On Tuesday, Rutgers football landed their first New Jersey prospect in the 2025 class when three-star linebacker Talibi Kaba gave his verbal commitment.
The Hillside, New Jersey athlete holds offers from Boston College, Duke, Kent State, and Iowa State. According to 247Sports, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound linebacker is ranked the No. 12 prospect in New Jersey and is the No. 39 linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class.
While playing at Hillside last season, Kaba led the Comets to an NJSIAA Group 3 playoff berth and a 6-3 record. He was a two-way starter with the Comets, playing both running back and linebacker. The future Scarlet Knight recorded 95 carries for 1,117 yards (11.75 YPC) and 12 touchdowns last season.
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Film Review
Kaba, a three-star recruit, is a versatile athlete who can play middle and outside linebacker on the Power Five level. He has a similar style of play as linebacker Mohamed Toure, playing fast and aggressive each play.
When watching his film, Kaba’s production, athleticism, and size are an excellent fit for the Scarlet Knights’ defensive scheme. Kaba has the speed to play sideline-to-sideline and can play man-to-man or zone coverage in passing situations. He is super athletic and doesn’t shy away from contact.
As he continues to develop into a Power Five player, Kaba needs to put on more size if he wants to plug the middle for the Scarlet Knights in the upcoming years.
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