PISCATAWAY, N.J. — The first scrimmage of training camp had some positive returns for Rutgers football in two areas of need. On Monday, head coach Greg Schiano sounded some optimism about the offensive line and at linebacker.
A common theme from Schiano throughout the spring and the first two weeks of training camp has been that this team will only go as far as the offensive line will take them. From Saturday’s scrimmage, Schiano sounded a bit more enthused about the development of the offensive line.
A unit that struggled last season, the line seems to be making some progress and showing signs of growth. With three likely starters along the offensive line coming in via the transfer portal, there is the hope that this group could be serviceable.
“The entire season is gonna have to be an o-line progression, but we are progressing so that’s good,” Schiano said after practice.
“I think we have depth at the wide receiver position, it is just competition who’s generally played three at a time. So we’re going to be the first three? And then who are going to be the next three that sub in? The same thing on the o-line, who are going to be the first five and then who are going to be the three that sub in for them?”
The offensive line isn’t the only source of concern for Rutgers football as there are question marks at linebacker, especially given the uncertain status of Drew Singleton.
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The linebacker group is young and inexperienced, an issue certainly not helped by the loss of four-star freshman Moses Walker to injury during spring practice.
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Schiano did single out Deion Jennings for praise. A senior from south Jersey powerhouse Timber Creek, Jennings has experience in the Rutgers two-deep but needs to make the jump to being an every-down linebacker in the defense.
“Defensively, the young linebacker crew is coming along. Deion isn’t young chronologically but he is young playing. He’s doing a good job, with the exception of one play – I thought he really had a pretty good scrimmage,” Schiano said.
“Secondary is playing pretty well. They had some contested balls and they didn’t make the play on the contested balls but that’ll come. I judge it by are you in the right place and have your vision in the right place? Eyes are everything.”
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