Rutgers football received a commitment from tight end Monte Keener, adding another offensive addition to their 2024 recruiting class.
The 6-foot-6 215 pounds tight end is the second recruit from Michigan (running back Gabriel Winowich is the other) the Scarlet Knights snatched up deep in Big Ten territory. Michigan is not prime recruiting territory for Rutgers, but the Scarlet Knights are recruiting beyond their typical blueprint.
The three-star recruit from Linden High School (Linden, MI) had 22 receptions for 345 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Eagles. According to 247Sports, Keener is No. 72tight end in the nation and the No. 34 overall recruit in Michigan among his class. The 2024 prospect helped the Eagles to the Metro League championship game and the third round of the Division 3 playoffs.
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He received Power Five offers from Indiana and Minnesota and offers from several MAC programs (Buffalo, Miami (OH), Ball State, Central Michigan, Kent State, and Toledo). According to Rivals.com, the three-star recruit has a 5.5 rating.
Film Assessment
According to Keener’s Hudl profile, the junior tight end had the following athleticism stats:
| 40 Yard Dash | Shuttle | Vertical | Bench | Squats | Deadlifts |
| 4.79 Seconds | 4.51 Seconds | 30 inches | 265 Ibs. | 290 Ibs. | 415 Ibs. |
Keener is your typical Big Ten tight end, blocking and catching passes in high-traffic areas. He is not a burner but has a big frame for the tight-end position. The 2024 prospect is a solid route runner, using his strong hands when making catches in traffic. With the ball in his hands, he is hard to bring down, dragging defenders for extra yardage. Keener is willing to block when needed and can line up in the slot to catch passes.
As Keener develops into a Big Ten player, strength and blocking technique will be areas of development. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano will get Keener into their strength and conditioning program to build his size while tight ends coach Andrew Aurich works on his blocking technique.
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