Scarlets Knights to be improved this year

[Apis Bull]

Link:  Scarlets Knights to be improved this year

Scarlets Knights to be improved this year

By JIM BUTTA

PISCATAWAY, N.J.-Could 2004 be the year for the Scarlet Knights? Fans of Rutgers football believe it may very well be their turn to cheer about a Big East championship.

And, who could blame them?

With 17 starters and 39 lettermen returning from a 5-7 squad, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano could very well have his best team ever since taking over the reins two years ago.

Offensively, junior quarterback Ryan Hart is back after throwing for 2,714 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago. And, returning to the Scarlet Knights' backfield as well is all purpose rusher Brian Leonard, who ran for 880 yards and also caught 53 passes for 488 yards.

Leonard accounted for 14 touchdowns. Also look for Justise Hairston and Markis Facyson to see plenty of time in the Knights' backfield.

The question mark is at the receiver position. But, that doubt could be relieved if Shawn Tucker and Tres Moses, who combined for 102 catches in 2003, improve upon the numbers they posted a season ago.

Defensively, however, the Scarlet Knights must make some dramatic improvements from a squad that permitted 29.5 points per game in 2003.

Seniors Maurice Hines (LB) and Piana Lukabu (DL) should help and their appears to be some solid star potential among Rutgers' front seven. Also back is safety Jarvis Johnson, who had 97 tackles and 10 pass breakups a year ago.

Depth, or the lack thereof, has always been a thorn in the side of Schiano and it looks like it still will be in 2004 and five different linebackers miss various amounts of time during the spring.

The Knights lost six of their last eight games in 2003, but closed with a convincing 24-7 win over Syracuse. Despite the poor record, Rutgers was in a lot of games against tough opponents, and in Schiano's eyes, the experience of last season will pay dividends in 2004.

A lot of people think this will be a break-out year for Rutgers.

[bulls96go]

good for them

[smazza]

we will see

they have said that for last 20 years

[bulls96go]

even a broken watch is right twice a day

[smazza]

haha