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Spring 2005 Preview

When the Rutgers Football team returns to the field for Spring Practice 2005, it will do so with the most experienced group under fifth-year head coach Greg Schiano. The Scarlet Knights welcome back nine starters on offense and eight on defense, as well as 14 others who started at least one game in 2004. Statistically, RU returns its top five rushers, its top nine receivers and 10 of its top 11 tacklers from last season. This spring will be an opportunity for the Scarlet Knights to improve individually and, as a team, to display the rewards of their hard work with conditioning and in the weight room during the off season.

"I think we continue to get stronger and faster, which is a tribute to our strength and conditioning staff," said Schiano. "On the same token, we have several guys returning from injuries, who have had surgery or are recuperating from injuries, so on that front they will continue to rehab and continue to get well."

The Scarlet Knights will open spring camp on March 26 with 44 returning letterwinners among those vying for an edge heading into the 2005 season. Spring Practice 2005 will conclude on Saturday, April 23 with the annual Scarlet-White game and FanFest.

"As it is every spring, the number one goal is to become fundamentally better as a football team," said Schiano. "We did a nice job last year of getting the football, defensively, but we did not do a good job of maintaining the ball offensively. That will be a point of emphasis, as it always is, this spring."

OFFENSE

Returning on offense for Rutgers is a group of solid playmakers, a strong foundation along the offensive line and a quarterback who has set school marks for passing in each of the last two seasons. In 2004, Rutgers threw for 3,416 yards, leading the BIG EAST, and also gained 916 yards on the ground.

With 15 players who earned starts last year returning this coming season, the offense figures to once again move the ball in 2005.

At quarterback, Ryan Hart heads into his final spring as the top signal caller after throwing for 3,154 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2004. Hart set school marks for passing yards, attempts (453) and completions (295), while also leading the BIG EAST in passing yards per game (286.7). He also set a league mark by completing 65.1% of his passes and threw for over 300 yards in six of 11 games. Hart was instrumental in RU's comeback win at Vanderbilt last season, completing 31-of-40 passes for 344 yards and threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns in a setback at Syracuse.

RETURNING QUARTERBACKS

13 Ryan Hart Sr. 6-2 200

14 Mike Teel Fr. 6-4 220

19 Terrence Shawell So. 6-4 210

Joining Hart will be Terrence Shawell, who played in three games in 2004, including the final two, displaying a strong throwing arm (87-yard touchdown pass vs. UConn) and athleticism (a 26-yard run vs. the Huskies). Shawell will be joined by Mike Teel, who sat out the 2004 season after a successful career at Don Bosco Prep.

"We have three guys who will compete for the job, with Hart, Shawell and Teel," said Schiano. "I think it'll be good that they'll all get plenty of repetitions. It'll be a good competition."

"Ryan Hart is our starter, while the other two guys are competing for the job. Ryan has 27 starts under his belt, and that's valuable experience. Certainly, as with any job on the football team, that's great competition."

In the fall, standout New Jersey product Jabu Lovelace (6-2, 195/Tenafly, NJ) will join the already-talented collection of quarterbacks.

Experience and depth are the key attributes of the running backs, as seven backs who saw action last season return. The top rusher in each of the past two seasons, Brian Leonard is back following a season in which he earned First Team All-America honors - the first RU player to do so since tight end Marco Battaglia in 1995. Leonard played in 10 of 11 games in 2004, picking up 732 yards on the ground, while grabbing 61 passes for 518 yards, scoring nine total touchdowns. He led the BIG EAST in all-purpose yardage (125.0/game) and was the top pass-catching running back in the country last season.

RETURNING RUNNING BACKS

32 Jean Beljour So. 6-0 235

7 Markis Facyson Sr. 5-10 195

21 Justise Hairston Jr. 6-1 210

22 Dimitri Linton So. 5-9 195

2 Clarence Pittman Sr. 5-10 208

41 EJ Barthel So. 6-1 240

16 Jeremy Branch Fr. 6-0 200

23 Brian Leonard Jr. 6-2 230

34 Ishmael Medley Sr. 5-11 230

"When you look at the running back position as a whole, I think we have some fine depth coming back, with Leonard leading, and with Pittman, Facyson, Hairston and Linton," said Schiano. "At fullback are Beljour and Medley, so I think we have some real good competition."

Justise Hairston, whose stellar freshman season in 2003 was sidetracked by injury, returned to play in nine games in 2004 and rushed for 146 yards. He displayed outstanding versatility, catching 17 passes for 105 yards after grabbing just one pass in 2003. He was also an effective blocker in the backfield for RU.

Markis Facyson is another versatile backfield performer. Facyson caught six passes for 39 yards and also rushed for 52 yards, with 43 of those coming at Syracuse with Leonard out of action due to injury. Senior Clarence Pittman is another proven performer who has a 100-yard rushing game on his resume, and Dimitri Linton showed promise as a true freshman in 2004, as did Jean Beljour.

Ishmael Medley, who caught four passes for 27 yards in 2004, is a solid collegiate fullback who excels at blocking and has displayed sure hands during his career. When lined up in the backfield with Leonard, he provides Rutgers with a physical offensive backfield. EJ Barthel, who battled back from injury last fall, will also work at fullback during the spring.

Ontario-product Jerome Messam (6-3, 225/Brampton, ON) and speedster Raymell Rice (5-9, 195/New Rochelle, NY) will join the team in the fall.

At tight end, Rutgers boasts one of the nation's best in Clark Harris. Harris, a preseason John Mackey Award candidate in 2004, lived up to his billing by catching 53 balls for 725 yards and five touchdowns last season, including three, 100-yard efforts. Harris led all BIG EAST tight ends in catches and yards and was among the top five nationally in both categories as well.

RETURNING TIGHT ENDS

12 Anthony Cali Jr. 6-5 230

81 Clark Harris Jr. 6-6 250

85 Sam Johnson Jr. 6-3 250

86 Brad Listorti So. 6-4 243

82 Peter Zagorski Fr. 6-4 230

While Harris' name is the one that gains most of the attention, Rutgers also returns Sam Johnson, who caught four passes for 40 yards and a touchdown last season. Johnson, a product of Bergen Catholic, is joined by Brad Listorti, entering his third season in the program, and Peter Zagorski, who redshirted as a freshman in 2004. Junior Anthony Cali, who started his Rutgers career as a quarterback, has moved to tight end this spring.

"Tight end is a position that I think we have pretty good depth," said Schiano. "We have a great player, I think, in Clark Harris. This is a very important spring and off-season for him, to put on some added muscle, and continue to grow as a blocker. He's a tremendous pass receiver."

At the wide receiver position, Rutgers is talented and deep. Its core includes five veteran receivers, led by All-BIG EAST performer Tres Moses, who set single-season school records for catches (81) and yards (1,056) in 2004, while finishing first in the BIG EAST in catches and second in receiving yards per game (96.0). Moses' athleticism and solid hands produced five, 100-yard receiving efforts and two 98-yard games during the season. He ended the year with a seven-catch, 168-yard, two-touchdown effort vs. Connecticut, which made him the first RU player to gain more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

RETURNING WIDE RECEIVERS

5 Chris Baker Sr. 6-5 210

89 Kevin Brock Fr. 6-5 225

9 Marcus Daniels Jr. 6-2 210

84 Willie Foster Jr. 5-10 170

8 Tres Moses Sr. 5-10 191

44 Wayne Morse Jr. 6-2 187

82 Nkosi Remy Jr. 6-1 173

88 Keith Taylor Fr. 6-4 180

4 Shawn Tucker Jr. 6-2 205

Moses' production was all the more important in 2004 after the season's second game - the final game of Shawn Tucker's season. Tucker, who led RU with 736 receiving yards in 2003, missed the remainder of the season with a nagging groin injury, but is expected to return in 2005. In Tucker's absence, Chris Baker took advantage of his increased playing time, finishing fourth on the team with 28 catches for 388 yards with two touchdowns.

A pair of talented sophomores, Marcus Daniels and Willie Foster, also contributed to the receiving corps, combining for 34 catches and 361 yards. Daniels had a pair of six-catch games, including a six-catch, 84-yard effort vs. WVU, including a 30-yard TD grab.

The spring will also be a time for talented youngsters Kevin Brock, and Keith Taylor, as well as veterans Wayne Morse and Nkosi Remy, to make an impression on the coaching staff.

"Coming off the year that he had, I think this is an important spring for Tres, to continue to push to get better and better," said Schiano. "We gained some depth with the loss of 'Tuck' last year, which allowed Marcus Daniels and Chris Baker to emerge, and I think Willie Foster did a nice job. I think we'll have some good competition going there."

In addition, Florida All-State performer Chris McClover (6-4, 175/Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and Tiquan Underwood (6-2, 170/Lawrenceville, NJ) will join the program in the fall.

RETURNING OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

74 Randy Boxill Jr. 6-5 290

72 Mike Fladell So. 6-8 318

57 Joe Giacobbe Jr. 6-1 270

70 Mike Gilmartin Fr. 6-6 285

76 John Glass Sr. 6-5 300

67 Corey Hyman So. 6-4 290

64 Dan Mazan So. 6-4 295

79 Sameeh McDonald Sr. 6-5 295

77 Pedro Sosa So. 6-5 300

63 William Vogt Jr. 6-3 275

71 Jeremy Zuttah So. 6-4 285

The offensive line, the unsung unit, returns three starters in All-BIG EAST guard John Glass and tackles Sameeeh McDonald and Jeremy Zuttah. Glass started all 11 games at right guard in 2004, while McDonald started nine of 11, missing two due to injury, at right tackle. With both back in 2005, Rutgers will have a strong starting point on the right side of its line.

As a true freshman in 2004, Zuttah made four starts at three different positions before settling in at left tackle at season's end. He was one of two first-year linemen to see significant action along the line, joined by Corey Hyman.

Another who saw his first collegiate action with the Scarlet Knights in 2004 is Pedro Sosa. Will Vogt is another veteran who has seen time at center in each of the previous two seasons.

Randy Boxill and Joe Giacobbe are a pair of veterans who will add depth to the line, while Mike Fladell and Mike Gilmartin are two talented younger players who have made great strides in the weight room and conditioning.

"The 'o-line' is a little bit up in the air right now," said Schiano. "We've had some off season surgeries and we will be missing some guys this spring."

Joining the mix this spring are Penn State transfer Dan Mazan and freshman Dave McClain, who graduated early from Central Bucks South to join the team this spring. Mazan, from Carteret, NJ, was a center at Penn State, but is capable of playing other spots on the line, while McClain has experience at center or either of the tackle spots.

Along with McClain, New Jersey All-Stater Ryan Blaszczyk (6-4, 300/Medford Lakes, NJ), Kevin Haslam (6-7, 265/Mahwah, NJ), Darren Salinardi (6-4, 290/Jersey City, NJ) and junior college-transfer Darnell Stapleton (6-3, 305/Union, NJ) will join the program in the fall.

DEFENSE

The strength of last season's defense, the defensive line, figures to be among the best in the BIG EAST once again with seven of the top 10 defensive players returning in 2005. Headlining the list is Ryan Neill, a First Team All-BIG EAST performer who tallied 43 tackles last season and was among the league leaders in sacks (8.0) and tackles-for-loss (13.0). RU's other starting defensive end Val Barnaby returns after starting 10 of 11 games at defensive end in 2004. He totaled 26 tackles and 2.5 tackles-for-loss last season, Also back at defensive end are Piana Lukabu, who finished with 33 tackle and 6.5 sacks despite missing three games, and Eric Foster (22 tackles) who played well in his first season. Mike Ziarnowksi, Chenry Lewis and Jamal Westerman will round out those competing for time at the defensive end positions.

RETURNING DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

94 Val Barnaby Sr. 6-5 270

56 Eric Foster So. 6-2 260

96 Carl Howard Fr. 6-4 300

92 Chenry Lewis Fr. 6-3 215

39 Piana Lukabu Sr. 6-3 250

60 Ramel Meekins Jr. 6-0 265

91 Ryan Neill Sr. 6-3 260

51 Rocky Ricks So. 6-3 241

98 Luis Rivas Sr. 6-4 285

99 Nate Robinson Jr. 6-5 303

75 Joe Salinardi Fr. 6-4 285

65 Cameron Stephenson Jr. 6-5 305

90 Jamaal Westerman Fr. 6-3 245

49 Mike Ziarnowski Fr. 6-2 260

"I like our depth at the end position," said Schiano. "We'll enter spring with six guys who can play the end spot of all different ages and that's how we like it to be. With Neill , Barnaby and Lukabu as your more veteran guys, and Foster, Westerman and Lewis being your younger guys, it's a real good mix."

Although Rutgers has lost its two starting defensive tackles in Gary Gibson and David Harley, several others are ready to fill the void. Luis Rivas and Nate Robinson represent a duo of skilled, veteran players who have seen significant playing time in the past and figure to see more in 2005. Rivas totaled 19 tackles last season, while Robinson added 15 in just eight games. Ramel Meekins, a walk-on who also competes on the RU wrestling team, has seen action over the past two seasons while Rocky Ricks and Joe Salinardi are two young players with a big upside.

Also at defensive line will be Carl Howard, who originally enrolled at Virginia Tech, only to return to his home state and Rutgers prior to the start of the season. Forced to sit out last season following his transfer, Howard was among the top New Jersey defensive line recruits last season. Cameron Stephenson, who played on the offensive line last season, makes the switch to the defensive line.

Darren Salinardi (6-4, 290/Jersey City, NJ) could also see time along the defensive line when he joins the team in the fall, as well as Vantrise Studivant (6-3, 260/Riviera Beach, FL) and Gary Watts (6-3, 235/Miamil, FL). Jonathan Pierre-Etienne (6-3, 248/Montreal, QC) will be on hand for spring practice.

RETURNING LINEBACKERS

35 William Beckford Jr. 6-1 222

3 Terry Bynes Sr. 6-2 225

37 Brad Cunningham Sr. 6-1 232

57 Gaudhi Desades So. 6-2 235

50 Quintero Frierson Jr. 6-1 235

38 Will Gilkison Sr. 6-2 230

48 Kenny Gillespie So. 6-1 204

44 Nate Harris Fr. 6-2 230

53 Dominic Piegaro So. 6-1 223

55 Devraun Thompson Jr. 5-11 225

All six linebackers listed on the final 2004 depth chart return this spring, making the linebacking corps one of the defense's most experienced units. Devraun Thompson is the top returning tackler, registering 60 stops last season, which ranked third on the team. He also added 6.5 tackle-for-loss and two sacks while making eight starts. Terry Bynes was second among linebackers with 50 tackles, while William Beckford bounced back from a knee injury in 2003 to post 44 tackles while playing in all 11 games.

Will Gilkison, a three-year starter, also returns after making 33 stops last season, as well as Brad Cunningham and Quintero Frierson. Frierson emerged at linebacker last season, earning a starting spot after a strong performance in preseason camp, but nagging injuries limited his playing time (seven games) and effectiveness.

Kenny Gillespie, Nate Harris and Dominic Piegaro round out the group and should benefit from increased repetitions in spring practice.

"We have some good players back at linebacker," said Schiano. "We're going to try to find the best three and go from there. There will be some great competition."

Kevin Malast (6-2, 215/Manchester, NJ), Damaso Munoz (6-0, 200/Miami, FL) and Chris Quaye (Timber Creek, NJ) represent a talented trio of linebackers who will join the team in the fall.

The secondary was young last season, starting a pair of sophomores and a true freshman, and will benefit this season from the experienced it gained. While finding a replacement at strong safety for three-year starter Jarvis Johnson will be one of the coaching staffs' main goals, it will also get a chance to evaluate the positive impact of a year of action for its younger members.

RETURNING DEFENSIVE BACKS

29 Dondre Asberry Sr. 5-11 185

42 Robert Baham Fr. 6-0 185

6 Corey Barnes Sr. 5-8 170

25 Quinton Cobb Fr. 5-11 185

26 Manny Collins Jr. 5-10 180

28 Bryan Durango Jr. 5-10 192

43 Ron Girault So. 5-11 195

47 Anthony Miller So. 6-0 170

45 Matt Mitchell Sr. 6-1 197

33 Jason Nugent Sr. 6-1 209

24 Joe Porter Jr. 6-0 198

11 Derrick Roberson Jr. 5-10 175

46 Brandon Wood Jr. 6-1 200

Starting cornerbacks Joe Porter and Derrick Roberson return after cutting their teeth in BIG EAST play last season. Both performed well, with Porter finishing fourth on the team with 55 tackles and leading the Scarlet Knights in interceptions with five (second in the BIG EAST). Roberson (38 tackles, 1 interception) showed outstanding quickness and athleticism against some of the league's top receivers in 2004.

"For our young corners, it was kind of a baptism under fire last year, but they got better because of it," said Schiano "With Robey, Porter and Miller, there's a threesome that will compete."

Manny Collins, who had worked his way into the starting lineup vs. Temple, had his season cut short when he was involved in a car accident following the Scarlet Knights' win over the Owls. Dondre Asberry and Eddie Grimes, also in the car with Collins, were lost for the season as well, severely altering the depth and makeup of the secondary.

One of the biggest surprises of the 2004 season was the speedy adjustment of Ron Girault, who stepped in at free safety midway through the year and, by season's end, was the top freshman tackler in the conference with 61 stops. He also added three interceptions.

Bryan Durango and Jason Nugent are the most seasoned performers and will compete for time at the safety positions. Brandon Wood and Matt Mitchell are two others who have been with the program and will get a look in spring practice. Robert Baham, Quinton Cobb and Brandon Renkart, who is making the switch from wide receiver, round out the group.

"As for the safeties, Girault and Nugent are guys with experience," said Schiano. "There are some young guys, with Baham, Wood and Renkart, so we'll see."

Reinforcements in the secondary arrive this fall in the form of Glen Lee (6-2, 195/New Rochelle, NY), Devin McCourty (5-11, 170/Nanuet, NY), Jason McCourty (5-11, 170/Nanuet, NY) and Davon Smart (5-10, 185/Hackensack, NJ), who could also see time at running back.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Freshman Jeremy Ito burst onto the scene in 2004 by making four field goals in RU's season-opening 19-14 win over Michigan State and a week later, tied a Rutgers Stadium record with a 48-yard field goal. By seasons' end, Ito had converted 15 field goals, including six from 40 or more yards. He finished the season second nationally among freshmen kickers in both points and field goals and converted 28-of-29 extra point attempts for good measure. He will compete with Mike Cortese, who has handled kickoff duties in each of the past two seasons.

RETURNING KICKERS/PUNTERS

14 Michael Cortese Sr. 6-3 201

1 Jeremy Ito So. 5-11 180

30 Joe Radigan Jr. 6-5 220

Joe Radigan returns for his third-year as the Scarlet Knights' punter after averaging 38.4 yards per punt in 2004. Radigan, who also dropped 10 inside the opponents' 20-yard line, will work with Cortese and Ito as well.

"Jeremy Ito had a real special freshman year, and hopefully he can grow on that," said Schiano. "We need to become more consistent with our punts and in our kickoffs, so that's going to be an area of focus. The competition's wide open in both of those areas."

The kick return duties were handled capably last season by Tres Moses (20.6 avg.) and Willie Foster (21.1 avg.) and both return this spring. Foster (12.4 avg.) and Moses (7.7 avg.) were also the top punt returners, although with so many talented skill players in the program, there figures to be significant competition for these roles.

"We have the same guys coming back, with Tres and Willie, and I think we have some real deep threats in returning kickoffs," said Schiano. "I'm comfortable, and there should be real good competition there."

Spring preview

[Apis Bull]

Teel eyes an opportunity to take Rutgers' QB reins

Friday, March 25, 2005

By DAN ROSEN

STAFF WRITER

PISCATAWAY - Rutgers quarterback Ryan Hart tossed 19 interceptions last season, too many in coach Greg Schiano's eyes.

Former Don Bosco quarterback Mike Teel hasn't thrown any, which more than anything else works in his favor.

Rutgers spring practice

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First practice: Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Following practice dates: Tuesday, Thursday, April 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22.

Scarlet-White Game and FanFest: April 23 at Rutgers Stadium, 3:30 p.m.

All practices are closed to the public.

With Rutgers' spring practice beginning Saturday, Teel will get his first chance to stray from the scout team and lead the Scarlet Knights' offense. The 14 practice sessions are important to Teel because if Hart again struggles with interceptions early in the fall, Teel wants to show the coaching staff he's ready when needed.

"I don't think I have anything to prove, I just have to go out there and compete with the guys," Teel said. "I don't think I'm fighting for anything. We're all in competition. We're all competing for the job and we're all going to play the best we can. Whatever happens, happens."

Schiano is thrilled because there's competition at numerous positions this spring, but the quarterback spot may be watched closer than any other. Hart will not only be pushed by Teel, but also sophomore Terrence Shawell, who was 7-of-18 for 213 yards in limited time last season.

"I don't look for extras, but I'd be lying if I said I don't look at things as sensitive as the quarterback position and try to have some strategy involved," Schiano said. "I think, without a doubt, we'll have three good quarterbacks at the end of spring. That will make me happy to have three qualified quarterbacks."

However, Schiano said Hart has a firm grip on the job. There's no reason to believe he won't, come September.

"When you look at Ryan Hart, he has certainly earned the right to be our incumbent starter," Schiano said. "The nice thing is we have talented quarterbacks behind him. Everyone is going to be pressed to perform better knowing there is someone there to take their position."

Teel laughed when talking about the last time he played in a competitive football game. It was the Governor's Bowl on July 10, 2004, and even then he didn't last too long because of a high ankle injury suffered on just his third play.

"I've been out of it now since I graduated high school," Teel said. "You just have to get back out there, and it should all come back. It's all about competition. As soon as you get to the competition, you feel good."

Come Saturday, it will be the first time Teel takes snaps with Rutgers' first-team offense. That's why Schiano said time under center is the biggest thing Teel can get out of spring practice.

"He served as a scout-team quarterback where you are playing off cards and you know what the defense is going to do before they do it," Schiano said. "He really needs to get out there and play, read coverages, react to situations and lead a team that is his team now, not a scout team trying to pretend they are someone else."

Teel will be hard-pressed to pass Hart on the depth chart. For all his interceptions, Hart still led the Big East with more than 286 passing yards per game and set a league mark by completing over 65 percent of his passes.

Of course, the Scarlet Knights were last in rushing offense with 83.5 yards per game, and their minus-7 turnover margin kept them in the cellar in that category as well.

"Ryan's productivity has been tremendous, but we have to cut down on those turnovers and he's going to do that," said Schiano, who added Hart battled pain in his right shoulder last season that led to some of his problems.

For Hart to limit his turnovers, Schiano said he just has to "conquer his own drive. He wants to sneak the ball in there, and sometimes the best pass is the one not thrown or tossed into the second row. He's going to do that."

If he doesn't, Teel may be asked to put the clipboard down sometime next season.

"That's really up to the coaching staff," Teel said. "I will compete. We're all going to compete."

E-mail: rosend@northjersey.com

Teel eyes an opportunity to take Rutgers' QB reins

[cygnus34]

Spring Preview -- Offensive Line

By Dan Welch

Date: Mar 24, 2005

This article is the first of an eight part preview of the Rutgers football team as it enters spring camp. After a surprisingly successful season in 2003, the OLine was back to being among the worst in Division IA. The chemistry, motivation OLine Coach from 2003 were gone. New OLine Coach Rod Holder was unable to build upon the foundation he inherited. As a result, Schiano replaced his OLine coach for the the fourth time in as many years. This unit desperately needs an identity and stability.

SPRING PREVIEW – OFFENSIVE LINE

Spring football camp probably cannot start soon enough for the Scarlet Knights, coming off an extremely disappointing 4-7 season during which Rutgers was expected to win seven games and qualify for a bowl game.  Perhaps the need to wash away the sour aftertaste from 2004 explains why spring camp was originally scheduled to open three weeks ago, before the basketball regular season was even complete.  This article is the first of an eight-part preview of the Rutgers football team as it enters spring camp.  I’ll preview the offense first, since it was the strength of the team last season.  And I’ll start with the offensive line since the old axiom says, “football games are won or lost in the trenches.† The article reviews roster changes and injuries.  The article also identifies issues that need to be addressed in spring practice and can be observed by fans at the practices and scrimmages.  

After a surprisingly successful season in 2003, the OLine regressed significantly last year.  A unit that had begun to show the ability to dominate games was back to being among the worst in Division IA.  The chemistry from 2003 was gone.  The motivation from 2003 was lacking.  And the OLine Coach from 2003 – Mario Cristobal – had returned to his alma mater, Miami.  New OLine Coach Rod Holder was unable to build upon the foundation that Cristobal laid.  The conditioning of his unit was poor.  The chemistry was lacking.  And the unit was plagued with rampant breakdowns that afflicted every running play in the playbook.  Rushing yardage decreased to 83 yards per game (from 139).  The Scarlet Knights gained a measly average of 2.5 yards per carry compared with 3.3 last year.  On the bright side, the OLine yielded only 20 sacks, down from 23 last year, which was as much a reflection of a quick-throw short passing game as it was proficient pass protection because it’s almost impossible to sack a QB who drops three steps and throws quickly.  The Rutgers offense remained solidly in middle of the pack in 2004 but was much less balanced.  Rutgers was ranked #40 in total offense (out of 117 Division IA teams, up from #67) but only #113 (down from #69) in rushing offense.  The deterioration of the OLine cost Holder his job.  Schiano replaced Holder with former Delaware OLine Coach Kyle Flood.   Flood is the fourth Scarlet Knight OLine Coach in as many years.  This unit desperately needs an identity and stability.  

[Apis Bull]

Schiano excited as practice opens

By Paul Yunos Jr. / Associate Sports Editor

Football

Having collected a 12-34 record in his first four seasons, Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano proclaimed once again that "it's time" for the Scarlet Knights to move in the winning direction.

"I feel good about our players and our whole situation," Schiano said Thursday in a press conference discussing spring practice. "I think we're ready to have success."

No coach at Rutgers has compiled a winning season since 1992, when the Knights finished 7-4.

But the Schiano - who will work double-duty as the defensive coordinator next season - believes the talent level is among the best since he arrived to the Banks.

"This is the most competition of any team I've ever had," Schiano said. "The cream of the crop will rise to the top and I'm looking forward to getting this thing started."

Schiano is enthusiastic about the level of competition in spring practice and hopes several players can make the jump from mediocre seasons last year to playing like a dominating force on the field.

The players the fifth-year head coach specified are senior running back Clarence Pittman, senior offensive lineman John Glass, senior defensive lineman Luis Rivas and sophomore defensive backs Jason Nugent and Ron Girault.

"The seniors are talented enough to step up to the dominant level," Schiano said. "Now's the time to do it. If they do, we will have a very good team."

One of the positions Schiano also mentioned is up for competition is the quarterback position.

Senior quarterback Ryan Hart led the Big East with 3,154 yards and 17 touchdowns last year. But he also had a problem with interceptions, turning the ball over 19 times.

"When you look at Ryan Hart, he had certainly earned the right to be our incumbent starter," Schiano said. "But our number one priority is that we still have the football after the play is over. We lost the ball too often with critical turnovers in critical situations."

Hart will feel the pressure in spring practice, which started on Saturday from redshirt freshman quarterback Mike Teel.

The former Don Bosco Prep star will end his days with the scout team and work with the starters on offense.

Sophomore Terrence Shawell will also push for the starting gig.

Shawell saw limited action last season, completing 7-of-18 passes for 213 yards and two touchdown passes.

"I think, without a doubt, we'll have three good quarterbacks at the end of spring," Schiano said. "That will make me happy to have three qualified quarterbacks."

But the injury list for the spring won't make Schiano pleased.

Several players underwent off-season surgery, which won't allow them to participate in any physical drills.

The list includes sophomore running back Dimitri Linton (knee), junior wide receiver Marcus Daniels (groin), senior wide receiver Chris Baker (groin) and senior running back Markis Facyson (ankle).

First Team All Big-East wide receiver Tres Moses also will miss some of the practices due to a class conflict.

Schiano announced former backup quarterback Anthony Cali will move between the trenches at the tight end position to complement First Team All Big-East tight end Clark Harris.

All the new changes and spring practice has Schiano believing he can turn the program around.

"This should be our best team since we've been here," he said.

KNIGHT NOTE: The Scarlet-White Game will be played on April 23, at Rutgers Stadium, at 3:30 p.m.

Schiano excited as practice opens

[Brad]

RUTGERS

INSIDE SLANT

Introductions may be in order before Rutgers gets down to work to prepare for 2005.

Not between players and coaches, but among the coaches themselves.

Beginning his fifth season, coach Greg Schiano shook up his staff considerably following the 2004 collapse, bringing in three new coaches and rearranging some of the responsibilities for the returnees.

In all, Schiano has replaced seven of his nine assistants over the last two seasons. Only one remains from the staff he brought together in his first season in 2001.

The staff shakeup actually delayed the start of what just may be the most important spring practice by a week. With 16 seniors among the 44 players on the late-season two-deep from 2004, Schiano and his coaches have a lot of rebuilding to do.

They have a couple of key returnees on offense in QB Ryan Hart and RB Brian Leonard on the offensive side and CB Joe Porter on defense. RBs Markis Facyson and Justise Hairston also return.

But the Knights were far from overwhelming on the field, losing their last five games to finish 4-7.

NOTES, QUOTES

BUILDING BLOCKS: Seniors dominated the two-deep at the end of 2004, meaning Rutgers is going to have some critical holes to fill for 2005. The Knights do have an experienced linebacking corps, however, led by Devraun Thompson. A sophomore in 2004, he was the team's third leading tackler. Terry Bynes and William Beckford, who will be seniors, flanked him. Backups are seniors Will Gilkison and Brad Cunningham and junior Quintero Frierson.

COACHING CAROUSEL: Coach Greg Schiano knows how his defensive coordinator thinks. That's because his defensive coordinator is - Greg Schiano. The coach named himself to the job after - according to him - combing the country for a suitable replacement for Paul Ferrara, who moved on to the NFL's Carolina Panthers. There are other changes in the staff. Gary Godette has been named defensive line coach and Robert Jackson running backs coach. Godette brings NFL experience to the staff, and Jackson spent the last four seasons at Illinois. Kyle Flood, who spent the last three seasons at Delaware, will coach the offensive line. He replaces Rod Holder, who was let go after the season. Phil Galiano, who coached linebackers in 2004, will take over defensive ends. Assistant head coach Darren Rizzi, in his fourth season on the staff, will coach linebackers and special teams. Other returnees include John McNulty, wide receivers; Chris Demarest, secondary; and Craig Van Steeg, offensive coordinator. Joe Susan, however, is the only holdover from Schiano's original staff in 2001. He handles tight ends and recruiting coordinator duties. In taking over defensive coordinator duties, Schiano returns to his roots. He was defensive coordinator at Miami for two seasons before leaving the Hurricanes for the Scarlet Knights. Before that he was on the defensive staffs of the Chicago Bears and Penn State.

SCHEDULE SITUATION: The Knights will play two of their first three on the road, including the opener Sept. 3 at Illinois. They are then home against Villanova before going to Buffalo. After an open date, their Big East opener is Sept. 30 against Pittsburgh at home in the first of two Friday night games. The Knights play three of their last four at home against Navy, South Florida and Cincinnati with the lone trip Nov. 11 at Louisville for the other Friday affair.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "There definitely are issues as far as continuity. There will be extra oil burned to get everyone on the same page." - Coach Greg Schiano, in the Newark Star-Ledger, on staff changes.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

STARS OF 2005: FB Brian Leonard - He came on the scene as a freshman in 2003, making 10 starts and rushing for 880 yards, and he carried that over to 2004 when he led the team in rushing with 732 yards despite missing one game. He also scored seven touchdowns.

RB Justise Hairston - He could play a key role if he can stay healthy. He has yet to play a full season his first two years. He rushed for 550 yards despite missing four games with a knee injury in 2003, and he missed two games in 2004 and saw his production fall off to only 53 carries and 146 yards. He showed his potential with a 167-yard day against Navy as a freshman.

TOP NEWCOMERS: RB Raymell Rice - The true freshman was rated one of the best backs out of New York. He scored 31 touchdowns as a senior at New Rochelle.

OL Dave McClain - Linemen usually need a year to mature before stepping onto the playing field, but McClain will get a head start after enrolling in school for the spring semester. He was one of the top signees in this year's class and at 6-4, 335, the biggest.

ROSTER REPORT: QB Ryan Hart continued to show steady improvement in his passing statistics. After being thrown into a starting late in his freshman year in 2002, he completed only 45.9 percent of his attempts in five games. As a sophomore in 2003, he improved that to 58.9 percent, and he was on target 65 percent of the time last season when he threw for 3,154 yards.

— CB Joe Porter's five interceptions led the Big East in 2004. He and CB Derrick Robinson join with sophomore Ron Girault to give the Knights three starters returning in the secondary.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigeast/home.htm

[RJWGoBulls]

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

2005 Schedule

9/3 at Illinois

9/10 Villanova

9/17 at Buffalo

9/30 Pittsburgh

10/8 West Virginia

10/15 at Syracuse

10/22 at Connecticut

10/29 Navy

11/5 South Florida

11/11 at Louisville

11/26 Cincinnati

2004 overall record:

4-7

Conference record:

1-5

Returning starters

Offense: 9, Defense: 8, Kicker/punter: 2

2004 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Brian Leonard* (732 yds)

Passing: Ryan Hart* (3,154 yds)

Receiving: Tres Moses* (1,056 yds)

Tackles: Jarvis Johnson (75)

Sacks: Ryan Neill* (8)

Interceptions: Joe Porter* (5)

Spring Answers: Minor injuries or not, Brian Leonard will have NFL scouts coming out in droves (and really, how many times does that happen in Piscataway?). At 6-2, 240, Leonard is not only a tough runner with good speed, but he also led the country's running backs with 61 catches and 518 receiving yards last year. Impress your friends by telling them about this kid. ... Shawn Tucker, the team's leading receiver in 2003 before a pair of surgeries on the groin, is back and better than ever. Teaming with the record-setting Tres Moses could make for a lethal combination. ... And don't forget about senior TE Clark Harris, who beefed up and added blocking to his already impressive repertoire. He said he wants to be known as the best tight end in the country by the end of the season. If he can avoid the injury bug that hit him this spring, that just might happen. ... One of the reasons head coach Greg Schiano is so excited about the running game is because he's convinced the O-line's run-blocking is vastly improved. If that's the case, he can probably take having to wait until August for a starting center to emerge.

Fall Questions: Longtime QB Ryan Hart was a bit interception-happy last season. His nagging shoulder all but fully healed, though, he didn't appear to be in any mood to give up his job this spring. Nevertheless, Terrence Shawell and the big and strong Mike Teel aren't going away and the coaching staff loves Jersey high school star Jabu Lovelace, who arrives in August. Safe to say Hart can't throw 19 picks again. ... On a team that held out more than two dozen players from the spring game because of injury, no position was hit harder than tailback. As much as he tries, Leonard can't possibly do it all. So that's why it was frustrating that only Clarence Pittman survived until the end of spring practice. The fifth-year senior had his usual solid spring, but they've turned into autumn duds in the past. So the Knights need Justise Hairston and Markis Facyson to not only churn out some yards, but also display the pass-catching ability they've shown flashes of in the past. ... When likely starter Nate Robinson, quite possibly the most heralded recruit in RU history, was recently dismissed from the squad for a violation of team rules, filling those two vacated starting spots at defensive tackle became a bit more challenging. Cameron Stephenson has arrived from the O-line and joins Luis Rivas, a walk-on, a transfer from Virginia Tech and a wrestler. ... Don't look now, but a wealth of returning starters and an accommodating schedule make the State University of New Jersey an honest-to-goodness candidate for a winning record and even (please sit down) a bowl bid. We've heard it all before, though. Can the Knights finally take that next step?

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2046841&num=3

[cygnus34]

http://collegefootballnews.com/big_east/2005_Previews/Rutgers_Preview.htm