Tag: Rutgers football recruiting

Film Review: Did Rutgers add a versatile player in Dahkari Gilley?

Rutgers added defensive back Dahkari Gilley to their 2024 recruiting class. Did the Scarlet Knights add a versatile player to their defense?

On June 10, Rutgers added defensive back Dahkari Gilley to their 2024 recruiting class. The three-star recruit is a strong tackler and is highly athletic. The Florida native from Jacksonville, FL committed to Rutgers football during his official visit in mid-June.

While playing at University Christian, Gilley recorded 69 tackles (24.5 for loss), four sacks, a fumble recovery, and an 80-yard pick-six last season. In 2022, Gilley guided the Christian Knights into the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1M semifinals with an 11-2 record. In the off-season, Gilley won the District 4-1A championship in the 100-meter dash (11.06 seconds).

According to 247Sports, the 6-foot-2 190 pounds defensive back is ranked No. 126 in Florida and is No. 93 among his position for the 2024 recruiting class. Gilley has a 5.7 Rivals Rating, making him a three-star prospect, according to Rivals.com.

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The new Scarlet Knight received Power Five offers from Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech. Gilley also received offers from Central Florida, USF, FAU, UMass, Liberty, and Georgia Southern.

Film Review

A look at Gilley’s highlight film and it is clear that the defensive back has a nose for the ball. Gilley has a motor that doesn’t quit, and he is there to make a play for his team. His high football IQ allows him to be in a position to make a play on any ball thrown his way.

Gilley’s versatility makes him an appealing three-star recruit, receiving snaps at multiple spots, including LB, S, and slot defender. He has excellent hands for a defensive back, with the speed to return an interception to the house. His active hands cause a ton of pass breakups that can lead to force turnovers.

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano and defensive coordinator Joe Hrasymiak can plug Gilley into multiple positions, allowing him to make plays all over the field. His aggressive style will fit perfectly in Schiano’s and Hrasymiak’s defensive scheme.

When Gilley arrives on campus, he’ll be on the depth chart as a safety, but they could move him to linebacker as he gets stronger. Gilley is always around the football, making the linebacker position an easy adjustment.

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Film Study: Can Tycoolhill Luman add athleticism to the Rutgers football defense?

Rutgers football added an edge rusher in Tycoolhill Luman to their 2024 recruiting class. Can he add athleticism to Rutgers’ defense?

On June 4, Rutgers football added an athletic edge rusher in Tycoolhill Luman to their 2024 recruiting class. Luman, brother of Rutgers 2024 recruit Tyclean Luman, has size, length, and athleticism that Rutgers’ defense can benefit from.

While playing at Miami Jackson High School in Miami, Florida, the 6-foot-4 250 pounds defensive end recorded 58 tackles, 13 sacks, and 29 tackles for loss last season. The Miami native received offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Indiana, Louisville, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Syracuse, and West Virginia.

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According to Rivals.com, Luman is ranked No. 95 in Florida and No. 42 among his recruiting class for his position. He has a 5.7 Rivals Rating, making him a three-star recruit, per Rivals.com.

247Sports has the 2024 prospect ranked No. 116 in Florida and No. 86 among his 2024 recruiting class.

Film Study

Luman is a speedy relentless edge player who offers athleticism on the defensive side of the ball. He is a versatile player who can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme. The three-star recruit has a motor that never stops, providing multiple pass-rush moves when getting after the quarterback.

Luman uses his hands to shed blocks while maintaining outside leverage when playing defensive end. He has excellent discipline and football IQ, spilling any blocker that might come his way. The new Scarlet Knight is a solid tackler with great technique.

It will be interesting to see where Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano places Luman on the field when he reports as a Scarlet Knight in 2024. Luman can be a solid piece for Schiano’s defense, adding athleticism anywhere on the field.

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Film Review: Can Raynor Andrews develop into a future starting tackle?

Rutgers upgraded its o-line with a player like Raynor Andrews. The 2024 recruit could make a difference up front in the future years.

Rutgers football added an excellent addition to its class of 2024 when three-star offensive lineman Raynor “Big Ray” Andrews provided his verbal commitment on June 3.

The 6-foot-5, 315 pounds Miami prospect received 11 offers, including Florida State, West Virginia, Syracuse, Central Florida, and South Florida. Andrews was the first Florida recruit to join the 2024 class as he prepares to play for Greg Schiano and the Scarlet Knights. While in high school, Andrews helped guide the Norland Vikings to a 9-3 record last year.

According to 247Sports, Andrews is a three-star recruit and the No. 7 ranked offensive tackle in the class of 2024. Also, Andrews has a Rivals rating of 5.6, making him a three-star recruit, per Rivals.com.

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Film Review

Andrews has the size and big frame that makes him a desirable prospect for a Power Five program like Rutgers football. He certainly has the potential to develop into a starting tackle for the Scarlet Knights.

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The new Scarlet Knight has solid footwork when pass setting and can certainly hold up against power rushers. He is a physical player and plays whistle to whistle. Andrews can play left tackle as he develops towards a starting tackle, protecting Gavin Wimsatt’s blindside.

The 2024 recruit has excellent hand placement when coming off the ball in the rushing attack, limiting the chance of holding penalties. With such a big frame, Andrews still plays with excellent pad leverage.

As Andrews progresses toward the Power Five level, it will be interesting to see if the desirable prospect can keep up with a speedy pass rusher. He offers solid technique but has to work on his quickness off the ball.

With Andrews’s commitment, Rutgers upgraded its offensive line with a player who could make a difference up front for the future years.

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Film Breakdown: Rutgers football commit Montele Johnson is a tough, throwback linebacker

Rutgers received a commitment from one of the top linebackers in the class of 2024. Can Montele Johnson become a standout linebacker for RU?

On June 10, the Scarlet Knights received a verbal commitment from one of the top dynamic linebackers in the 2024 recruiting class when Montele Johnson committed to Rutgers football. The Michigan native had an official visit this past weekend, providing his verbal commitment one day later. 

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker had a stellar junior season playing for West Bloomfield High School, Michigan, last season. Johnson led the Lakers to an 8-2 record, logging 102 total tackles, 23 tackles-for-a-loss, 3.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, and three passes defended. 

Johnson’s top five schools included Rutgers, Boston College, Kansas, Louisville, and West Virginia. According to 247Sports, Johnson is ranked No. 21 in Michigan and No. 83 in the nation amongst his 2024 recruiting class. 

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Film Breakdown

According to Johnson’s Hudl profile, the junior linebacker had the following athleticism stats:

40 Yard Dash Shuttle Bench 185 Bench Press (Reps) Squats Deadlifts Cleans
4.58 Seconds 4.21 Seconds 275 Ibs. 17 365 Ibs. 345 Ibs 205 Ibs

While playing middle linebacker, Johnson plays with violence and physicality. He is a sure tackler and an excellent run stuffer. The three-star recruit plays downhill football and doesn’t shy away from contact. Johnson is versatile and can play middle or outside linebacker.

When blitzing, Johnson is aggressive when getting after the quarterback. He is almost impossible to show down when blitzing up the middle, making him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen.

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Johnson’s weakness comes in pass coverage, struggling in zone defensive schemes. His technique needs work, lacking depth when dropping back into pass coverage. Johnson needs to work on his reads in pass coverage, making sure his eyes are reading the right player.

The new Scarlet Knight has the built and athletic ability to be a big-time linebacker in the Big Ten but will need to continue to develop his technique if he wants to be an elite linebacker.

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Film Evaluation: Rutgers added explosive player in Aaris Bethea

2024 recruit Aaris Bethea can be a weapon for Rutgers’ defensive line as the young prospect can shine in the Big Ten.

The Scarlet Knights added another potential weapon to their defensive line when three-star 2024 recruit defensive lineman Aaris Bethea committed to Rutgers football. On Saturday, June 10, Bethea provided his verbal commitment to Rutgers football, one day after his official visit.

The  6-foot-2 and 250 pounds interior defensive lineman has impressive athletic abilities. The New York native from Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, NY, received interest from multiple Power Five schools (Maryland / Nebraska / Ole Miss / Texas A&M).

According to 247Sports, Bethea is ranked  No. 6 in New York and No. 65 in the nation amongst his recruiting class. In 2020 as a high school freshman, Bethea got invited to FBU Freshman All-American Bowl.

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Film Evaluation 

As a junior, Bethea and the Dutchmen won the 2022/23 Football “A” Public Schools Athletic League Champion last season. During the 2022 season, Bethea was an anchor along the Dutchmen’s defensive front. He has tremendous footwork and discipline along the line of scrimmage, making him a high-level recruit for Rutgers football.

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When rushing the quarterback, Bethea can attack opposing offensive linemen with an aggressive power rush or swim move. He is a versatile defensive lineman, lining up as a tackle or end. The 2024 prospect uses his violent hands when coming off the line of scrimmage, maintaining excellent gap responsibility.

Bethea has a high football IQ, providing excellent angles when chasing down ball carriers. The new Scarlet Knight has explosiveness and strength in his first step off the ball. With his tremendous footwork, it is difficult for opposing linemen to push Bethea off the line of scrimmage.

Bethea is an excellent addition to the Rutgers defensive line, as the 2024 recruit will shine in the Big Ten. With 15 commitments to Rutgers football 2024 recruiting class, the Scarlet Knights are now No. 20 in the nation, according to Rivals.com.

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Rutgers football 2024 recruit Ben Black’s film breakdown

Rutgers football had a strong recruiting effort with the commitment of Ben Black. How can Black’s talent benefit Rutgers football?

Over the weekend, Rutgers football had a strong recruiting effort with the verbal commitment of wide receiver Ben Black. The North Carolina native has been on Rutgers’ radar since he visited the school in April. The 5-foot-11 165 pounds wide receiver took an official visit on June 2, providing his verbal commitment on Sunday.

According to Rivals.com, the three-star prospect received 19 total offers, with the Scarlet Knights being his only scheduled visit. With interest from Duke, Georgia Tech, and UConn, Black elected to play for a Big Ten program.

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In 2022, Black recorded 25 catches for 402 receiving yards with two touchdowns for the Mallard Creek Mavericks in Charlotte, NC. He is ranked No. 21 in North Carolina and 73 in the nation amongst his recruiting class, according to 247Sports.

Film Breakdown

Black is an explosive wide receiver who can make a big play by turning on the burners. He can run multiple route combinations, lining up in the slot or out wide. Black has a quick release off the ball, making it difficult for defenders to cover him man-to-man.

Also, Black can add depth on special teams with his experience returning punts in high school. He has excellent hands, and Black’s speed will be beneficial in Rutgers’ passing scheme.

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With Black only being a 5-foot-11 165 pounds wide receiver, he might struggle with Big Ten’s physical play. Black will benefit from Rutgers’ Strength and Conditioning program as he continues to work on his size at the next level.

Black will be the second North Carolina native (Isaiah Crumpler) to join Rutgers football 2024 recruiting class. Rutgers is now ranked No. 20 for their 2024 football recruiting class, according to Rivals.com.

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Film highlights: 2024 WR Isaiah Crumpler commits to Rutgers football

Rutgers football adds offensive weapon Isaiah Crumpler to their 2024 recruiting class. How can Crumpler’s skillset help the Scarlet Knights?

Last week, Rutgers football added an offensive weapon in Isaiah Crumpler, to their 2024 recruiting class. The three-star wide receiver is another significant commitment for the Scarlet Knights on offense, with a group that already includes running back Gabriel Winowich and tight ends Monte Keener and Matthew Ogunniyi as well as quarterback A.J. Surace to their 2024 recruiting class.

The North Carolina native from D. H. Conley High School in Greenville, N.C., committed to Rutgers on May 5th after receiving a Power Five offer from Duke. Crumpler recorded 55 catches for 614 yards and five touchdowns for the Vikings last season. Also, Crumpler logged 23 carries for 137 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.

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According to 247Sports, the 6-foot-1 180 pounds tight end is ranked No. 127 in the nation and the No. 27 recruit in North Carolina among his recruiting class. The 2024 prospect has a 5.5 rival rating and is the fifth-best recruit in North Carolina per On3 (No. 157 national rankings).

Film Analysis

Athleticism stats are according to Hudl.com:

40 Yard Dash Shuttle Vertical Bench Squats 400 Meter Dash 100 Meter Dash Clean
4.65 Seconds 4.06 Seconds 35 inches 225 Ibs. 340 Ibs. 50.41 Seconds 11.06 Seconds 260 Ibs.

Crumpler, brother of former NFL tight end Alge Crumpler, is a speedy breakaway wide receiver. Crumpler’s strength, elusiveness, and explosiveness are highly noticed throughout his highlight film. The 2024 prospect is deadly in the open field, outrunning many defenders. His shifty moves make him extremely difficult to tackle.

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Crumpler has excellent hands and can line up in the slot or out wide. He can run multiple route combinations, making him versatile in many offensive sets. The new Scarlet Knight can add depth to special teams with his experience returning punts and kicks. Crumpler should work on his route release as he develops into a Big Ten wide receiver. He tends to take a false step as he releases off the line of scrimmage.

Crumpler is the first wide receiver to join Rutgers’ 2024 recruiting class. According to 247Sports, the Scarlet Knights are now No. 26 in the 2024 overall recruiting rankings in the country.

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Rutgers football: Assessment on 2023 recruit Jashon Benjamin

Jashon Benjamin has a strong film and a skillset that could see him fit in nicely at Rutgers football.

Running back Jashon Benjamin is the only running back in the 2023 recruiting class for Rutgers football, making him the possible future lead back for the Scarlet Knights. The Florida native has the potential to be a strong part of the backfield.

Benjamin attended Pahokee High School (Pahokee, FL) where he played running back and defensive back. He helped the Blue Devils to a 9-3 record, along with an appearance in the FHSAA Regional Final game during his senior year.

At running back, Benjamin finished his senior season with 1,312 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 8.4 yards per carry. He also caught 30 receptions for 688 yards and four touchdowns.

A three-star recruit, he was a multi-sport athlete where he also ran track.

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According to 247Sports, Benjamin was a three-star and the No. 109 running back in the nation. He received 13 offers including from Arkansas State, Memphis, Purdue and Tulane among others.

Film Breakdown

When watching the film, Benjamin is clearly explosive when running the ball.

This shouldn’t be a surprise as Benjamin ran a 10.7 in the 100-meter dash and he shows off that speed when he reaches the second level.

But he is also physical as Benjamin, at 5-foot-8 and 194 pounds, can run the ball in between the tackles in the power running game. Also, he is a zone-style runner, using his quickness and explosiveness to find open running lanes. Benjamin has excellent vision and looks to hit the big play every time he touches the ball.

In the passing game, Benjamin has excellent hands and can be dangerous in the screen game. He can line up in the slot and cause mismatches against linebackers when running routes.

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Areas to work on

If Benjamin wants to be an every-down back, he will need to add more strength, although he is already pretty powerfully built. In the NCAA, the average running back weighs roughly 204.75 Ibs., meaning that Benjamin will need to put on some size.

Another area of improvement for the future Scarlet Knight is patience. Benjamin needs to work on following his blockers. His patience will come with maturity and practice.

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Football Recruiting: Rutgers offers four-star Chauncey Bowens

Rutgers extends offer to four-star running back Chauncey Bowens from class of 2024

Rutgers football continued their very strong recruiting effort in the state of Florida this week, as they extended an offer to running back Chauncey Bowens today, July 30.

A four-star recruit according to On3.com, Bowens is ranked as the No. 12 running back and the in the class of 2024 in the 247 Composite. The five-foot-eleven-inch versatile athlete from North Palm Beach, Florida is a multi-sport varsity athlete. He plays lacrosse as well as multiple events in track and field.

Bowens already has a strong offer list with multiple Power Five programs including Miami, Florida, Florida State, and Auburn. Fellow Big Ten programs Indiana and Illinois have also extended offers to the four-star back. The offer from the Seminoles came at the beginning of July.

Rutgers have clearly targeted Florida  heavily. In the last three recruiting classes, the Scarlet Knight program has extended 74 offers to players from the sunshine state – including a whopping 40 offers in the class of 2023.

Don’t let his size fool you, the young man has shown impressive strength in the weight room to go along with the athleticism needed to be a varsity athlete across multiple sports.

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Former Rutgers recruiting target Audley Isaacs enters transfer portal

Former Rutgers football recruiting target Audley Isaacs has officially entered the transfer portal.

One of the top 150 linebackers and top 50 high school football players out of Pennsylvania from the class of 2017 has entered the transfer portal. Former Temple linebacker Audley Isaacs officially entered the transfer portal last week.

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native and Valley Forge Military Academy alum is leaving Temple as a graduate transfer.

A two-star recruit according to Rivals and a three-star linebacker in the 247Sports Composite signed his letter of intent to play for the Temple Owls in May of his senior high school season. Prior to that, he received interest  from UConn, West Virginia, Cornell, Army, and Rutgers.

Isaacs finishes his time at Temple mostly seeing time on special teams. He did finish with 26 tackles and a fumble recovery in 27 games played during his time with the Owls. Greg Schinao’s defense is strong and tenacious, something Isaacs has shows when given the opportunity when rotating in at linebacker.

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He did suffer a season ending injury in a game against Memphis in 2020, but that was after stepping in at linebacker and setting a career-high in tackles (eight), as well as scooping up that fumble. He would bring veteran experience and leadership to the Scarlet Knight locker room.

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