Two Scarlet Knights Will Return, One Leaving Early
Malast Will Test The NFL Draft
01/18/2008
Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- Head coach
Greg Schiano told his assistant coaches he was going to advise all three of his players considering to enter the NFL Draft early to return for their senior seasons.
His reasons for all three were very simple and understanding. Halfback
Ray Rice was out for more then half of the year with an injury, which will more then likely lower his stock. Coach Schiano told Rice these facts, and he completely understood where Schiano was coming from.
"I simply told all three I thought it would be in their best interest to return for their senior years," said Schiano.
Jason McCourty was the first to decide to return to the Scarlet Knights, after sitting down with Coach Schiano. They only met for twenty minutes before McCourty gave Schiano his word on returning for his senior year.
"I told Jason that his name wasn't really one to be mentioned all that much before this past breakout season, and he completely understood that," said Schiano.
"Also, if he were to come back he would have the oppertunity to play with Devin, his brother, for one more season."
The next person Schiano met with was halfback Ray Rice. Rice and Schiano met for nearly an hour before Rice gave Schiano the nod that he'd be back for his senior season. Rice, who was out for more then half the season with an injury, will return and anchor the Rutgers offense for one more season.
"I told Ray that his stock may have dropped due to the injury, and if he came back here to Rutgers that he would still have the starting job depending on how he recovered," said Schiano.
"Ray completely understood, and agreed that it would be best to re-raise his stock for next year's NFL Draft. We've got to be careful with him now though, an injury could take a serious hurting on his future."
The final Scarlet Knight,
Kevin Malast said that he wouldn't be returning to Rutgers next season.
The middle linebacker that finished ranked number one in the NCAA in tackles told Schiano after just twenty minutes of talking that he would enter the NFL Draft.
"I basically gave him the same story line as I did Jason," said Schiano.
"He had a breakout season, and it wasn't really expected. But I do wish him the best this season, and hope he gets drafted and earns a roster spot."
Next up for Schiano and his coaching staff will be the five week offseason recruiting stage, where Schiano hopes to land a couple of fine recruits.
"We're looking for a defensive tackle as well as a middle linebacker now," said Schiano.