Tag: 2025 recruit

Rutgers football film review – Jourdin Houston is a Power Five caliber wide receiver

Rutgers football landed a playmaker in Jourdin Houston

Last weekend while on an official visit, Rutgers football received a commitment from Connecticut’s sixth-best prospect in wide receiver Jourdin Houston.

According to Rivals, the recent Rutgers commit is the No. 99 wide receiver prospect in the nation.

Houston has traits like agility, body control, strength, quickness, soft hands, physical stamina, and toughness.

He has excellent concentration, focus, and eye-hand coordination, recording 28 catches for 730 yards and ten touchdowns as a sophomore at St. Thomas More High School in Oakdale, Connecticut.

Houston can run multiple route combinations, providing play-making ability after the catch. Consistent production is important, but having the ability to blow the top off the defense makes Houston an elite offensive threat.

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Houston can make difficult catches in traffic, the most essential tool for an elite receiver. Going over the middle, he manages to get separation. He then takes his angles well in yards after the catch, allowing him to stretch routine catches into first downs.

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He also keeps his leg moving after contact and requires multiple tacklers to bring him down.

Dropped passes kill offensive production, a trait you won’t find in Houston.

The 2025 prospect accelerates well off the line of scrimmage, with the ability to beat press coverage and zone defense. He can line up inside and outside and has versatility in terms of his ability to make an impact for an offense.

Houston needs to continue to develop without the football, working on his blocking skills in the run game.

 

 

 

Film review! 2025 commit Talibi Kaba adds versatility to the Rutgers defense

Talibi Kaba has the potential to be a multi-year, impact player for Rutgers football.

In February, Rutgers football received a commitment from Talibi Kaba, a versatile athlete who can play middle and outside linebacker on the Power Five level. The Scarlet Knights landed their first New Jersey prospect in the 2025 class when the four-star linebacker verbally committed.

The Hillside, New Jersey athlete holds offers from Boston College, Duke, Kent State, and Iowa State. According to 247Sports, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound linebacker is ranked the No. 8 prospect in New Jersey and is the No. 26 linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class.

Kaba has various skills to stop both the run and the pass, showing versatility at the linebacker position. The future Scarlet Knight offers athleticism and is physically fit.  He has a similar style of play as linebacker Mohamed Toure, who is fast and aggressive.

 

 

When watching his film, Kaba’s production, athleticism, and size are an excellent fit for the Scarlet Knights’ defensive scheme. Kaba has the speed to play sideline-to-sideline and can play man-to-man or zone coverage in passing situations. He is super athletic and doesn’t shy away from contact.

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He can recognize plays and react quickly with a relentless motor. Production at the linebacker position is important, and Kaba uses his instincts, dissects plays, and has the physical ability to make impactful plays.

 

 

 

Rutgers baseball adds Jersey’s top prospect Charles Batista

Rutgers landed two-way prospect Charles Batista in the class of 2024.

Last week, Rutgers baseball added two-way prospect Charles Batista to their 2025 roster.

It is another big get for Rutgers as they add another in-state target.

Batista is a 6-foot-5, 215-pound right-handed pitcher and outfielder from Weehawken, New Jersey. He played his high school ball at The Hun High School (Princeton, New Jersey) where he recorded impressive stats this past season.

Batista logged a .433 batting average throughout his 67 at-bats, registering 29 hits, 34 RBIs, six home runs, and seven stolen bases in 23 games this past season.

The future Scarlet Knight produced a 6-0 record on the mound, logging a 0.21 ERA while striking out 35 batters and allowing 12 hits and one earned run throughout his 33 innings pitched.

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According to Perfect Game, Batista is a hard-throwing pitcher with a fastball velocity of 92 mph. He pairs his fastball with a two-plane slider in the low 80s. Outside his fastball and slider, Batista throws a changeup and curveball that averages 78 mph.

He is ranked a 9.5 prospect, which puts him between being a top-10 round selection in the MLB draft (9.0) and an elite high school baseball prospect (10).

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At the plate, Batista offers an average exit velocity of 88.2 mph with a maximum velocity of 96.3 mph. According to Prep Baseball, he has a bat speed of 79.1 mph and a hand speed of 23.6 mph.

Rutgers is getting a versatile player with solid speed on the bases, recording a 7.17 in the 60-yard dash.
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Three-star recruit Isaiah Deloatch brings physicality to Rutgers football

With the recruitment of three-star prospect Isaiah Deloatch, Rutgers football added a tough and physical linebacker to their defense.

Rutgers football received a commitment from 2025 recruit Isaiah Deloatch on Friday, with the three-star prospect adding toughness and physicality to the Scarlet Knights’ defense.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound inside linebacker is a tackling machine, recording 53 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery as a junior at Hillside High School in North Carolina.

With his speed and athleticism, the future Scarlet Knight is one of the more explosive recruits in the 2025 recruiting class.

The addition of Deloatch gives Rutgers the No. 28 recruiting class in the nation according to 247Sports. He is now the eighth player to commit in this class and the second from North Carolina.

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Film Review

Deloatch’s athleticism statistics are according to Hudl.com
40-Yard Dash Shuttle Bench Press 185 lbs Bench Press (Reps) 100 Meter Dash 400 Meter Dash Squats Deadlifts
4.51 4.8 280 lbs 25 10.88 54 420 lbs 480 lbs

Deloatch has excellent instincts at the linebacker position, offering relentless pursuit to opposing ball carriers. He has strong tackling abilities and is primarily a run-stopping player. Deloatch is a downhill linebacker, stepping into gaps to help in run support.

The North Carolina athlete can develop into an anchor for the Scarlet Knights’ defense, offering leadership on and off the field for Rutgers football.

Looking at Deloatch’s skillset, you can tell this 2025 recruit has strong and athletic hips. When evaluating Deloatch’s athleticism, he can adapt to play recognition, defending the run and pass. Watching him adjust to multiple formations, you can see how his athletic hips allow him to stop the run and cover the pass.

With the recruitment of Deloatch, Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak received another talented defensive prospect who has high potential when he reports to campus in 2025.

 

Rutgers football landed an explosive athlete in Steven Murray

Rutgers football 2025 recruit Steven Murray is a two-way player who can add explosiveness to the Scarlet Knights’ roster.

Rutgers football received a commitment from 2025 recruit Steven Murray on Sunday, with the three-star prospect adding explosiveness to the Scarlet Knights’ roster.

Murray picked Rutgers over offers from Boston College, Coastal Carolina, Charlotte, Liberty, Syracuse and Temple among others.

Murray is a two-way athlete who can play corner back or wide receiver at the Power Five level. With his speed and athleticism, the future Scarlet Knight is one of the more explosive athletes along the Eastern seaboard.

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Film Breakdown

As a 6-foot-1, 160-pound wide receiver, Murray is a true deep threat who can easily get behind a defense with his speed. His ability to create separation with his speed is an attribute Schiano and offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca are looking for.

Murray is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, making defenders miss after catching a short hitch or slant. He has excellent physical traits, taking the ball to the house on any play. As a junior, Murray logged 55 catches for 935 yards and 16 touchdowns.

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On the defensive end, Murray shows good cover instincts and ball skills at the corner position, but upside-wise, the wide receiver position looks like his best position at the Power Five level. While playing corner, Murray recorded 32 tackles and five interceptions last season.

Murray can also be a major factor in the return game in college, using his dangerous athleticism in the open field.

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Also, Murray is a multi-sport athlete with a track background, recording measurements of 11.23 in 100 meters and 20-foot-2-inch long jump during his freshman year. Those are rare numbers to find and show his truly unique skillset.

As Murray develops toward the Power Five level, he needs to continue to round out his game a bit, becoming a more well-rounded route runner.

 

What attributes can 2025 recruit Talibi Kaba add to Rutgers football?

Talibi Kaba is a physical linebacker prospect who committed to Rutgers football.

In early February, Rutgers football added a standout prospect in Talibi Kaba to their 2025 recruiting class. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound linebacker is a quick and fluid linebacker who covers a lot of ground and can shine within the Scarlet Knights’ defense.

A linebacker at Hillside (Hillside, New Jersey), Kaba is ranked the No. 5 prospect in New Jersey and the No. 20 ranked linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.

Kaba received offers from Boston College Duke, Iowa State and Kent State during his recruitment.

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Film Review

The future Scarlet Knight is extremely athletic, covering a ton of ground at the linebacker position. He can change direction quickly and is solid in run support and pass coverage. Kaba plays sideline-to-sideline, chasing down ball carries in the open field.

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He is a two-way starter at the high school level, logging multiple carries at the running back position, and showing off his top speed. With his elite speed, Kaba can play the rover position within Defensive Coordinator Joe Harasymiak’s defensive scheme. Also, he can share time playing at the middle and outside linebacker positions.

As Kaba develops toward the Power Five level, he needs to focus on getting stronger and more physical. If Kaba can counter his speed with strength, he can shine at the collegiate level.

 

Film Breakdown: 2025 recruit Renick Dorilas is a strong, aggressive cornerback for Rutgers football

Renick Dorilas is an aggressive cornerback prospect who recently committed to Rutgers.

On Sunday, Rutgers football received a commitment from Renick Dorilas.

Dorilas has been on campus multiple times and attended several Rutgers football games last year. A defensive back in the class of 2025, he announced last month that he is transferring to Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, New Jersey) for his senior season.

The 5-foot-11, 150-pound cornerback received offers from Boston College, Duke, Minnesota, Tennessee, Penn State, Syracuse and West Virginia throughout his recruitment.

According to 247Sports, Dorilas is the No. 21 prospect in New Jersey and the No. 70 ranked cornerback nationally in the 2025 recruiting class.

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Dorilas’s Skill Set

With his commitment, Dorilas adds multiple skills to Rutgers’ secondary. As a junior at Union (Union, New Jersey) in 2023, Dorilas had 40 tackles with two tackles for a loss. Also, he logged two interceptions and four pass breakups for Union.

He offers physicality to the corner position with excellent active hands. His long arms make it difficult for opposing wide receivers to get quick releases off the line of scrimmage. Also, Dorilas has great ball skills, forcing multiple turnovers for the Scarlet Knights’ defense.

The 2025 recruit has speed that allows him to hang with the top wide receivers at the Power Five level. Expect Dorilas’s skills to shine at the collegiate level when he reports to campus in 2025.

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Film review: Rutgers football is getting a big-time offensive linemen in Jayden Elijah

Film Breakdown: On Monday, Rutgers football added 2025 recruit Jayden Elijah from Matawan Regional High School in New Jersey. 

On Monday, Rutgers football added 2025 recruited Jayden Elijah from Matawan Regional High School in New Jersey. The 6-foot-7, 280-pound offensive tackle brings size and athleticism to the Scarlet Knights in the upcoming years.

Elijah is a member of the 2025 recruiting class and a three-star offensive lineman from Matawan Regional (Matawan, New Jersey). He is a significant addition to this class for Rutgers as he has received offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech.

According to 247Sports, Elijah is ranked the No. 16 prospect in New Jersey and the No. 43 offensive tackle among his recruiting class.

He is a multi-sport athlete who plays basketball for Matawan. Not surprisingly, Elijah is a part-time hooper who rebounds and blocks shots while his large frame is near-impossible to stop near the rim.

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Film Breakdown

Elijah is a big, athletic, long, and physical player who fits the mold of a big-time offensive lineman despite being raw on the gridiron. AHe fits the mold of what Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano and offensive line coach Pat Flaherty are looking for in an offensive lineman.

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Elijah is strong but tends to have slow and sloppy technique at times. He uses his physical strength to push opposing defenders off the ball, but he needs better technique to shine on the Power Five level. He needs to do work on his technique for sure.

His size and frame are something that can’t be taught, though.

The ceiling is high for Elijah, and Rutgers’ offensive line can benefit from his skillset in the upcoming years.

 

Film Review: Rutgers football landed 2025 three-star prospect Talibi Kaba

Film Review: Rutgers landed their first New Jersey prospect in the 2025 class when linebacker Talibi Kaba gave his verbal commitment.

On Tuesday, Rutgers football landed their first New Jersey prospect in the 2025 class when three-star linebacker Talibi Kaba gave his verbal commitment.

The Hillside, New Jersey athlete holds offers from Boston College, Duke, Kent State, and Iowa State. According to 247Sports, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound linebacker is ranked the No. 12 prospect in New Jersey and is the No. 39 linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class.

While playing at Hillside last season, Kaba led the Comets to an NJSIAA Group 3 playoff berth and a 6-3 record. He was a two-way starter with the Comets, playing both running back and linebacker. The future Scarlet Knight recorded 95 carries for 1,117 yards (11.75 YPC) and 12 touchdowns last season.

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Film Review

Kaba, a three-star recruit, is a versatile athlete who can play middle and outside linebacker on the Power Five level. He has a similar style of play as linebacker Mohamed Toure, playing fast and aggressive each play.

When watching his film, Kaba’s production, athleticism, and size are an excellent fit for the Scarlet Knights’ defensive scheme. Kaba has the speed to play sideline-to-sideline and can play man-to-man or zone coverage in passing situations. He is super athletic and doesn’t shy away from contact.

As he continues to develop into a Power Five player, Kaba needs to put on more size if he wants to plug the middle for the Scarlet Knights in the upcoming years.

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Film Review: Rutgers 2025 recruit Sean Ashenfelder is a pro style quarterback

Film Review: Quarterback Sean Ashenfelder provided a verbal commitment to Rutgers football, electing to join the Scarlet Knights in 2025.

This past fall, Sean Ashenfelder provided a verbal commitment to Rutgers football. The Florida quarterback is part of the 2025 class and was a big early get for the Scarlet Knights.

Ashenfelder put together an outstanding junior season for Creekside High School in St. John’s, Florida, recording 136 completions on 273 attempts (49.8 percent) for 1,762 yards with 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Also, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound quarterback added 582 yards on the ground with 130 carries and 13 touchdowns. According to Max Preps, Ashenfelder led the Creekside Knights to a 6-5 record and the No. 65 school ranking in Florida.

According to 247Sports, the Saint Augustine native, Florida, is ranked the No. 117 prospect in Florida and the No. 62 ranked quarterback among his 2025 recruiting class.

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Film Review

This Rutgers 2025 commit is a pro-style quarterback with a strong arm, making every throw on the field. Ashenfelder is athletic with the ability to escape pressure and extend plays with his legs.

He looks comfortable in the pocket and can make accurate throws on the run. His style of play is similar to current Rutgers starter Gavin Wimsatt. Ashenfelder is an excellent fit for offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca’s offense, playing in a similar scheme at Creekside High School.

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Reading defenses will be an area to focus on for the new Scarlet Knight, as using his speed to escape pressure might not work every play. He can be dangerous if he understands his pre-snap reads. Ashenfelder is an excellent athlete and can blossom into a Power Five quarterback as he continues to develop.

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