Since making his Rutgers debut in 2020, Robert Longerbeam has become a consistent piece of the defense.
The Virginia native has appeared in 28 games in that span and is coming off a career year. As the Scarlet Knights look to post their first winning season during Greg Schiano’s second stint, Longerbeam will be looking to take his game to another level.
In ten games last year, Longerbeam set career highs in solo tackles with 26 and interceptions with two. While the T.C. Williams High School (Alexandria, VA) product played in three games fewer than the year before, he shined whenever he was on the field. On a team not known for its offense, Longerbeam’s growth was a bright spot.
Giving up a third-and-26 is inexcusable but remain impressed with the development and effort by Rutgers freshmen on defense. Robert Longerbeam broke up this pass and defended the next that held the Wake Forest offense to a field goal. pic.twitter.com/AhsBRc3abV
— Garrett Stepien (@GarrettStepien) December 31, 2021
While Longerbeam will take on a new role as a leader this year, it is an opportunity he is ready to embrace as one of the returning faces.
” It’s good because a lot of the older guys and leaders in the room of the dark side have stepped up this year,” Longerbeam told The Knight Report. ” We are able to grow closer since we’ve been playing together. Then the new pieces we’ve added, they just came in and gelled, so it’s been good.”
Robert Longerbeam comes flying off the edge for the sack!
That’s his first career sack. @RobLongerbeam7 | #CHOP pic.twitter.com/Bhw4WJvWVS
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) September 3, 2022
Additionally, Longerbeam showed a unique ability to frustrate opposing receivers last year. His six pass breakups were tied for the second most on the team and he added one strip sack to his resume.
Although the start of the 2023 campaign is still weeks away, anticipation is building for what the Scarlet Knights can accomplish this year. As the program looks to take a step forward, the defense will be key, which is where Longerbeam comes in. If Longerbeam can continue to build on his success, Rutgers will be in good hands.
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