Kaj Sanders was a massive pickup for Rutgers football, the four-star safety from New Jersey announcing on Saturday.
And in landing a coveted national recruit from Bergen Catholic, one of the top high school programs in the country, Rutgers certainly opened some eyes. Sanders is an elite recruit, a talent who likely sees the field as a true freshman.
Ranked a top five player in New Jersey’s 2024 class, Sanders was recently madea four-star by Rivals. He is also a four-star at On3.
With a final four of North Carolina, Rutgers, South Carolina and Wisconsin, Rutgers beat some strong Power Five programs to land Sanders. Rutgers won out, because he connected with the coaching staff and he believes in head coach [autotag]Greg Schiano.[/autotag]
“I ended up going that way because of my relationship with the coaches and that the program will turn around,” Sanders told Rutgers Wire.
“I’m convinced of coach Schiano’s history and his culture and how it’s going to be in the next few years and how things are going to grow there.”
In late June, Sanders took an official visit to Rutgers. It was a midweek visit, one that would change the direction and trajectory of his recruitment.
And, it led to his commitment this weekend.
“The official visit turned things around. It opened my eyes to the sources around Rutgers,” Sanders said.
“Like companies and people – the NIL part of it. I saw that they had a lot to offer.”
Sanders made his announcement on Saturday afternoon on the Rivals platform. He is excited about his commitment but also relieved to have the process over.
Understandably so, there seems to have been a certain level of pressure that Sanders felt throughout this process that makes Saturday’s commitment a relief.
“It was stressful. All the big-time schools and all the great coaches who have called and talked to me,” Sanders said.
“I’m glad it is done, glad to get back to being able to focus on my senior season and get back to grinding this offseason.
“I’m 100 percent committed.”