Much like last season, Rutgers football will only go as far as their offensive line takes them. And with potentially three if not four new starters, the Scarlet Knights have certainly tried to upgrade along the line this offseason.
Last season, the poor play from the offensive line was a major reason why the offense was near the bottom – or at the bottom – of the Big Ten in nearly every statistical category. And while the offense wasn’t as dour as many pessimists have said, it was clear going into this offseason that Rutgers needed to significantly upgrade their line play.
Enter four transfers, ranging from an established Big Ten starter in Curtis Dunlap to an FCS All-American in J.D. DiRenzo.
DiRenzo is certainly intriguing. He has some NFL tools in place but lacked the high-level film having played at Sacred Heart. Capable of playing either tackle position or along the interior, DiRenzo will certainly face a step up in competition in the Big Ten with Rutgers.
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“His work ethic speaks for itself. That’s going to be the thing that carries him in the Big Ten, right?” offensive line coach Augie Hoffman told reporters this week.
“He’s a tremendous worker; he’s a leader in the room. He understands the transition and I think he is working really hard at it. He comes in for extra work so he’s doing everything we expect him to do.”
Unlike DiRenzo, there is plenty of Big Ten experience for Dunlap. He has 14 starts over three seasons for Minnesota.
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The addition of a Big Ten ready and savvy interior offensive lineman is big for Rutgers as they try to right an offense that had difficulties in both the run and pass game.
“I think anytime you can bring guys in that have Big Ten experience, the value is unparalleled really,” Hoffman said.
“Because this league is hard, right? Guys that understand how to play in this league and be successful – it rubs off on everyone else. He’s doing it here. It’s good to have him here, for sure.”
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