Draft Scout Rutgers Player News, College Football: Rutgers

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Draft Scout College Football Player News: Rutgers

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07/26/21 - Taj Harris, rSr/2024, Rutgers + More +

The night before Syracuse's football contingent strided all over the Westin hotel here at the ACC's annual football media days, the small traveling party dined at a steakhouse down the road. A seafood tower acted as an appropriate centerpiece with two linemen at the table. Food is never a chore for Josh Black and Airon Servais. The third player at the table got a playful ribbing the next day from his head coach when asked if he finished his steak. "I finished the spinach," Taj Harris quipped. Dino Babers picked Harris to come down here and represent the Orange at the conference's marquee preseason event. The decision to leave the quarterbacks home made for good fodder on talk radio, but the coach said his wide receiver earned the opportunity to bathe in the spotlight after three productive seasons.

He thinks Harris is a star worthy of a seat at the table of the great SU receivers to come through the program. If Harris can get through a full season this fall without leaving much meat on the bone, he could end the year atop the record book. He enters the season 1,124 yards shy of Steve Ishmael's school mark for career receiving yardage and is within earshot of other records. "I expect him to break the records," Babers told syracuse.com. "I expect him to have a really good year. A really good year." - The Post-Standard

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WR Taj Harris, Rutgers
News Source: The Post-Standard
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07/13/21 - Taj Harris, rSr/2024, Rutgers + More +

Syracuse football announced that it will send defensive lineman Josh Black, wide receiver Taj Harris and offensive lineman Airon Servais to represent the program at this year's ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte. The event will be held over two days on July 21 and 22. Portions of the event will be televised on ACC Network. Black and Servais are veteran leaders who chose to return to Syracuse for extra seasons this year. Both will be playing their sixth year of football for the Orange in 2021, an option provided to them because of the coronavirus pandemic's impact on last year's season.

Both were among last year's public leaders and were often called on to verbalize the team's struggles as the Orange won just one game. Despite the difficult experience, they were among many seniors who opted to return to try to end their careers on a positive note. Harris is a fourth-year player who has put up the customary gaudy numbers that Syracuse's top receiving options have produced since head coach Dino Babers took over the program. With more than 500 yards in each of his three seasons, Harris already ranks among the 10 leaders in school history in both receptions and receiving yardage. He caught 58 passes for 733 yards last season, both career-highs. - The Post-Standard

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WR Taj Harris, Rutgers
News Source: The Post-Standard
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07/04/21 - Isaih Pacheco, Sr/2022, Rutgers + More +

Isaih Pacheco is the first known Rutgers athlete to the name, image and likeness market. The star running back has signed an appearance deal with The Scarlet Spotlight podcast on Thursday, hours after the NCAA suspended amateurism rules that prevented athletes from profiting with their NIL rights. Pacheco will appear on the podcast -- hosted by well-known Rutgers donor Jon Newman and former Rutgers broadcaster Danny Breslauer -- three times, Newman told NJ Advance Media. Pacheco will make his first appearance on the podcast next week, then make two in-season appearances. Terms of Pacheco's agreement were not disclosed. Gianna Mancini, a member of the Scarlet Knights' field hockey team, has also reached an unspecified agreement with Barstool Sports. - Star Ledger

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RB Isaih Pacheco, Rutgers
News Source: Star Ledger
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05/23/21 - Isaiah Washington, rSr/2024, Rutgers + More +

Isaiah Washington is back on track. The junior wideout was one of the stars of Rutgers' spring game, hauling in four catches for 76 yards, including a one-handed 65-yard touchdown grab that made Sportscenter's Top 10 at No. 2. It was an eye-opening finish to a strong spring for a player who looked like a future star as a true freshman two years ago, only to all but fall off the radar last fall. "He came in with a chip on his shoulder and he worked very hard," coach Greg Schiano said. "I think he got a little low at one point, and then fought his way out. I was glad to see him end spring on that note. He's a good player. I think that he will bring production to the offense come fall."

It was as if Shameen Jones' unexpected ascent in 2020 required a relegation down the depth chart the other way, and Washington was the unlucky party. Washington was one of the bright spots of Rutgers' ugly 2019 season, starting 11 games as a true freshman. His numbers were nothing spectacular - 18 catches for 272 yards and a touchdown - but what stat line on that team was? The important part was Washington, a Jacksonville native, looked the part and projected to have a bright future for a program that at the time desperately needed playmakers. - Star Ledger

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WR Isaiah Washington, Rutgers
News Source: Star Ledger
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05/17/21 - Jovani Haskins, rSr/2022, Rutgers + More +

Noah Vedral and the rest of Rutgers' offense are trying to take the next step and build on a mostly solid 2020 season, and for Vedral part of that means improving his connection with tight end Jovani Haskins. Vedral likes what Haskins does for the offense. The Rutgers quarterback wants even more of it this upcoming season. "That's been a big focus of ours," Vedral said of working with the tight ends. "One of mine personally with Jovani is just building that relationship, making that a little more consistent and building that trust between he and I. So he knows I'm looking out for him and going to put the ball in a good spot, and that I know he's going to go get it for me."

6-foot-6, 250 pounds, a solid blocker Haskins, a Bergenfield product, started all nine games last season after transferring from West Virginia. He finished with six catches for 58 yards and two touchdowns (including one against Ohio State) and was a solid blocker. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Haskins impressed his coaches in the process. "Jovani is a guy who played a ton of football for us and was a mainstay on the field at all times and really performed well," offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson said in February. "We asked him to put his hand in the ground a little bit more than he had in other parts of his career, but he flourished and he's going to continue to because he's really coachable." - Asbury Park Press

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TE Jovani Haskins, Rutgers
News Source: Asbury Park Press
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05/08/21 - Christian Izien, rSr/2023, Rutgers + More +

In the four final games of last season, Christian Izien became one of the most impactful playmakers for Rutgers' defense. Four interceptions. Two fumble recoveries. Thirty-five tackles. It was the version of Izien that the Scarlet Knights needed to see, and the version that wasn't always there through the early part of the season. "He did improve," coach Greg Schiano said. "And I think it's a confidence thing. I don't mean that he didn't have confidence, but he became confident in what we were asking him to do."

That increase in confidence helped lead to big results. Now Rutgers needs the junior safety to build on that going into the 2021 season. The Queens native finished 2020 with 66 tackles, and his team-leading four picks ranked tied for third in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation. Izien is one of the most experienced players in Rutgers' secondary, which right now doesn't have an abundance of depth at safety. Schiano said at the start of spring practices that the team could move players over from cornerback to fill those holes. Izien would give Rutgers' defense a significant boost if he can pick up where he left off last season. - Asbury Park Press

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SS Christian Izien, Rutgers
News Source: Asbury Park Press
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05/04/21 - Michael Dwumfour, rSr/2021, Rutgers + More +

Michael Dwumfour and Brendon White will begin their NFL careers up the road. The Jets signed both Rutgers defensive standouts as undrafted free agents on Saturday following the completion of the NFL draft. They join former Rutgers cornerback Blessuan Austin, safety Saquan Hampton and tight end Tyler Kroft in Florham Park. Dwumfour had a solid season in his lone year with the Scarlet Knights, being named honorable mention All-Big Ten by the conference's coaches and media. He started eight games and had 25 tackles (2.5 for a loss) with a half-sack. Dwumfour had a particularly strong day in Rutgers' season-opening win at Michigan State, notching six tackles (1.5 for a loss). Dwumfour transferred to Rutgers after spending three seasons as a regular rotational tackle at Michigan. Size was a knock against him during the pre-draft process - he is only 6-foot-1 and 298 pounds - and he was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. - Star Ledger

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DT Michael Dwumfour, Rutgers
News Source: Star Ledger
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04/27/21 - Mike Tverdov, rSr/2022, Rutgers + More +

Your mileage may vary with Mike Tverdov's strength and conditioning secret weapon -- most people are trying to lose 20 pounds, not gain them -- but it certainly worked for the Rutgers defensive end. Tverdov, who played at 6-foot-4 and 254 pounds last season, was considered undersized by Big Ten standards. So gaining muscle and weight was a focus during the Scarlet Knights' winter workouts. The former Union star has bulked up to 275 pounds thanks to strength coach Jay Butler's program and a nightly ritual -- a protein shake that came in at over 1,000 calories, some Kraft macaroni and cheese and a triple-decker peanut butter and jelly sandwich right before bed. Oh, and if he wanted to sleep in on the weekend? He would make sure he woke up, downed another shake and then he'd fall back asleep. "I feel great. I don't think there's been any decrease in my speed, agility or explosion," Tverdov said. "The coaching staff told me that I look really good, so that's all that matters. I'm just going to keep getting better every day, keep getting stronger and faster. "It just came down to me being disciplined and not taking meals off. Coach talks about sacrifice, and those are just some small sacrifices I made. Now I feel I can be an elite player." - Star Ledger

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DE Mike Tverdov, Rutgers
News Source: Star Ledger
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04/26/21 - Christian Braswell, rSr/2023, Rutgers + More +

Greg Schiano hinted he was open to making a position swap in the defensive secondary prior to the start of spring practice. Rutgers' latest transfer addition suggests one is likely to happen. The Scarlet Knights landed a graduate transfer commitment from Temple cornerback Christian Braswell on Friday. He was a two-year starter for the Owls, so Rutgers now has four corners with significant starting experience - Tre Avery, Avery Young and North Carolina transfer Patrice Rene are the others - plus Max Melton, who saw significant snaps last season as a freshman.

"I think our secondary is going to be a work in progress," Schiano said last week. "We have some experience...I think we have a chance to be good in the secondary, but we're going to be green." Braswell's arrival makes Rutgers a little less green. The District of Columbia native has played 18 games in the last two seasons with 42 tackles, two interceptions, 13 pass break-ups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He is the third Temple player Rutgers has landed as a transfer this offseason. The Scarlet Knights added offensive lineman David Nwaogwugwu and defensive tackle Ifeanyi Maijeh earlier this year. - Star Ledger

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CB Christian Braswell, Rutgers
News Source: Star Ledger
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04/24/21 - Noah Vedral, rSr/2024, Rutgers + More +

Noah Vedral isn't taking these next few weeks for granted. The Rutgers quarterback and the rest of the offense will use spring practices to build on what went well in 2020 and correct what went wrong. Every session is a big opportunity for a unit that's looking to take the next step in Year 2 of offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson's system. "This spring's going to be really big for us," Vedral said Wednesday. Vedral is right in the middle of that.There's not much uncertainty about Vedral's role this year - he's the starter. He won the job out of training camp last season after transferring from Nebraska. His experience in the type of no-huddle, up-tempo offense that Gleeson runs was a big factor in his ability to beat his competition.

Vedral was solid overall, finishing 136-of-221 for 1,253 yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also rushed for 193 yards and one score. He missed some time because of injury, including an ankle injury he suffered against Maryland that also kept him out of the season-finale against Nebraska. Greg Schiano said earlier this week that Vedral is not 100 percent, but on Wednesday the quarterback said he was progressing well. "I'm doing good," Vedral said. "Making progress and I'm able to practice. I'm feeling good. I'm excited for the spring. My ankle and whatever else I'm dealing with really shouldn't hold me up too much." - Asbury Park Press

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QB Noah Vedral, Rutgers
News Source: Asbury Park Press
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04/21/21 - Noah Vedral, rSr/2024, Rutgers + More +

Rutgers is rolling with the quarterbacks already on the roster. The Scarlet Knights will not look to add another passer following Artur Sitkowski's exit into the NCAA transfer portal, coach Greg Schiano said Monday. Noah Vedral remains entrenched as the starter, Johnny Langan will continue to have a big role in the offense and it appears Evan Simon and Cole Snyder are set to battle for the backup job when spring practice opens Tuesday. "I think the quarterback room is in a good place," Schiano said. "There's good chemistry in there ... I'm looking forward to watching Evan and Cole and Johnny and Austin (Albericci, a walk-on from Demarest High) develop. And certainly with Noah now being in the system for a year, and going out and having the chance to work through things again, we continue to grow the offense."

It remains to be seen how much work Vedral will get this spring though. He is still not fully recovered from the ankle injury he suffered after a cheap shot by Maryland defensive tackle Ami Finau in Rutgers' overtime win at Maryland last Dec. 12. "He's feeling better, but he's not 100% yet. It was a pretty serious deal," Schiano said. The incident, while of no fault of Vedral's, illustrates why Sitkowski's departure could be an issue for the Scarlet Knights. Vedral had the best season by a Rutgers quarterback in several years last fall, throwing for 1,253 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions and rushing for 193 yards and a score. - Star Ledger

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QB Noah Vedral, Rutgers
News Source: Star Ledger
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04/07/21 - Lawrence Stevens, rSr/2022, Rutgers + More +

Rutgers is bringing back pretty much every player of note from last fall's renaissance season. While Lawrence Stevens would not be one of the first names rattled off during a roll call of the returnees, he is one of the more indispensable Scarlet Knight veterans coming back for another year. The Lawrenceville native further burnished his reputation as Rutgers' special teams ace, racking up a team-leading seven tackles in coverage while also playing quality snaps at safety and earning team captain honors.

Stevens could push for more playing time in the secondary during spring practice - start date to be decided as the Scarlet Knights continue to be in COVID-19 pause - and will have a shot to break his career-high of eight special teams tackles in a season with a full 12-game schedule planned. "You're always going to have those guys that are the No. 2 or the No. 3 on their position depth chart, but they are not lacking the skill-set they need to be effective special teams players," coordinator Adam Scheier said. "He is fast, he is physical, he's fearless and he's selfless. He's going to do exactly what is required to help this team win." - Star Ledger

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CB Lawrence Stevens, Rutgers
News Source: Star Ledger
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04/02/21 - Mike Tverdov, rSr/2022, Rutgers + More +

Greg Schiano challenged Mike Tverdov. Play hard, and to your maximum effort, on every snap. Simple as that. The defensive end from Union took it to heart. By the end of the fall, he was Rutgers' best defensive lineman. "You can't afford to take plays off in this league," Tverdov said recently. "Last year I was 6-foot-3, 250 pounds. I'm not a guy who can sit in the gap and take plays off. It doesn't work like that. "Swarm and finish every play, giving every single play your maximum effort is how things are going to turn out for you. I think that's the mindset I developed later in the season. Not only did I start playing harder, but I started believing in our system, believing in the coaching. It helped our defense and it helped me personally. I'm looking to go as hard as I can on every single play and see how far I can push myself."

Tverdov racked up 19 tackles (six for a loss) and four sacks in the Scarlet Knights' final three games of the season. It was a significant surge for a player who had just 17 tackles in the first six games, and it raised expectations for a breakout 2021, starting with spring practice - which is currently on hold due to a COVID-19 pause. "He loves to play the game of football. I think he prepares, and he's learning how to prepare within our system. And then when you have some positive actions go for you, things really start to be on the uptick," defensive coordinator Robb Smith said. "He's set the bar for himself now in terms of preparation and how he needs to respond. We're excited to see him this spring and that's got to carry on into the fall." - Star Ledger

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DE Mike Tverdov, Rutgers
News Source: Star Ledger
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03/11/21 - Bo Melton, rSr/2022, Rutgers + More +

Bo Melton wanted one more year. One more year at Rutgers, one more year to keep improving under wide receivers coach Tiquan Underwood and one more year in Greg Schiano's program. Melton was a major part of the Scarlet Knights' offense in 2020, and shortly after the season ended the South Jersey native announced he was coming back. "I've been here for only one year with them, I wanted an extra year to grow and get better as a player," Melton said Tuesday. "Coming back here with Coach (Sean) Gleeson, a great offensive coordinator. Just trying to get better as an offense and as a team."

Melton's return means that Rutgers will have one of its most productive and consistent players back for another season. Soon Melton will get the chance to work even more with Underwood when spring practices begin - a chance Melton didn't have last year when the pandemic forced the cancellation of the spring schedule. The 5-11, 190-pound Melton caught 47 passes for 638 yards and six touchdowns last season, the best year he's had with the Scarlet Knights. Melton also rushed for 69 yards on six carries with two touchdowns and had another TD on a punt return. - Asbury Park Press

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WR Bo Melton, Rutgers
News Source: Asbury Park Press
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02/25/21 - Olakunle Fatukasi, rSr/2022, Rutgers + More +

Olakunle Fatukasi is the type of football player who lets his play do the talking. Typically soft spoken in media interviews, Fatukasi didn't want to discuss his decision on whether to return for another collegiate season or enter the NFL as the Rutgers football campaign came to a close in December. Instead, the Big Ten's leading tackler sent out a simple tweet to the Rutgers faithful a day after concluding a breakthrough senior season. "2020 been a crazy year...but don't worry, I see ya next year," he wrote Twitter.

After finishing second on the Scarlet Knights and 11th in the Big Ten with 85 tackles as a junior, Fatukasi emerged as one of the nation's premier weakside linebackers this past season. "He's obviously one of the better football players in our league," Smith said. "I have a soft spot in my heart for linebackers, having worked with that position before. We've had a pretty good run with guys like O3. I like his mindset. He's back just to take his game to the next level and hopefully help us defensively to take us to another level." - Star Ledger

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