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CFN Rutgers Preview


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By Pete Fiutak

So things haven't quite worked out according to plan. Under head coach Greg Schiano the program was supposed to be a Big East power by this point and a regular on the bowl scene. Certainly everything looked positive with a veteran team coming off an opening day win over Michigan State, but a loss to New Hampshire and a second half meltdown made it seem like it's the same old Rutgers. There are reasons to think everything will change.

To start, there's QB Ryan Hart leading one of the most experienced offenses in the Big East. The line will be average and there's need for a night and day improvement from the running game, but the passing attack should be just as good as it was when it finished sixth in the nation.

Schiano is taking over the reins on defense to try to get some sort of production out of a veteran crew that did next to nothing early forcing the offense to throw to play catch up. DE Ryan Neill leads a great pass rushing line that should help out a secondary that struggled so much in 2004, and there are six decent linebackers to fill three spots to hope for more production from the run defense.

The pieces are there to finally make Rutgers football relevant and actually (gulp) come up with a winning season and get to a bowl game. The veteran team has to believe it can get the job done, and there can't be any more New Hampshire slip ups.

The Schedule: The opener at Illinois is key with Villanova and at Buffalo to follow. A 3-0 start is likely before diving into two important Big East home dates against Pittsburgh and West Virginia. Three of the final four games are at home with the one road trip to Louisville a likely loss no matter where it would be played.

Best Offensive Player: Senior RB Brian Leonard. With some of the best hands in the country, Leonard is a fantastic receiver along with being the team's top runner. He has to stay healthy to remain the heart and soul of the offense.

Best Defensive Player: Senior DE Ryan Neill. A big, quick pass rusher, Neill is coming off a huge season and should be even better with other decent linemen next to him to take the heat off. Expect double-digit sacks.

Key player to a successful season: Senior DT Luis Rivas. Defensive tackle is potentially the one area of weakness needing offensive lineman Cameron Stephenson to come over to help things out. Rivas has experience and needs to be a force from day one.

The season will be a success if ... Rutgers goes to a bowl. If it's not going to happen this year with a veteran team molded completely by Schiano, it never will under his reign.

Key game: Sept. 30th vs. Pittsburgh. A win in the Big East opener would likely mean the Scarlet Knight will start out no worse than 3-1. It would also show the rest of the league that it means business and isn't going to be the same pushover.

Basically ... QB Ryan Hart will once again lead one of the nation's most productive passing attacks with a loaded receiving corps highlighted by Tres Moses and tight end Clark Harris. Can the attack actually produce points on a regular basis? It struggled wildly with consistency and turnovers while getting nothing from a ground game that averaged 2.5 yards per carry and 83 yards per game. There's way too much experience in the backfield to have a repeat disaster.

Returning Leaders

Passing: Ryan Hart

295-453, 3,154 yds, 17 TD, 19 INT

Rushing: Brian Leonard

199 carries for 732 yds and 7 TDs

Receiving: Tres Moses

81 catches for 1,056 yds and 5 TDs

Star of the offense: Senior RB Brian Leonard

Player that has to step up and become a star: Sophomore T Pedro Sosa

Unsung star on the rise: Junior WR Willie Foster

Best pro prospect: Senior TE Clark Harris

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Leonard, 2) WR Tres Moses, 3) Harris

Strength of the offense: Passing game, wide receiver

Weakness of the offense: Offensive line

Quarterbacks

Ryan Hart won't receive many All-America honors, but he'll put up big yardage numbers and throw around 20 touchdown passes. He'll also give the ball away too much with a bad tendency to throw interceptions. Mike Teel is the quarterback of the future with a good arm decent poise for a redshirt freshman.

Player to keep an eye on: Mike Teel, RFr. ... Quarterback Rating: 7.5

Projected Starter

- Ryan Hart, Sr. - Hart wasn't always fantastic last season, but he threw for a ton of yards (3,154) as the Big East's leading passer. He's a decent-sized player with a live arm who has improved by leaps and bounds over his first three seasons. The problem has been interceptions throwing 44 over the course of his career, but to be fair, he has attempted 962 passes. He's not going to run much and will take a few sacks.

Top Backups

- Mike Teel, RFr. - Teel is a big, 6-4, 220-pound bomber who ran the scout team last season after leading his high school team to back-to-back New Jersey state championships. He'll take over the starting job next year.

- Terrence Shawell, Soph. - The big armed Shawell ended up starting two games but only completed 40% of his passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. He's more of a runner than Mike Teel or Ryan Hart.

Running Backs

There's talent and more than enough experience here for a decent backfield. Now there has to be production. Outside of relying too much on the passing game, there's no reason Rutgers should be 113th in the nation in rushing with Brian Leonard, Clarence Pittman, Justise Harrison, Markis Facyson, and star incoming freshman Raymell Rice to carry the load. However, this group has to prove it can crank out more than 2.5 yards per carry.

Player to keep an eye on: Clarence Pittman, Sr. ... Running back rating: 6.5

Projected Starters

- Clarence Pittman, Sr. - Pittman saw time in every game but only ran for 48 yards. He's a quick runner who has been the starting back coming into the fall each of the last two seasons only to see his carries and workload drop to nothing. He has the experience in the system and now he has to produce.

- Fullback Brian Leonard, Sr. - One of the nation's best all-around backs, Leonard caught 61 passes for 518 yards and two touchdowns and led the Scarlet Knights with 732 rushing yards and seven scores. He has good speed for a 230-pound runner and is a solid blocker when used as a true fullback. He led the Big East in all-purpose yards even though he was banged up off and on.

Top Backups

- Justise Hairston, Jr. - The 210-pound junior was the team's second leading rusher with a mere 146 yards averaging only 2.8 yards per carry. Before suffering a knee injury he had a big freshman campaign rushing for 550 yards and six touchdowns and was a decent receiver last season with 17 grabs for 105 yards, but he never got going with the ground game. He's a better-than-average blocker.

- Markis Facyson, Sr. - While clearly  the fourth man in the mix, Facyson can do a little bit of everything as a runner, receiver and blocker. He's tough even though he's not all that big.

- Fullback Ishmael Medley, Sr. - More of a pure fullback than the multi-talented Brian Leonard, Medley is a solid blocker with decent hands as a receiver. He didn't get any carries last year, but he caught four passes for 27 yards.

Receivers

There's experience and a whole bunch of talent led by Tres Moses, who should end up being the Big East's leading receiver. With Shawn Tucker back in the mix after a groin injury, the corps only gets better.  The tight end situation is more than solid with Clark Harris returning as one of the nation's best pass catchers.

Player to keep an eye on: Willie Foster, Jr. ... Receiver rating: 8.5

Projected Starters

- Tres Moses, Sr. - Moses set the single season Big East record for catches per game finishing with 81 grabs for 1,056 yards and five touchdowns. He was a reliable number one target in all phases proving to be consistent and an occasional home run hitter highlighted by an 87-yard touchdown. He's got speed, hands, and the experience to be the Big East's best receiver.

- Shawn Tucker, Jr. - At 6-2 and 205 pounds Tucker is a big target who missed most of last year with a groin injury. He caught 50 passes for 726 yards and two touchdowns in 2003 and is expected to be back at 100% this season to take the heat off of Tres Moses.

- Tight end Clark Harris, Sr. - The 6-6, 250-pound Harris turned in a huge season finishing third on the team catching 53 passes for 725 yards and five touchdowns averaging 13.7 yards per catch. He has the size to fight off most defenders and the speed to make deep plays.

Top Backups

- Chris Baker, Sr. - The 6-5 Baker is a physical receiver filling in for Shawn Tucker to catch 28 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns with a team-leading 13.9 yards per catch. He'll be good in three-wide sets and could be decent if used more around the goal line.

- Willie Foster, Jr. - Foster had a decent season as a reserve catching 11 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. He did the most damage as a kick returner averaging an impressive 12.4 yards per punt return and 21.1 yards per kickoff return.

- Marcus Daniels, Soph. - Daniels will see plenty of action in the passing attack after an impressive freshman season catching 23 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. He was a pure possession receiver averaging a mere 9.9 yards per carry, but he can be a solid target when he's left alone.

- Tight end Sam Johnson, Soph. - Johnson isn't quite as big as starter Clark Harris, but he has the potential to be as good a receiver with good hands and route running ability. He can get more playing time by improving his blocking.

Offensive Line

This should be a good line in time led John Glass and Sameeh McDonald on the right side. The rest of the group is a bit of a question mark needing former defensive lineman Joe Giacobbe to shine in the middle and young, but talented, Pedro Sosa getting the start at left tackle. This will be a fine unit in pass protection, but it has to prove it can open up holes for the ground game after paving the way for a mere 2.5 yards per carry.

Player to keep an eye on: T Pedro Sosa, Soph. ... Offensive line rating: 6

Projected Starters

- Tackle Pedro Sosa, Soph. - The 300-pound Sosa got hit feet wet as a freshman seeing time in a few games as a reserve. Considered one of the team's most talented linemen, he's a good young pass blocker getting the nod on the left side.

- Guard Jeremy Zuttah, Soph. - The line's most versatile player, Zuttah saw time last season at left tackle, right tackle and left guard. Now the 285-pound sophomore will settle in at guard where he's an up and coming force.

- Center Joe Giacobbe, Jr. - The former defensive lineman spent all of last year on the scout team learning the ins and outs of playing center. Now the physical 270-pound junior will get the start in the middle.

- Guard John Glass, Sr. - Glass started every game at right guard and will be one of the experienced anchors up front. The 300-pound senior was an All-Big East performer and is expected to be even better at opening holes for the ground game.

- Tackle Sameeh McDonald, Sr. - The athletic senior started almost every game only missing two starts with an injury. He can play either tackle spot but it better suited to the right. He has good feet and is a solid pass protector.

Top Backups

- G Dan Mazan, Soph. - The 295-pound Penn State transfer is expected to play a big role right away at left guard behind Jeremy Zuttah. He'll see plenty of action if Zuttan ends up moving to another spot.

- T Mike Fladell, Soph. - The 6-8, 318-pound sophomore is a mountain of a player on the right side playing behind Sameeh McDonald. He's strong and will find his way into the rotation as the year goes on.

Basically ... It's an interesting mix of talents and strengths with a great group of ends led by Ryan Neill and an experience linebacking corps, but there has been little in the way of overall results. With many newcomers to the mix last year in key spots, things got rocky finishing 104th in the nation in total defense and 88th in scoring D. The biggest area of improvement should be the secondary where Derrick Roberson and Joe Porter are good looking corners who should be over most of their struggles.

Returning Leaders

Tackles: Ron Girault, 61

Sacks: Ryan Neill, 8

Interceptions: Joe Porter, 5

Star of the defense: Senior DE Ryan Neill

Player that has to step up and become a star: Senior DT Luis Rivas

Unsung star on the rise: Redshirt freshman DT Carl Howard

Best pro prospect: Neill

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Neill, 2) FS Ron Girault 3) CB Joe Porter

Strength of the defense: Defensive end, linebacker depth

Weakness of the defense: Defensive back depth, tackle

Defensive Line

The line will once again be great at getting into the backfield after helping the D come up with 31 sacks, but it has to be much stronger against the run after allowing 178 yards per game and 22 touchdowns. It might be hard to improve early needing former offensive lineman Cameron Stephenson to instantly turn into a strong tackle. The ends will be one of the team's strengths with Ryan Neill, Val Barnaby and Piana Lukabu likely to be the best trio in the conference.

Player to keep an eye on: DT Carl Howard, RFr. ... Defensive Line rating: 7

Projected Starters

- DE Ryan Neill, Sr. - 43 tackles, 8 sacks, 13 tackles for loss , 1 interception ... One of the big East's best pure pass rushers, the 260-pound senior earned first team All-Big East honors coming back strong after missing all of 2003 with a knee injury. He's big against the run and a tremendously quick finisher when he gets on the edge.

- DT Cameron Stephenson, Jr. - The 305-pound sophomore will move over from the offensive line to provide more size and toughness in the middle. He came to Rutgers as a defensive lineman, converted to the other side where he saw time at left tackle.

- DT Luis Rivas, Sr. - 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks ... Rivas spent last year rotating inside after turning in a decent 2003 season as a starter. He has 54 career tackles and has become better at getting into the backfield, but he's not a rock.

- DE Val Barnaby, Sr. - 26 tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 tackles for loss, 4 broken up passes ... At 270 pounds, Barnaby is a big, physical end who'll benefit from playing on the other side of Ryan Neill. He was a steady starter growing into the role as the season went on.

Top Backups

- DE Piana Lukabu, Sr. - 33 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss ... A solid veteran pass rusher with ten career sacks, Lukabu can be a disruptive force. He's a former linebacker who brought his speed to the line.

- DT Carl Howard, RFr. - The star prep performer who originally signed with Virginia Tech is ready to get in the tackle mix along with Cameron Stephenson. He'll quickly grow into a star.

Linebackers

There are six good options making for interesting battles for the starting spots. Expect a steady rotation to find the right fit as the year goes on with all the veterans seeing time. The key will be to get better against the run after having a rough time holding up as the year went on. There's more than enough size and some good speed to expect an improvement.

Player to keep an eye on: Quintero Frierson, Jr. ... Linebacker rating: 6.5

Projected Starters

- Terry Bynes, Sr. - 50 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 5 quarterback hurries ... Bynes always found his way around the ball leading the Big East with four fumble recoveries and finished fifth on the team in tackles. He's quick enough to get into the backfield on a regular basis and strong enough to hold up well against the run on the outside.

- Devraun Thompson, Jr. - 60 tackles, 2 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4 quarterback hurries ... The 225-pound junior is a strong tackler in the middle with the speed to get into the backfield on a regular basis. While he's a good hitter, he isn't a brick wall against the run usually better in space.

- Will Gilkison, Sr. - 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackle for loss ... Gilkison is one of the team's top veterans with 126 career tackles, but his production tailed off after making 72 stops in 2003. He's a big veteran who'll be a bigger factor against the run.

Top Backups

- William Beckford, Jr. - 44 tackles, 1 sack, 5 tackles for loss ... Beckford overcame a knee injury to have a solid season on the outside as a good pass rusher from the outside. He'll play behind Terry Bynes on the outside.

- Brad Cunningham, Sr. - 13 tackles, 4 tackles for loss ... Cunningham was a rising young superstar with 63 tackles as a freshman, but he had to sit out all of 2002 and never got his groove back making only 34 tackles over the last two years. He's a big hitter who'll be an experienced force inside behind Devraun Thompson.

- Quintero Frierson, Jr. - 20 tackles, 1 tackle for loss ... Never healthy last year after suffering an ankle injury, Frierson didn't do much until the second half of the season. He's good enough to start if needed on the outside if something happens to Will Gilkison.

Defensive Backs

Things weren't pretty allowing 251 yards per game and 20 touchdowns. There's hope for improvement with two rising, athletic corners who took their lumps last season and should be better. Replacing star safety Jarvis Johnson will be tough needing Ron Girault to build on his great freshman season and Jason Nugent to use his experience as a reserve to become a steady strong safety. There isn't much in the way of experienced depth.

Player to keep an eye on: CB Anthony Miller, Soph. ... Secondary rating: 6

Projected Starters

- CB Joe Porter, Jr. - 55 tackles, 5 interceptions, 6 broken up passes, 2.5 tackles for loss ... Porter turned into the team's best all-around corner finishing fourth on the team in tackles and second in the conference in interceptions. He wasn't always a lockdown corner, but he showed the talent and upside to expect a bigger season.

- FS Ron Girault, Soph. - 61 tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 broken up passes ... One of the bigger surprises as a true freshman, Girault is the team's leading returning tackler and should grow into a better pass defender. He has the speed of a corner making three interceptions as a good helper for the corners.

- SS Jason Nugent, Sr. - 38 tackles, 1 interception, 2.5 tackles for loss ... Nugent will try to replace star Jarvis Johnson moving over from free safety. He's a decent tackler with experience, but he isn't nearly the playmaker Johnson was.

- CB Derrick Roberson, Jr. - 38 tackles, 1 interception, 9 broken up passes ... Roberson is the team's fastest player and has finally started using his wheels to be a good cover man. He led the team in broken up passes and made enough plays to grow into a number one corner.

Top Backups

- CB Anthony Miller, Soph. - 5 tackles, 1 broken up pass ... Originally a receiver, Miller moved over to defense using his speed to get a little bit of experience at corner. He'll play behind Joe Porter.

- SS Brandon Renkart, Soph. - A special teamer so far, the 6-3, 225-pound sophomore is a big hitter who'll grow into a reserve role behind Jason Nugent.

Special Teams

The kicking game is fine with Jeremy Ito sure to be solid after a good freshman season and Joe Radigan one of the Big East's most experienced punters. The return game was average at best outside of some good play from Willie Foster. The coverage units were fantastic and should be again.

Special Teams rating: 7.5

- Placekicker Jeremy Ito, Soph. - 15-24 FGs, 28-29 extra points ... Ito had a few consistency problems early, but ended up kicking well only having problems with his deep shots. He didn't miss a field goal from within 45 yards over the final seven games of the year and should be steady after a year of experience.

- Punter Joe Radigan, Jr. - Radigan struggled a bit but ended up not being that bad averaging 38.4 yards per kick putting ten inside the 20. He doesn't have a huge leg, but he's experienced and should be consistent.

more to come

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