In January, Rutgers football landed wide receiver Naseim Brantley from Western Illinois via the NCAA transfer portal. It is an addition that could have a big potential on the Scarlet Knights’ offense this season.
Brantley was the leading receiver for the Leathernecks, catching 53 passes along with 893 yards and nine touchdowns last season. In 2022, Western Illinois went winless on the season, but Brantley was still selected Second Team All-American by Phil Steele.
After high school, Brantley enrolled at Sacred Heart in July 2018, transferring to Western Illinois in January 2022. The 2018 graduate from Howel High School, N.J., won the Offensive Player of the Year Award for the Leathernecks, catching double the number of passes and triple the number of touchdowns than any other receiver last season.
Brantley entered the NCAA transfer portal with one year of eligibility left. He was the fifth transfer commitment out of the transfer portal for head coach Greg Schiano this offseason.
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Film Evaluation
While in high school, the big-body wide receiver had solid speed, running the forty-yard dash in 4.58 seconds. He had a 36-inch vertical with a squat of 385 lbs and a bench press of 255 lbs.
I’m coming home‼️ #CHOP pic.twitter.com/45yafTKgKg
— Naseim Brantley (@NasBrantley3) January 26, 2023
When watching the film on Brantley, you can see his playmaking ability. Brantley, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound receiver, does not have lightning speed. He can out-leverage many defenders, causing concern in the secondary.
Brantley has strong hands that can hold onto difficult catches. Starting quarterback Gavin Wimsatt will appreciate Brantley, especially when he is making tough catches in traffic. Brantley can win the 50/50 balls, outmuscling defenders. Naseim is experienced in running all routes like screens, curls, slants, and flies, making him a diverse wide receiver. Brantley will need to adjust to Big Ten speed, but with his experience, he can adapt quickly.
Rutgers’ new offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca will have a field day calling plays for Brantley, especially down by the goal line. After losing wide receiver Aron Cruickshank and wide receiver Sean Ryan, Brantley could well make an immediate impact for the Scarlet Knights.
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