Kyle Monangai has turned himself not only into the starting running back at Rutgers but also into one of the top running backs in the Big Ten. Not too shabby for a player who had just two Power Five offers coming out of high school.
And consider that former Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel knows a thing or two about running backs. At Rutgers, he lined up next to Brian Leonard and Ray Rice, arguably the best two running backs in program history.
Through eight games this season, Monangai has 744 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He is one of the top rushers in the Big Ten in 2023.
“He’s been the catalyst to make things go so far this year and the success of the Rutgers offense is based on the success that he has running the ball,” Teel told Rutgers Wire.
The development of Monangai into an elite running back has been crucial for Rutgers, who are 6-2 (3-2 Big Ten) and are off to their best start since joining the Big Ten in 2014.
[lawrence-related id=31464,31466]
Last week, Rutgers became bowl-eligible with a 31-14 win at Indiana.
Monangai rushed for 109 yards on 24 carries.
The week before in a win over Michigan State, Monangai had nine rushes for 55 yards as Rutgers methodically killed the game.
Rutgers took possession of the ball up 27-24 with 7:05 left in the fourth quarter. They ran Monangai till the clock ran out.
What is impressive about Monangai is that despite playing for a powerhouse program at Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), Monangai was lightly recruited. Cal and Rutgers were his only offers, and Rutgers came in late in the process.
[lawrence-related id=31461,31458]
Ironically, Rutgers offered Monangai just days after head coach Greg Schiano accepted the job in 2019.
“Kyle continues to prove people wrong. He has really done a great job of becoming an every-down back,” Teel said.
“You can see the improvements in the weight room translate to the field this year. You have seen Kyle run away from some people, which didn’t happen last year.”