Over the weekend, Rutgers football added former Florida State defensive tackle Malcolm Ray to their 2024 roster via the transfer portal.
The 6-foot-2, 292-pound defensive tackle from Miami Gardens, Florida, played four seasons with the Seminoles from 2020 to 2023. Ray appeared in 42 games with Florida State, recording 57 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one fumble recovery. Ray joins Rutgers football with one year of eligibility remaining.
As a three-star prospect out of Miami Carol City High School (Florida), he helped lead a defense that posted five shutouts while holding opponents to an average of 9.8 points per game during his senior year.
He developed into an impact player in the ACC for Florida State.
In his final season with the Seminoles, Ray recorded a PFF defense grade of 58.9, a rush defense grade of 60.0, a tackling grade of 56.3, and a pass rush grade of 55.4 in 2023, according to Rivals.
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Film Review
Rutgers’ new defensive tackle offers plenty of Power Five experience to the Scarlet Knights’ 2024 roster. Ray is a versatility defender who can stop the run and rush the passer, using his hands tremendously well. His quickness off the snap and explosive pursuit make him a solid addition to Rutgers’ defense.
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Ray does have some areas of improvement that he needs to focus on in 2024, like maintaining gap responsibilities. The new Scarlet Knight tends to run up the field, leaving gaps open in the run game. He provides maximum effort each snap and has the potential to be a big-time starter for the Scarlet Knights in 2024.