For much of their Big Ten existence, Rutgers football has struggled on offense to compete with the quality of most opposing defenses. But there is reason for optimism on the banks of the old Raritan that this offense will be improved.
And ahead of the opening of training camp this week, Rutgers will be looking to solidify exactly who they are and what they do on offense.
On offense, Rutgers has struggled, finishing bottom three in the Big Ten statistically for much of the past decade. But enter [autotag]Kirk Ciarrocca[/autotag] and Rutgers should be improved on offense.
While it starts in the front with the offensive line, much of the offense’s development will come down to the quarterback. And with head coach Greg Schiano naming Gavin Wimsatt the starting quarterback a week ago, there does seem to be a sense that the young quarterback has taken the next step this offseason.
Former Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel, who rewrote many of the program’s passing records, believes that this offense could and should help Wimsatt’s continued learning as well as developmental curve.
“I think we’ll have to wait and see. If you look at Kirk’s past offenses, he’s going to want to run the ball successfully, which would help any quarterback,” Teel told Rutgers Wire.
“They have brought in some skill guys through the portal and will have a healthy Sam Brown. All these things should help take pressure off Gavin. So I do think we will see a much improved Wimsatt this year.”
The portal was helpful for Rutgers as they landed two wide receivers (Nysiem Brantley and Jaquae Jackson) as well as a solid tight end in Shawn Bowman,
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An FCS All-American at Western Illinois last year, Brantley had 53 catches for 909 receiving yards with nine touchdowns. Jackson, playing at the Division II level, had an impressive 77 catches for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns a season ago.
Bowman, equally solid as a blocker or downfield as a receiving threat for Maine, has impressive size at 6-foot-5 and 263 pounds.
These three additions, along with what should be some measurable improvement along the offensive line, should help Wimsatt this fall.
Enough to make Rutgers bowl eligible? Maybe. There’s a glimmer of hope there on that front. But at the very least, the seasoned and proven Ciarrocca should have some tools in his first season at Rutgers to make the offense improved and functional.
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