Tag: Rutgers football recruiting

Rutgers football recruit Jaelyne Matthews de-commits from Penn State

Jaelyne Matthews de-commits from Penn State.

Jaelyene Matthews de-committed from Penn State on Tuesday afternoon. The four-star offensive lineman from New Jersey received his first offer from Rutgers football as a freshman.

Matthews is a member of the 2026 recruiting class and is the starting offensive tackle for Toms River North (Toms River, N.J.) Last year he was invited to participate in the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game, a prestigious national high school all-star game that airs on ESPN.

He is 6-foot-6 and 300-pounds and also plays as a defensive tackle. He moves very well and gets into the second level with relative ease.

His combination of strength, bend and footwork is impressive.

He holds offers from Georgia, Ohio State and Penn State in addition to Rutgers.

Matthews posted the news on Tuesday afternoon via his social media:

 

Matthews committed to Penn State in January following an unofficial visit.

He has been a visitor to Rutgers on multiple occasions.

Rutgers football: A big recruiting weekend and a possible sell-out for the season opener

Rutgers football is hosting some bigtime recruits on Sunday.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Rutgers football will be hosting a number of top-tier recruits and commits this weekend for their season opener. It is an impressive haul for the Big Ten program.

The tturnout is especially impressive given that Rutgers is playing on Labor Day weekend and on a Sunday afternoon, not exacttly the usual time slot for college football. But Sunday’s impressive number of commits and recruits will give Rutgers a chance to showcase their development and growth under head coach Greg Schiano.

Sunday’s game against Norhtwestern (12:00 PM ET, CBS) is trending towards a sell-out. 

Here is an updated list of the recruits who are expected to attend Sunday’s season opener for Rutgers football. Each player is linked to either their recruiting profile or more pertainent information.

Bold denotes a Rutgers football committ:

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Isaiah Crumpler breaks down strong start to the season and his upcoming visit to Rutgers

Rutgers football commit Isaiah Crumpler has had a strong start to his senior season.

Isaiah Crumpler is off to a strong start this season, the Rutgers football commit showing why he is such a big part of the Big Ten program’s recruiting class.

A 6-foot, 175-pound wide receiver, Crumpler is picking up from last season when had 55 catches for 614 yards with five touchdowns for D.H. Conley (Greenville, N.C.). This past weekend in a 27-0 win at Washington (Washington, N.C.), Crumpler had over 100 receiving yards with three touchdowns. Also playing as a defensive back, he had an interception.

At the time of his commitment, he held Power Five offers from Duke and Rutgers. He also has significant offers from the likes of Charlotte, East Carolina and James Madison.

Crumpler will be on campus this weekend for an unofficial visit and to check out the season opener on Sunday against Northwestern

I’m excited, I’ll be going to that first game. This time around, I’ll know the coaches and players more which is good,” Crumpler told Rutgers Wire.

“Hoping to see a good game and a Rutgers win, obviously.”

Crumpler, a very down-to-earth and humble recruit, is focused on the team side this fall with Conley. But personally, he is hoping to show a more rounded and complete side to his game.

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He hopes to enroll early at Rutgers in January and has already begun the application process.

As for position versatility, Crumpler certainly has a high ceiling at defensive back. But there is no questioning that he can be a playmaker at wide receiver when he arrives at Rutgers.

“I really don’t know what they have for me but I know I’ll be starting at the WR position,” Crumpler said.

“I like it a lot, I like playing wide receiver.”

Crumpler said he hopes to also make the Rutgers home game against Virginia Tech in the third week of the season.

In terms of his recruitment, Crumpler said it is closed and no programs are reaching out to him. He said he has a close relationship with coach Dave Brock (wide receivers) and Milton Cordero (quality control).

This Thursday, Crumpler’s D.H. Conley plays at Hunt High School (Wilson, N.C.). Both programs enter the game at 1-1.

“I’ll say it’s a big game for us to keep going that path and build on this past weekend,” Crumpler said. “It is an important one for us to get that win and really keep growing in the right direction.”

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Film breakdown: Rutgers football lands three-star recruit Kevin Levy

Rutgers football landed their sixth 2024 prospect from Florida with three-star defensive back Kevin Levy verbally committed to the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers football landed their sixth 2024 prospect from Florida when three-star defensive back Kevin Levy verbally committed to the Scarlet Knights.

Levy chose Rutgers over several other Power Five offers from Arkansas, Florida, Boston College, Florida State, Indiana, Kentucky, Miami, Minnesota, NC State, Pittsburgh, and Texas A&M.

The 6-foot, 178-pound recruit is from Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, Florida, and got recruited as a defensive back despite being a two-way player. As a junior in high school, Levy recorded 19 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns as a wide receiver on offense. Also, he logged 23 tackles, nine solo tackles, and three pass breakups on defense.

According to 247Sports, Levy is the No. 60 ranked prospect in Florida and is ranked No. 44 nationally for his position among his 2024 recruiting class. Also, the new Scarlet Knight is ranked the No. 449 prospect in the nation.

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Levy’s Film Breakdown

Levy’s athletic stats, according to hudl.com

  • 100 Meters – 10.62 seconds as a junior
  • 200 Meters – 21.5 seconds
  • 4x State Champion for track

Joining the Scarlet Knights as a defensive back, this 2024 recruit is a diverse player who can play safety and cornerback. With his background as a wide receiver, Levy has excellent ball skills and instincts.

Levy can be a plug-in player for Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak. Levy doesn’t have a ton of open-field tackles in his highlight reel but can hawk down ball carriers. Levy adds athleticism and speed to Rutgers’ 2024 roster.

As time passes, Levy can move to wide receiver later in his Rutgers career. Levy can be similar to Rutgers’ current wide receiver Chris Long, switching positions from defensive back to wide receiver. Levy is a solid addition to Rutgers football as he can develop into a highly recruited player for the Scarlet Knights.

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Film Review: Rutgers landed four-star defensive back Kaj Sanders

Rutgers added four-star recruit Kaj Sanders to their 2024 roster, making him the highest-rated commit for Greg Schiano in the Class of 2024.

Rutgers football added four-star prospect Kaj Sanders to their 2024 roster last weekend, making him the highest-rated commit for Greg Schiano in the Class of 2024. The New Jersey native from Bergen Catholic (Oradell, New Jersey) elected to stay home, choosing Rutgers over North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.

The 6-foot-1 defensive back helped the Crusaders win back-to-back state titles, recording 40 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and six pass deflections in his junior season. During his sophomore and junior season, Sanders was a two-way player, logging 32 rushes for 261 yards on 8.2 yards per carry and three touchdowns.

According to Rivals, Sanders is a top five player in the state and the No. 30 safety in the nation.


Film Breakdown

Below are Sanders’s athletic stats according to Hudl.com 
40 Yard Dash Bench Press 185 LBS Bench Press (Reps) Squats (lbs)
4.5 Seconds 250 lbs 17 375 lbs

Watching his junior season highlights, you can see Sanders plays with elite speed and athleticism. He has excellent ball instincts and will be the perfect piece for Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak. 

Harasymiak can have Sanders play the rover position as a defensive back, with the ability to roam freely in the middle of the field. He can bait opposing quarterbacks into poor decisions while rolling down to linebacker depth to support the run defense. Harasymiak can create pressure packages on third downs, trying to have Sanders play havoc in the secondary. 

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Sanders’s ability to rally to the football and quick decision-making will allow him to shoot up the depth chart when he reports to campus in 2024. His strength and physicality will be a solid addition to the Scarlet Knights’ defense. 

The commitment of Sanders allows Harasymiak and Schiano to move their defensive scheme from a 4-3 to a 3-4, or 3-3-5, showing off Sanders’s coverage skills. Moving to a 3-4 or 3-3-5 would mean more 1-on-1 situations for opposing offenses, allowing Sanders to roam in Rutgers’ secondary. 

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Film Review: Rutgers lands 2024 strongside defensive end Tyclean Luman

Rutgers football landed 2024 strongside defensive end Tyclean Luman, brother of Rutgers 2024 recruit Tycoolhill Luman, to their 2024 class.

Early last month, Rutgers landed 2024 strongside defensive end Tyclean Luman, brother of Rutgers 2024 recruit Tycoolhill Luman. Rutgers football added two Florida recruits to their 2024 class, adding some impressive pieces on the defensive side of the ball. 

The 6-foot-3, 252 pounds Florida native from Miami, FL, is a three-star edge rusher. The Miami native received offers from Indiana, Louisville, Minnesota, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Syracuse, and West Virginia. He has size, length, and athleticism that can boost Rutgers’ defense.

According to Rivals.com, Luman is ranked No. 97 in Florida and No. 43 among his recruiting class for his position. He has a 5.7 Rivals Rating, making him a three-star recruit.

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While playing at Miami Jackson High School, Luman recorded 63 tackles, 12 sacks, one interception, and 26 tackles for loss last season.

Film Breakdown

Like his brother Tycoolhill, Tyclean is a speedy relentless edge player who can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme. Luman can perform damage in nickel sets, rushing after the quarterback in passing situations.

Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak can design packages allowing Luman to drop back into coverage. For a defensive lineman, Luman has excellent hands and can snag interceptions when dropping into coverage.

Luman can be a solid piece for Haraymaik’s defense, lining up anywhere on the field. Haraymiak can have Luman line up as nose guard in passing situations, using his speed and quickness to cause havoc up the middle.

The three-star recruit has a motor that never stops, providing multiple pass-rush moves when getting after the quarterback. He has excellent discipline and football IQ, maintaining outside leverage in rushing situations. Tyclean can be a multi-year starter for the Scarlet Knights, as the Luman brothers can be a dynamic duo in the Big Ten Conference.

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Film Breakdown: Four-Star 2024 recruit Korey Duff commits to Rutgers

Rutgers football snags its first four-star recruit to its 2024 recruiting class with the verbal commitment from Korey Duff Jr. 

Rutgers football snags its first four-star recruit to its 2024 recruiting class with the verbal commitment from Korey Duff Jr. The New York native from St. Anthony’s in Melville, New York, is a high-profile pass catcher in the northeast region. Duff is a hybrid player who can play wide receiver and tight end.

Duff is the No. 1 ranked player from New York and No. 18 for his position among his 2024 recruiting class, according to Rivals.com. Also, Duff won wide receiver MVP during a prospect camp hosted by Rivals.com this summer, according to NJ.com. His commitment to Rutgers football marks the third consecutive year that Schiano recruited the top-ranked player from New York.

The New York native received 21 offers, including North Carolina, Texas A&M, Miami, Pitt, Arizona State, Duke, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia.

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As a sophomore in high school, Duff recorded 35 catches for 682 yards and scored five touchdowns, averaging 19.5 yards per catch in nine games. The 6-foot-5 207 pounds tight end logged 42 catches for 995 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Friars last season.

Film Breakdown

Duff is not your traditional tight end, performing most of his damage in the slot. He’s not your standard hand on the ground tight end, running multiple different route combinations. Duff offers diversity to any offense he plays with because of his hybrid ability.

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Rutgers offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca will enjoy designing plays for this 2024 recruit. Ciarrocca can dial up tunnel and bumble screens for Duff, showing off his athleticism in space. Also, Ciarrocca will love Duff’s ability to block, opening up holes for Ciarricca’s zone running scheme. He is a mismatch for opposing defenses when lined up in the slot, outrunning many linebackers.

Duff can be an excellent safety blanket for future Rutgers quarterbacks. Duff was recruited as a tight end but might end up as a wide receiver on the depth chart when he reports to campus. Watch out for this 2024 recruit, as Duff can be a high-level Power Five player.

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Film Study: Is 2024 recruit Samarian Robinson a standout linebacker?

Rutgers landed a big-time recruit when linebacker Samarian Robinson committed to Rutgers football. Can Robinson become a standout player?

The Scarlet Knights landed a big-time recruit when linebacker Samarian Robinson committed to Rutgers football last week. The three-star 2024 recruit committed to UCF but elected to play for Greg Schiano and the Scarlet Knights following an official visit to the program.

The 6-foot-3 220 pounds inside linebacker plays for Lincoln High School (Tallahassee, FL) and is a tremendous athlete. Robinson recently ran a verified time of 4.6 in the 40 while boasting an 81-inch wingspan and a 17-inch neck. The Flordia native recorded 93 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and a pass breakup last season.

According to On3, the new Scarlet Knight is ranked No. 92 in Florida and No. 71 among linebackers in the 2024 recruiting class. The 2024 prospect received recent offers from Arizona and Colorado. Robinson’s commitment marks the fifth recruit from Flordia for Rutgers football.

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Film Breakdown

When watching Robinson’s junior season film, you can tell Robinson has the size for the Power Five level. Robinson is physical, an important trait to have when playing in the Big Ten Conference. He is a strong tackler who has excellent length.

The 2024 recruit has an endless motor that he uses every snap. Watching the film, Robinson makes multiple tackles and plays when pursuing from the opposite side of the field. You can’t teach hustle, it’s a mindset, and Robinson certainly has it.

Robinson’s run reads need some development as he is a little slow in reacting to running plays. He has a bad habit of reading the running backs instead of the linemen up front. Reading the offensive line will allow you to play downhill football rather than sitting back and playing hesitate. Robinson’s quickness and speed make up for his slow initial play recognition.

Nevertheless, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano and defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak will mold Robinson into a standout linebacker for Rutgers football. His size and athletic ability will allow him to develop into a solid player in the Big Ten.

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Film Review: Rutgers football lands 2024 three-star recruit Noah Shaw

Rutgers football continues to build its 2024 roster with the commitment of three-star athlete Noah Shaw of Asheville (N.C.).

Rutgers football continues to build its 2024 roster with the commitment of three-star athlete Noah Shaw of Asheville (N.C.). Shaw announced his verbal commitment last week, marking Greg Schiano’s third recruit from the Tar Heel state.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound athlete from Asheville High School, North Carolina, primarily played outside linebacker and strong safety in high school. Shaw can boost Rutgers’ defensive depth and special team units, collecting 115 tackles in 11 games for the Fighting Cougars. Also, Shaw recorded 15 pass breakups, two interceptions, three tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and six quarterback hurries as a junior.

According to Rivals.com, Shaw is ranked No. 32 in North Carolina and has a 5.5 Rivals Rating making him a three-star prospect. Following his visit with the Scarlet Knights, Shaw received offers from Vanderbilt and Missouri, totaling 18.

Film Breakdown

Below are Shaw’s athletic stats, according to hudl.com.
40-yard Dash Shuttle Bench Press 100-meters Vertical Jump Squats Cleans
4.47 seconds 4.43 seconds 275 pounds 11 seconds 38.5 inches 350 pounds 285 pounds

When watching Shaw’s film from last season, you can see how he is a versatile player. He can be placed around at different spots, playing wherever needed. Safety is the better position for the 2024 recruit because of his speed, but if he adds size, he can move down to linebacker.

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Shaw has a high football IQ, understanding different coverages and routes. The new Scarlet Knight plays with a relentless motor that never ends. Shaw can scroll down to linebacker level or play cover two as a safety, making him a diverse player.

Schiano will like Shaw’s physical play, an aspect Schiano builds his defense around. Shaw will be a nice piece for defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak, plugging Shaw anywhere on the field. Keep an eye on Shaw, for this 2024 prospect can be a multi-year starter for the Scarlet Knights.

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Film Breakdown: Rutgers football lands three-star safety Antonio White

Rutgers added three-star recruit Antonio White to their 2024 roster as this 2024 prospect can be a multi-year starter in the RU secondary.

On Saturday, Rutgers football added three-star 2024 recruit Antonio White to their 2024 roster. The defensive back from Georgia, plans to become a Scarlet Knight, passing on a dozen Power Five offers. 

In 2022, White played safety and wide receiver for Parkview High School (Lilburn, GA). In 10 games last season, White recorded 75 tackles (50 solo tackles), 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, a pass breakup, and three interceptions.

On offense, the 2024 prospect logged two touchdowns as a receiver. The two-way player guided Parkview to the second round of Georgia’s state playoffs.

In the offseason, White competed in track and field events. As a junior this past season, the 2024 prospect recorded a 6-2 high jump. According to 247Sports, White is ranked No. 56 in Georgia and is the No. 52 safety nationally.

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Film Breakdown

The 6-foot-1, 168-pound athlete is projected to play safety for the Scarlet Knights. White is highly athletic with elite jumping ability. He plays with violence and aggression, setting the tone on the defensive side of the ball.

White is a ball-hawk defensive back with the potential to become a multi-year starter in the Rutgers secondary. White has excellent hands for a defensive back leading to many future turnovers. He plays with a high football IQ, baiting quarterbacks into making poor decisions.

White is comfortable playing cover two, offering enough speed to cover half the field in pass coverage. Also, the defensive back looks comfortable playing cover one, playing rover in the middle. The new Scarlet Knight isn’t scared to mix it up in the run game, flying down to make tackles from the secondary level. He is a solid tackler who rarely misses the ball carrier in the open field.

As White progresses into a Power Five player, he has to bulk up to play in the Big Ten. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano will get White into their strength and conditioning program to put size on the young prospect. Keep an eye on this 2024 recruit, as White can be a multi-year starter in the Rutgers secondary.

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