PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Things are different right now for Isaiah Iton, but the Rutgers football defensive lineman is settling in with his new program. Iton, who joined Rutgers out of the transfer portal from Ole Miss, has the chance to be an impact player in the Big Ten.
In his last two seasons at Ole Miss, Iton had 24 total tackles, a pass defended and a shared sack. It would seem that the defensive tackle could step into a prominent role with Rutgers, a team that very much needed his talent and size in the interior of their line.
In 2021, Iton was at Ole Miss when Marquise Watson was on staff with the SEC program. Watson was hired last year by head coach Greg Schiano to become the defensive line coach with the Scarlet Knights and has become an instant hit within the locker room.
“We have a really good relationship, I’m glad I’m here to play for him. He’s a real good coach, a real good coach,” Iton said following practice on Wednesday. “I’m here to play for him and Schiano.”
Watson, gregarious, energetic and outgoing, was a real draw for Iton when he was in the portal.
“He is a lot of energy, he can bring the juice all the time,” Iton said.
At 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds, Iton certainly brings an element of strength and size that Rutgers has consistently been lacking in the Big Ten.
The transition to a new program has given Iton a chance to be in a new environment. Given Schiano’s coaching background, including two years in the NFL as a head coach, Iton said he is taking advantage of the opportunity to get ready for the next step in his career.
“Playing here, I’m learning a lot. I’m learning a lot,” Iton said. “That’s all I’m really worried about right now.”
The transfer has also given Iton the chance to see a new part of the country. From Houston, TX, Iton originally thought of New Jersey as cold but he has warmed up to the state.
“I love being around here, being around New Jersey and Rutgers,” Iton said. “I love the atmosphere around here.”
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