand

You can make the argument that LeGrand could be No. 1, but he most definitely belongs on this list.

His tragic injury has, for better or worse, kept Rutgers' name in the news for the better part of a year.

His pure class and unbelievable attitude in dealing with his situation have generated nothing but praise for the type of young men that come out of Rutgers University.

Sports Illustrated's readers selected his leading the team out of the tunnel against WVU this season as the SI Moment of the Year for 2011.

4. Rutgers' Alumni and Fans

The fan support at RU is huge for this program.

After moderate success in 2005 and an apparent vaulting to national prominence in 2006, the Rutgers athletic department pushed for stadium expansion.

The result was going from season ticket waiting lists to a seemingly endless supply of "two-for-one" ticket deals.

One of the things holding this school back is the lack of prominent donors making large donations.

The school needs that kind of support to offset some of the debt it has reportedly garnered. 

3. Mohamed Sanu

Sanu is a true junior with one year of eligibility left for the Scarlet Knights.

There are rumors that he may be staying for his senior season, and this decision will have a major impact on the 2012 Scarlet Knights.

He is clearly RU's best player.

The Knights do have some depth at receiver, but if the Knights want to challenge for a Big East championship, they will have a much better chance with Mo Sanu in the fold. 

2. Greg Schiano

Greg Schiano took the reigns at Rutgers to much fanfare and a horrible team.

He has since guided the Knights to respectability and the brink of national success.

However, he has fallen short of the championships he promised to win at Rutgers.

This man must deliver on his promise soon, or his hefty salary and empty promises will run their course.

1. Tim Pernetti, A.D.

Athletic director Tim Pernetti reigns over Rutgers athletics at a very rough time.

A few years ago, RU cut some Olympic sports to the outrage of a lot of news outlets, and alumni cried foul.

Now, there are reports about massive debt, with football being the major culprit.

This is beyond my level of expertise, but there will be decisions for Penetti to make.