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The growth and development of Johnny Langan in recent weeks has helped spark Rutgers football to two wins in their last three games. This maturation of Langan, who started at quarterback in the tail end of the 2019 season for Rutgers, has been on display over the past month for Rutgers.
Three weeks ago in a win at Illinois, Langan had an impressive 27-yard catch in the fourth quarter, his big play helping Rutgers to their first Big Ten win of the year. At the beginning of the season, Langan was being used as a jack knife who would line up under center in short yardage situations or be a blocking halfback.
His role seemed limited to being a decoy and a wrinkle in the offense.
Now, his versatility has expanded as he grows into a legitimate tight end who has the potential to change games as not just a blocker but downfield receiving threat.
There’s a reason why he is called ‘Johnny Offense’ around Rutgers. He just is more than a trick play these days, however.
“I think Johnny’s versatility is really starting to show now. And we need to continue to do that. I think John’s an elite athlete, and he’s a big man,” head coach Greg Schiano told reporters on Monday. “So, we have to find ways to get him involved. And I think I think we are; I just think we have to continue to do that.”
He is still a special player who can be used in special packages, but his role within the offense is clearly growing.
In the last three games, Langan has one pass completed for five yards and 32 rushing yards on seven rushing attempts. But he has four catches for 49 receiving yards, showing his maturation as a receiving target.