Offense Can't Get It Going, Defense Leads R U To Win
Teel Throws Three First Half Interceptions
11/18/2007 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[New Brunswick, New Jersey]-- The Rutgers offense seems to have been in a funk ever since the loss to West Virginia. They didn't appear to be coming out of it anytime soon when they faced the 6-3 Pittsburgh squad.
Mike Teel, who got off to a tremendous start to the season, struggled mightily early on. He threw three first half interceptions, leading to several oppertunities for the University of Pittsburgh. Fortunately, yet another missed field goal by an opposing team kept the scored notched at 0 entering the second quarter.
Teel would throw his second and third interceptions of the game during the second quarter, neither of which ended up doing any harm to the scoreboard.
Teel did create one drive during the second half however that proved to be pivotal. It was a third down and three, when the playaction was called, where Teel scrolled out to the right and hit a dragging Tiquan Underwood for the first down. Three plays, and thirty-four yards later, Rutgers had a first and goal from the eight.
Teel handed the ball off to sophomore Kordell Young who went untouched into the endzone to give the Scarlet Knights a 7-0 lead.
After the rest of the period went scoreless, and Devin McCourty intercepted his seventh pass of the season, we entered halftime, where both teams hoped to find an offensive gameplan that would succeed.
However, both teams didn't. The third quarter would end scoreless, keeping it a seven point Rutgers lead.
McCourty would intercept another pass, his second of the game, and set Rutgers up with the ball in Pittsburgh territory. Five plays later, after the drive stalled, Jeremy Ito came out and nailed the forty-four yard field goal, making the score 10-0 Rutgers.
Pittsburgh answered on the ensuing drive with a field goal, bringing them back within seven with just over five minutes remaining to play.
Rutgers got the ball back, no onside kick attempted, and continued to hand the ball of to Young, who drove into Pittsburgh territory. Ito would add antoher field goal and with only a minute and thirty-three seconds remaining, put the Scarlet Knights up by ten.
The defense held on for a win, forcing Pittsburgh three and out, and improving the Scarlet Knights to 10-1 on the season, 5-1 in the Big East. Next week they will travel to Louisville to take on the #14 team in the nation.
Brohm Breaks Record In Game Vs Rutgers
Defense Ties Loose Knots, Rutgers Rallies
11/30/2007 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Louisville, Kentucky]-- Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm came into the game with the best QB Rating in the whole NCAA. While he managed to leave the game with that mark still, the Rutgers defense sure did put a dent into it.
Things started out extremely bad for the Scarlet Knights, as all the breaks seemed to be going Louisville's way. The first play from scrimmage, and Mike Teel was sacked, forcing a fumble and recovered by Lousville.
Then Brian Brohm took over.
Brohm came into the day with only five interceptions thrown all season. He was picked off twice today alone by the McCourty brothers, Jason and Devin, both recording one.
Brohm started off fast, and good. He threw a nine yard touchdown pass with 5:03 remaining in the first. The touchdown broke Louisville's school record for touchdowns in a season.
An early Louisville lead didn't sit well with the Rutgers offense, as their very next drive they marched down the field. Several Kordell Young runs, along with a couple of Kenny Brittreceptions set Teel up with a first and goal from the nine.
The very next play, a screen pass to Tiquan Underwood who went in for the touchdown to nod the game up at seven.
The Brian Brohm show continued though, as he was passing all over the Scarlet Knight defense, which is rated third in the NCAA.
Brohm managed to lead the Cardinals offense down the field and get a Carmody field goal, which gave them the three point lead.
After a Rutgers drive stalled, Brohm trotted back onto the field. Nine plays and sixty-four yards later, and Louisville had increased their lead to ten. Brohm ended the drive with another touchdown pass, this time to Mario Urrutia.
"Brohm looked good the first half, that's for sure. I'm not sure what happened to him the second half, but hey, we're not complaining," said safety Ron Girault.
The two teams exchanged field goals before the half ended, which tallied the score up to a 20-10 lead for Louisville.
After a slow third quarter, where Jason McCourty would intercept the first Brian Brohm bad pass of the day, Rutgers was only able to tack on three points, off a 53 yard field goal from Jeremy Ito.
The fourth quarter would start with Louisville owning the ball on the Rutgers thirty-five yard line. Brohm dropped back to pass, looked for Urrutia, and was intercepted. This time by Jason's brother, Devin.
It was Devin's eighth interception of the season, the team best and tied for third in the NCAA. His brother, Jason, recorded his sixth of the season during this game.
Down by seven, Rutgers was only able to add on another field goal, as the drive stalled once again in Louisville territory, bringing the Scarlet Knights within four.
After an attempt to wear down the clock failed when linebacker Kevin Malast stopped a huge third down pitch, the offense got the ball back. A seven yard Young run, followed by a thirteen yard pass to tight end Kevin Brock set up the fifty one yard touchdown pass from Teel to Kenny Britt. It was Britt's seventh touchdown of the season, and put him over 800 yards on the season, as a sophomore.
Rutgers was sitting comfortably, 3:57 left to play, the number three defense in the NCAA on the field, and a three point lead. The only thing was, the opposing quarterback was the best passer in the NCAA, atleast according to the quarterback ratings, Brian Brohm.
Brohm came out and handed the ball off to Anthony Allen, who got three yards on the first down play. After an incomplete pass attempt from Brohm, the Cardinals were set up with a third and seven with 3:39 remaining to play. He found an open receiver in junior Corey Thompson, but it was dropped on what would've been a sure first down.
Now Brohm was faced with a fourth and seven and in Rutgers territory. They elected to go for it, and paid, as Malast got to the quarterback to bring him down for a loss and change of possession.
After Rutgers was stopped, and only able to kick a field goal, Brohm was given one more chance to win the game.
Down by six, with 2:04 left in play, Brohm was unable to get a first down. He went four and out, and had played his last Big East game of his collegiate career.
"These guys have a great defense over here, that's what makes them so good," said Brohm. "They just made all the stops. We knew coming into the game today that we had our hands full, they were just a bit better out there today."
With the win, Rutgers was bumped up to number nine in the BCS Polls, while Louisville fell to number twenty five.
"It feels awesome, knowing we have a good oppertunity to be playing in a huge Bowl game," said coach Greg Schiano. "We're going to keep preparing for that game during these weeks off, hopefully we get a big time Bowl game though. It'll be exciting."
While the Scarlet Knights wait to find out what Bowl Game they will be participating in, they did find out some good news minutes before the game.
Safety Courtney Greene, who has missed a substantial amount of time due to a broken jaw, was cleared to play in the game today. Schiano decided to hold him out due to precautionary reasons, and figured it'd be better just to take their time with him.
"Courtney's got a great future ahead of him, he's going to go to the NFL. Whether he decides it's his time this year, or next, it's certain he will enter the NFL Draft," said Schiano.
It appears that halfback Ray Rice also may be cleared come Bowl Game time to be able to play.
Whether or not Rice is in the lineup is still remained to be seen, but there is one thing certain, Rutgers is bound to get a bid to a top Bowl Game.
Rutgers Gets A Slew Of Commits
Currently Ranked Ninth Best In-Coming Class In NCAA
12/03/2007 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- The Rutgers Scarlet Knights already had cornerback Steve Williamson commit almost two months ago. They hadn't had one since. Now Williamson will know that Rutgers recruiting class is ranked the ninth best thus far in all of the NCAA.
Head coach Greg Schiano and the rest of the Scarlet Knights staff have landed five more four star players, now giving them six total. Along with Williamson, tackle Matt Wright, guard Garrett Marshall, halfback Derek Parrish, outside linebacker Jay Maxwell, and strong safety Mark Lewis will all be joining the Scarlet Knights in Piscataway next season.
Wright, a 6'4 321 pound tackle out of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, said he wanted to stay close to home, and Rutgers was a perfect choice. Wright was ranked the 7th best tackle in the senior class across the nation, the 166th best prospect. He was also receiving and considering an offer from Michigan.
Marshall, who is a 6'4 337 pound guard out of Elkridge, Maryland, was considering Rutgers along with Penn State, and West Virginia. Markshall is ranked the 3rd best guard and 39th best prospect in all of the NCAA, making him Rutgers top recruit thus far.
Halfback Derek Parrish was the last of all the commits to sign with Rutgers so far. He was ranked the 10th best halfback, and 99th best prospect coming in. He is 5'9, and weighs 206 poundes out of Neenah, Wisconsin. He was also considering Penn State, Utah, Michigan, and Boise State before finalizing on Rutgers.
Jay Maxwell was a late recruit attempt by coach Schiano. He wasn't targeted by the Scarlet Knights staff until week three of the recruiting process, but they quickly fell in love with what they had seen out of the outside linebacker. Maxwell, ranked 14th at outside linebacker, 126th overall, was also considering Oklahoma, University of Southern Florida, and Georgia Tech. He is 6'4 and weighs 222 pounds.
The final recruit for coach Schiano is Mark Lewis, out of Tecumseh, Oklahoma. Lewis was ranked the 2nd best strong safety, and the 120th best prospect in the nation. He is very tall, standing at 6'6, and weighs in at 200 pounds. Other colleges interested were Wisconsin, and Oklahoma State.
Heisman Trophy, All Big East Award Winners Announced
Scarlet Knights Well Represented
12/05/2007 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- The Heisman Trophy Award winner was announced earlier today, and it went to who we all expected it to go to. Mike Hart, halfback from Michigan, won the Heisman Trophy Award this year, with James Hardy finishing in a close second.
Hart beat out Hardy by only 18 votes. Ian Johnson, the halfback from Boise State finished third, Joey Halzle, quarterback from Oklahoma finished fourth, and Sam Keller, quarterback from Nebraska, finishing fifth.
Hart finished with 350 first place votes, 303 second place votes, and 106 third place votes, giving him 1,762. Hardy finished with 338 first place votes, 313 second, and 104 third place votes, giving him a total of 1,744.
Not only was the Heisman Trophy Winner announced, but the All-Americans were announced, and Rutgers was well represented.
We'll start with the All Big East first team, where junior halfback Ray Rice was awarded. Rice carried the ball one hundred and fifty seven times throughout the season before being injured, while running for nine hundred and twenty two yards, a 5.9 yards per carry average, and sixteen touchdowns.
Junior tight end Kevin Brock was also honored with an All Big East first team award. Brock caught thirty-nine passes for four hundred and eighty yards, and two touchdowns.
Two offensive lineman were also honored with All Big East first team awards. Senior left guard Mike Fladell had seventeen pancakes and two sacks allowed, while sophomore center Dave McClain had fifteen pancakes and allowed no sacks throughout the season. Both were All Big East first team award winners.
Several players of the third ranked Rutgers defensive unit were All Big East first team award winners. Senior defensive tackle Eric Foster had thirty-seven tackles, fourteen for a loss, and four sacks, landing him a first team All Big East award.
Also, middle linebacker Kevin Malast was awarded the first team honors, ending the season with eighty-seven tackles, twenty-two for a loss, two sacks, five interceptions, and ten pass deflections. There was never any doubt that Malast would garner first team All Big East awards.
Both brothers, Jason and Devin McCourty were awarded first team All Big East award winners. Jason had thirty-seven tackles, six interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, thirteen pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovered.
Devin recorded forty-three tackles, five for a loss, eight interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and nine pass deflections.
Sophomore free safety Joe Martinek filled in for Courtney Greene for most of the year, and garnered first team All Big East honors, by recording fifty-three tackles, two for a loss, three interceptions, five pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
Senior strong safety Ron Girault concluded his career with an awesome season, recording fifty-seven tackles, two for a loss, six interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, three pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovered, which was good enough to earn Girault first team All Big East honors.
As expected, place kicker Jeremy Ito also was an All Big East first teamer. Ito converted twenty-five of twenty-nine field goals, which was good enough to land him a 90% mark, his longest being from 53 yards out. Ito was also perfect on extra points.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season was sophomore punter Teddy Delleganna, who had a 45.7 yards per punt average. His longest punt went for sixty-four yards, and he nailed fourteen of his thirty-five punts within the opponent's twenty yard line.
Five Scarlet Knights also gained second team All Big East honors, the first being sophomore wide receiver Kenny Britt. Britt caught forty-four passes for eight hundred and twenty six yards, with seven touchdowns.
Junior left end Chenry Lewis recorded thirty-nine tackles, fifteen for a loss, seven sacks, and a fumble recovered. He was also named a second team All Big East selection.
Freshman defensive tackle Wayne Thomas recorded twenty two tackles, nine for a loss, and had five sacks. Thomas was also recognized as a second team All Big East selection.
Two more of the Scarlet Knights' secondary players were added to the second team All Big East list. Sophomore Leslie Jackman registered forty tackles, two interceptions, four pass deflections, and a fumble recovered, while freshman Mason Robinson had forty-three tackles, one for a loss, with two interceptions, four pass deflections, and two fumbles recovered.
Rutgers Players Awarded With All-American Status
Five Scarlet Knights Named First Teamers
12/06/2007 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- Yesterday the awards for All Big East honors were announced. Today, the awards for All-American status was announced, and once again, the number nine ranked Scarlet Knights were well represented.
However, before the first teamers were announced, two Scarlet Knights were honored with individual awards. Place kicker Jeremy Ito was honored with the Lou Groza Place Kicker Award, which is awarded to the kicker who best exemplifies his passion as a kicker.
Not only did Ito walk away with one of these, but senior safety Ron Girault was awarded with the Jim Thorpe Award. This award is awarded to the player voted to be the best defensive back in collegiate football.
"They are both great honors, and both those guys deserve it," said head coach Greg Schiano who was in attendance to see his players receive the awards. "They both work so hard out there, it's nice to see them finally get some recognition."
Shortly after the individual awards were announced, the All American Freshman team was followed. The Scarlet Knights had two players awarded with the honors, defensive tackle Wayne Thomas and cornerback Mason Robinson. Thomas had twenty-two tackles, nine for a loss, and five sacks on the season, while Robinson recorded forty-three tackles, one for a loss, two interceptions, four pass deflections, and recovered two fumbles.
"Both those guys have bright futures and did everything we asked them to filling in for us this year," said Schiano.
Next, the second team All Americans were announced. Schiano had gone to the banquet expecting four players to be named to the first team.
Unfortunately, junior cornerback Jason McCourty was named a second team All American, but he wasn't complaining.
"Ahh, I'm not disappointed at all," replied McCourty. "It's still a great honor, and I may have one more year to get those first team honors. Now I'm just hoping Devin gets recognized as a first teamer."
After seeing Big East rivals Steve Slaton, Pat White, and others be named to first team All American honors, Schiano knew it was coming down to the defensive backs. He was nervous, hoping that his boys wouldn't get recognized.
"It's nerve wrecking because you want them to get recognized, you don't want them to be left out when they deserve to be in a class like this."
Then the cornerbacks were announced, and Devin McCourty's name was the first one read. The sophomore corner had been named a first team All American, along with fellow strong safety Ron Girault and place kicker Jeremy Ito.
"It's great, I'm so proud of these guys, every single one of them deserves it. There were even guys who didn't get invited to attend this that deserve to be here," said Schiano.
However, there was no one happier for Devin then his brother, Jason.
"I'm so proud of him, it's been great playing side by side with him all this time and it's only going to get better as we go on," said Jason.
Next up on the schedule for Coach Schiano and his Scarlet Knights is to learn which Bowl Game they will be accepted to play in. Finishing ninth in the BCS Polls, they figure to be in a top game. But, you can never figure out those polls for sure.
"Nothing is set in stone," said Schiano. "Sure, we'd like to think we're in the Orange Bowl, or Fiesta Bowl, but the fact is we could end up back in the Texas Bowl, you never know with this system."
Rutgers Earns Bid To Nokia All State Sugar Bowl
Scarlet Knights Set To Battle #5 Oklahoma
12/08/2007 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- Finally, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, led by coach Greg Schiano, have earned a bid into a top flight Bowl Game.
Coach Schiano and his Scarlet Knights found out on the Bowl Game Selection Show that they had earned a bid to play in the Sugar Bowl, on New Year's day.
Their opponent? The 12-1, number five ranked, Oklahoma Sooners.
"Wow, this is absolutely nuts," said senior defensive tackle Eric Foster. "This is something I'm going to remember forever, getting a trip to Louisiana to play in the Sugar Bowl. Holy cow."
The Sooners, who are led by junior quarterback, and fourth place finisher in the Heisman race, Joey Halzle, are a very good football team, who present various offensive threats.
Senior halfback Allen Patrick rushed for over 1,000 yards on the ground, and is a threat to break a long run at any time through the game.
"We're going to have our hands full," said Rutgers linebacker and NCAA tackle leader Kevin Malast. "They're a great football team, and their offense is dynamic. They'll present a good challenge to our defense."
The deep list of offensive threats doesn't end there. Between junior wide receivers Malcolm Kelly, Juaquin Iglesias, Manuel Johnson, senior tight end Joe Jon Finley, and sophomore tight end Jermaine Gresham all receiving the ball, combined with Patrick and Halzle, the Sooners offense ranked fourth in the NCAA in offense. It often leads us to say: "No wonder Halzle was up for Heisman consideration, look at all his targets."
"I have faith in these guys," said Schiano. "I know they can shut them down, we'll just have to wait to find out."
The Scarlet Knights have learned they will be without Ray Rice, who broke his collarbone several weeks back. There was speculation that Rice may be ready for a return by time the Bowl Game approached, but there is no chance he'll be on the field.
On the other hand, safety Courtney Greene will get the start at free safety for the Sugar Bowl.
"Joe (Martinek) did an excellent job filling in for Courtney while he was gone," said Schiano. "But, Courtney's been working hard, and is ready to go. I'm sure Joe will be out there, getting mixed in, but Courtney will start."
The Scarlet Knights will depart from Piscataway the day after Christmas on their voyage to New Orleans, Louisiana. When they arrive at the Superdome, they'll have five days to practice on the field before the January 1st, 2008 Sugar Bowl contest with Oklahoma.
Oh How Sweet Sugar Tastes
BCS Bowl Game Lives Up To Expectations
01/01/2007 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[New Orleans, Louisiana]-- The Rutgers Scarlet Knights were playing in just their fourth bowl game of all time, this being by far the biggest. It was the Scarlet Knights first time in any BCS Bowl, as they were heading to New Orleans to take on Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.
Perhaps the Scarlet Knights offense was just a little too excited, or nervous, early on. They started out with the ball, but after a Kordell Young run went nowhere, they elected to throw the ball and test the passing defense of the Sooners. After Mike Teel's pass was intercepted and returned into Rutgers territory, head coach Greg Schiano knew it was going to be a tough day.
The Sooners, led by Heisman canidate quarterback Joey Halzle, got into trouble of their own though. Halzle's first pass of the game was intercepted by Courtney Greene, who was playing in his first game since week six when they took on Syracuse.
Greene proceeded to run the interception back 67 yards for the first score of the game, giving the Scarlet Knights an early 7-0 lead.
After the defensive unit forced Oklahoma to a three and out, the offense was able to gain enough yards to set Jeremy Ito up with a 56 yard field goal attempt.
"That's why he was an All-American," said Schiano.
Ito's kick was perfect, splitting the uprights, and giving the Scarlet Knights a 10-0 lead.
The Sooners would soon get on the board though, as early in the second quarter Allen Patrick capped off a beautiful drive, led by Halzle, with a one yard touchdown run.
After Ito made his second field goal of the game, this time from 35 yards out, the defense couldn't hold the Sooner offense before the half, allowing them to get into field goal range.
"We gave them a huge oppertunity there at the end of the half," said Schiano. "We wish we didn't do that, but hey it happened and they made the -- what was it, a 52 yarder?"
The score entering the half was 13-10 Rutgers, and the game was living up to it's potential.
After the Sooners tied the game in the third quarter with another Hartley field goal, the game entered the fourth.
A Oklahoma defensive standup gave Halzle the ball with a chance to put Oklahoma ahead in the game for the first time. A long drive of Allen Patrick runs eventually landed the Sooners on the five, where Joey Halzle found Malcolm Kelly for a five yard strike, putting the Sooners up by seven.
With under two minutes to go, Rutgers was going to need a miracle. They hadn't had much success all game moving the ball, and had failed to score an offensive touchdown all game.
Yet, Mike Teel rose to the occasion, finding receivers Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood twice during the drive to move them downfield.
Mixed in with a couple of Kordell Young runs, Teel got the big strike he was looking for. With just 0:36 remaining in the game, Teel found tight end Kevin Brock down the field where he fired the pass. It was caught and Brock was knocked out of bounds, stopping the clock with 0:29 left on the clock, and a Rutgers first and goal from the six.
After Kordell Young was stuffed on first down, Schiano elected to try a playaction pass. The pass fell incomplete and third down was approaching.
Another Young run fell short of the goaline, setting the Scarlet Knights on the three yard line, with a fourth and goal.
Running the hurry up, Schiano elected to give it to the sophomore one more time. This time, it paid off, as Young went into the endzone untouched, to bring the Knights within one. A Jeremy Ito extra point later, and this game was heading to overtime.
When Rutgers won the toss to start the overtime period they elected to defend, figuring if they knew what they atleast needed to get it would be much easier.
The Oklahoma offense threw two incomplete passes to start the drive, followed by a completion to Malcolm Kelly, yet falling short of the first down. Out came Hartley to attempt his third field goal of the game, but the wind carried it wide to the right.
All Rutgers needed was a field goal and they would be crowned Sugar Bowl Champions.
The first play was a screen pass, where Teel found Kenny Britt who carried it for nine yards before being taken down. The next play? A handoff to Kordell Young who broke the run for eleven yards, setting the Scarlet Knights up with the ball on the five yard line.
The very next play, another handoff to Young, who ran the ball into the endzone, crowing the 2007-08 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Sugar Bowl Champions.
"There's no feeling to describe this," said a tearful senior Pedro Sosa. "This is what we've worked for, I'm so glad it's paid off, wow. It's something you will never forget."
"You can't describe it," said coach Schiano in an interview after the game. "You just have to soak it all in while it's hear, because this group of people, this team, they were a remarkable group. They'll never get to play again, and for them to go out like this is something to never forget."
The 2007-08 season was one to treasure, as the Scarlet Knights won their first big bowl game, and finished the season at 12-1.
When asked about how he likes his chances at a National Championship next year, coach Schiano replied: "Haha, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. We're losing a great senior class, maybe even more with the way a couple of our juniors played. Who knows, but I think we'll be able to compete next year just like we did this year. Let's just continue to remember this moment right here, right now."
Schiano Receives Extension, Will Continue At Rutgers
Coach Turns Down Position At Miami
01/05/2008 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- Just four days after winning the biggest college football game of his early coaching career, Greg Schiano has been offered a four year extension from Rutgers to continue being their head football coach.
"It's very pleasing to know they want me here for the long term," said Schiano. "It's funny, because yesterday I got an offer from the University of Miami to go and coach down there in Florida. It was a two year deal and I told them I wasn't ready to leave Rutgers, and that I would sign with Rutgers again as long as they offered me a contract. Now, only a day later, here I am sitting and talking about it."
Schiano's presence in the locker room and on the field certainly has made an impact on the football team, as they captured the Texas Bowl last year, and now the Sugar Bowl this season.
"I can't take credit for what these kids do out tehre on that field," said Schiano. "They work so hard and do everything I ask them to, I'm just honored to be able to coach these young men."
Well, Schiano knows he will have atleast four more years of bleeding red, coaching on the sidelines for the Scarlet Knights.
Schiano Receives Extension, Will Continue At Rutgers
Coach Turns Down Position At Miami
01/05/2008 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- Just four days after winning the biggest college football game of his early coaching career, Greg Schiano has been offered a four year extension from Rutgers to continue being their head football coach.
"It's very pleasing to know they want me here for the long term," said Schiano. "It's funny, because yesterday I got an offer from the University of Miami to go and coach down there in Florida. It was a two year deal and I told them I wasn't ready to leave Rutgers, and that I would sign with Rutgers again as long as they offered me a contract. Now, only a day later, here I am sitting and talking about it."
Schiano's presence in the locker room and on the field certainly has made an impact on the football team, as they captured the Texas Bowl last year, and now the Sugar Bowl this season.
"I can't take credit for what these kids do out tehre on that field," said Schiano. "They work so hard and do everything I ask them to, I'm just honored to be able to coach these young men."
Well, Schiano knows he will have atleast four more years of bleeding red, coaching on the sidelines for the Scarlet Knights.
Thanks for answering my question? LOL
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Quote:
Originally Posted by T.O.F.N.
That post wasn't nearly good enough to read and reply to. But I did it anyways.
Ah, figured the next article would answer it for you.
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Madden 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin71
Great season Sick, glad to hear it doesn't end here. Will you be covering the offseason immensely or just kind of graze through it?
You'll get an full in depth look at the Scarlet Knights offseason.
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Madden 2008
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Rutgers Learns Three Players May Enter NFL Draft Early
Coach Schiano Announces Graduating Class
01/15/2008 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- The Rutgers Scarlet Knights already knew that they would be losing a heavy class due to graduation. However, what they didn't know is that three players would file to enter the NFL Draft after completing their junior years here at Rutgers.
The Scarlet Knights will be losing several key players from this years Sugar Bowl Championship team, including kicker Jeremy Ito (91), tackle Pedro Sosa (93), opposite tackle Jeremy Zuttah (90), guard Mike Fladell (87), defensive tackle Eric Foster (87), and perhaps the most valuable player, Ron Girault (88). Also graduating will be tight end Chris Rudanovic (72), fullback Jean Beljour (79), center Dan Mazan (68), outside linebacker Brandon Renkart (79), guard Keith Newell (72), and slot receiver James Townsend (81).
While Coach Schiano was accepting the fact that his offensive line would be starting three new players next year, as well as a new fullback to block in the backfield, he wasn't sure whether he'd be losing more.
Turns out that three other Scarlet Knights have decided it was time to enter the NFL Draft. Halfback Ray Rice (94) has said he's thinking about entering the draft, along with middle linebacker Kevin Malast (81), and cornerback Jason McCourty (83).
While coach Schiano has yet to meet with these three to discuss their options, he says he will advise them to do what is best in their interest.
"Oh yeah, there's no doubt," said Schiano. "If I truly feel it would be best for them to comeback for their final year here at Rutgers, then I will advise them to do so, but if I feel their stock is high enough to get a good spot in the NFL Draft this year, then I'm all for them entering it."
Other noteable players who have decided to leave their respected schools early to enter the NFL Draft are: Darren McFadden (Arkansas), Ian Johnson (Boise State), Nate Longshore (Cal), Davone Bess (Hawaii), James Hardy (Indiana), Mario Urratia (Louisville), Mario Manningham (Michigan), Brian Robiskie, Alex Boone, and James Laurinaitis (Ohio State), Reggie Smith (Oklahoma), Roy Miller and Brian Orakpo (Texas), Jeff Byers, Brian Cushing, and Patrick Turner (USC), Brandon Flowers (Virginia Tech), Greg Isdaner, Steve Slaton, and Pat McAfee (West Virginia).
*Note these are not all the players who have left their schools early, just the big named ones.
In other news, #2 West Virginia defeated #1 Arkansas in the National Championship Game, 47-40. Texas defeated Auburn in the Cotton Bowl, Michigan over Tennessee in the Capital One Bowl, USC dominated Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, Nebraska over Florida in the Fiesta Bowl, and Virginia Tech barely edged Hawaii in the Orange Bowl.
Last edited by SicK NasTy; 12-06-2007 at 11:14 PM..
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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.
You'll get an full in depth look at the Scarlet Knights offseason.
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Madden 2008
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Other noteable players who have decided to leave their respected schools early to enter the NFL Draft are: Darren McFadden (Arkansas), Ian Johnson (Boise State), Nate Longshore (Cal), Davone Bess (Hawaii), James Hardy (Indiana), Mario Urratia (Louisville), Mario Manningham (Michigan), Brian Robiskie, Alex Boone, and James Laurinaitis (Ohio State), Reggie Smith (Oklahoma), Roy Miller and Brian Orakpo (Texas), Jeff Byers, Brian Cushing, and Patrick Turner (USC), Brandon Flowers (Virginia Tech), Greg Isdaner, Steve Slaton, and Pat McAfee (West Virginia).
*Note these are not all the players who have left their schools early, just the big named ones.
In other news, #2 West Virginia defeated #1 Arkansas in the National Championship Game, 47-40. Texas defeated Auburn in the Cotton Bowl, Michigan over Tennessee in the Capital One Bowl, USC dominated Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, Nebraska over Florida in the Fiesta Bowl, and Virginia Tech barely edged Hawaii in the Orange Bowl.
Sounds good to me, haven't seen anyone do an a franchise while going into the offseason this in depth.
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"It's always a bad play when the other team scores." - John Madden
Rutgers Lands Three Prospects, One Transfer
First Week Of Recruiting A Success
01/25/2008 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]--Greg Schiano came into the offseason recruiting stages looking to land a tight end, defensive tackle, middle linebacker, and an outside linebacker. He crossed three of those needs of the list with just one week of recruiting.
Schiano was able to land three recruits, and a transfer from Tennessee during his first week.
"We're excited with what we've been able to do here with this first week," said Schiano. "I'm not sure these guys will play pivotal roles on this years team, but they will definately have an impact down the road."
Schiano was surprised to learn that tight end Luke Stocker, a redshirted freshman last year at Tennessee, will be transfering into his program this year.
"That kid has a ton of upside," said Schiano.
Stocker will be forced to sit out this upcoming season, due to NCAA rules, but should split time with Shamar Graves next season once Kevin Brock graduates.
In addition to Stocker, Schiano also landed three recruits. The first was a natural athlete, who is expected to be switched into an outside linebacker. Ben Weber, out of Bristol, Pa. stands at 6'0 and 191 pounds. Weber was also getting interest from Pittsburgh and Maryland.
Schiano's second recruit could prove to be the best of this three man group he's landed thus far. Outside linebacker Shaun Jackson, out of Indiana, Pa., committed after just one week. Jackson is a 5'11, 222 pound linebacker that possesses a ton of speed from the outside. He was also looking at Maryland.
The final recruit of the first stage of recruiting for Schiano was a defensive tackle. Chris Floyd, a 6'5 262 pound tackle, is out of San Marcos, Texas. Floyd was also considering Syracuse and Texas A&M.
Rutgers is also rumored to be targeting quarterback Anthony Clark, who the team believes to be close to committing.
"Clark is going to be a good quarterback," said Schiano. "No matter what school he chooses to attend, whoever lands him is going to have a special player under their belts."
Scarlet Knights Land Two In Weeks Two And Three
Schiano Gets His Quarterback
02/02/2008 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- As we reported after week one of the recruiting process concluded, coach Greg Schiano wanted quarterback Anthony Clark to commit to Rutgers. He fealt he could be the starting quarterback in two years, a redshirted year and a year to learn the offense as a freshman.
It looks like that will be the plan, as Clark committed to be a Scarlet Knight during week two, Rutgers only commit that week.
Clark, who stands at 6'0, 175 pounds, is out of New York. He is said to be a quarterback who can throw the ball as well as an above average scrambler. Clark was also garnering interest from Syracuse and UNC.
Of course, nothing is set in stone, but with what the Scarlet Knights have right now Clark would spell backup quarterback Jabu Lovelace not after this season, but next season, and be the Scarlet Knights quarterback for his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.
"We're really excited about this kid," said Schiano. "He's going to fit in here at Rutgers nicely, and will have an impact in a couple of years on our program."
During the week three recruiting process Schiano was able to land another defensive tackle, the only recruit of that week.
Ramon Curtis, out of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, is expected to battle for a roster spot, but unsure on whether or not he will be able to gain a roster spot.
While Schiano has landed a lot of the targets he has been after, there is still one out there on the recruiting list he would very much like to land.
Middle linebacker D.J. Moss, from Panama City, Florida, has yet to commit to a school. The Scarlet Knights are believed to be the front runners in the Moss debate, but other schools are interested.
If Moss were to commit to Rutgers, he could see limited time serving as the Scarlet Knights backup middle linebacker this season, as well as a special teams player.
"We're excited about all of these guys coming in here," said Schiano. "Obviously, after getting Clark to commit, we will now shift our attention to Moss to come and be our middle linebacker."
Final Weeks Of Recruiting Sees Rutgers Land Their MLB
D.J. Moss Commits, As Does Three Other Recruits
02/16/2008 Written By: Kirk Herbstreit ESPN NCAA Football Analyst
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- Head coach Greg Schiano admitted he was a little worried after the week four of recruiting had concluded, and middle linebacker D.J. Moss wasn't the prospect to commit.
Instead, fullback John Givens, a 6'0, 236 pound "run people over" fullback, committed to the Scarlet Knights. Givens, who is out of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, was also receiving interest from Iowa and Ball State.
With week four gone, and week five approaching, Schiano knew his pitch to Moss was going to have to be a great one.
When he met with Moss during the week they discussed several things that interested Moss, including Conference Prestige, Fan Base, as well as Coach Prestige. Schiano assured him Rutgers had all of these attributes.
D.J. Moss then signed his letter of intent right there on the spot, officially making him a Scarlet Knight for the 2008-2009 season.
"It feels good to get it out of the way," said Moss. "I like what Rutgers has to offer, and coach Schiano assured me that they will meet my needs."
Moss wasn't the only prospect to commit during week five, as two other wide receivers will also be joining the Scarlet Knights in 2008.
Leon Rouse, a 6'0 receiver out of Irondequoit, New York, committed to the Scarlet Knights as well. Rouse was also receiving interest from Boston College and Purdue.
Another wide receiver committed also. A man out of Rome, New York, a 6'2 target for Mike Teel this year, Jack Heyward signed his letter of intent just a day after Leon Rouse had signed his, giving the Scarlet Knights two future wide receivers that look very bright.
The Scarlet Knights finished with the number 23 overall ranked recruiting class. The school with the top ranked recruiting class went to USC.
The Scarlet Knights are figuring to contend next year in the Big East, but any hopes of repeating what they've done this past year would just be silly.
"We lost a lot of talent this past year due to graduation, and we're really young this year," said Schiano. "Ray Rice and Teel are going to have to step it up and play beyond expected this year to lead an overall young squad."
Scarlet Knights announce cuts, position changes
Summer camp allows Schiano to decide who stays and who goes
06/01/2008 Written By: B10WicK DM / Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football Beat Writer
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- The Rutgers Scarlet Knights yearly beginning of summer training camp has allowed coach Greg Schiano to make some key decisions.
Schiano was forced to make a tough call, with both Blair Bines and Ryan D'Imperio slated to play left outside linebacker. Schiano decided that Bines will be moving over to the right side, allowing freshman Manny Abreu some more time to progress.
Also, athletic recruit Ben Weber will be converted to a right outside linebacker, making him a third string player.
Schiano also had another tough task on his schedule, as he decided which players would be cut from the Scarlet Knights.
Two freshman recruits, defensive tackle Ramon Curtis and receiver Jack Hayward, both were cut from the team.
Others cut from the team include, quarterback Andrew DePaola, halfback Rami Nubani, left end Brian Bradshaw, outside linebacker Chris Quaye, and cornerback Joe Lefegd.
"It was real tough to make these decisions," said Schiano. "Especially for a couple of these guys who have been with us over these past runs we've made, we're going to miss them, but with this way maybe they can transfer to another school."
With perhaps the hardest part of training camp done with, all that is left on Schiano's offseason schedule is to decide who will be redshirted and to set his depth chart. We should hear within a couple of days the redshirted Scarlet Knights.
Rutgers surprises Big East by redshirts
Returning All Big East first team free safety redshirted
07/10/2008 Written By: B10WicK DM / Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football Beat Writer
[Piscataway, New Jersey]-- Perhaps one of coach Greg Schiano's most controversial moves since coming to Rutgers, he has decided to redshirt junior free safety and returning All Big East first team selection Joe Martinek.
Martinek, who filled in for Courtney Greene last season after Greene's near season ending injury, would've been second on the depth chart this season, behind Greene.
"We didn't want to waste him on our bench, now we're just hoping it doesn't come back to haunt us (Martinek transfering after the season)," said Schiano.
Redshirting along with Martinek will be freshman quarterback Anthony Clark, freshman halfback Derrek Parrish, freshman wide receiver Leon Rouse, freshman fullback John Givens, sophomore guard Caleb Ruch, sophomore defensive end Jameil Farrington, freshman outside linebacker Jay Maxwell, and sophomore cornerback Ali Majid Hutchins.
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