Tag: Samuel Brown

The top running back in the Big Ten, Kyle Monangai was never a secret to Rutgers football

Kyle Monangai has been impressive this season for Rutgers football.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — As the Big Ten’s leading rusher, Kyle Monangai is no longer a secret. But Monangai was no secret around the Rutgers football program.

And now in the national spotlight, Monangai just continues to put his head down and get results.

Through seven games, Monangai has 635 rushing yards on 120 attempts for seven touchdowns. His ability to continually get positive yards is a major reason why Rutgers is currently 5-2 (2-2 Big Ten) and making a push toward bowl eligibility.

On Saturday, Monangai keyed Rutgers to a needed and impressive 27-24 win over Michigan State.

For Rutgers head coach [autotag]Greg Schiano[/autotag], he knew the potential of Monangai coming into this season. But now the actual proof, as seen on the field this year, is something that Schiano knew was in his junior running back.

“It’s not a surprise he’s doing well. I mean, you never know how it’s going to pan out, right? What I think Kyle is a great representation of is this is his fourth year in the program. He’s developed year after year,” Schiano said on Monday during his weekly press conference.

“He’s gotten stronger. He’s gotten better as a football player. He’s matured and now he’s a grown man playing running back. And I look back at over the history of the program, whether it was Ray Rice or Brian Leonard or it was Pop (Isiah Pacheco) – (all) very, very aggressive, physical backs, downhill backs, that run violently.

“And he fits right into that category of guys that as they developed, became more and more violent downhill runners.”

It was expected that [autotag]Samuel Brown[/autotag] was going to be the bell cow for Rutgers this season. But a season-ending injury last October kept Brown out of training camp and the start of the season.

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Up stepped Monangai, who has been nothing short of sensational through the season’s first seven games.

On Saturday, Monangai keyed a Rutgers comeback win that might just be one of the most poignant games in all of the Big Ten this season. And the win, where Rutgers overcame an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter, is without a doubt the most impressive win that the program has had since Schiano returned four years ago.

Monangai finished the game with 148 rushing yards and a touchdown.

The touchdown came midway through the fourth quarter on a 21-yard run that gave Rutgers their first lead of the game. And on their final drive, Monangai fought and clawed his way to 55 yards to milk the clock.

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“It was a great win. I’m glad we got to do it at home too,” Monangai said.

“Right now, (we’re) undefeated at home. I don’t know how long it’s been since we’ve been able to say that at this point in the season. It’s just a great feeling. And I wish the weather was better but it was a great feeling.”

Rutgers football: What did Greg Schiano say about the increased workload for Samuel Brown V?

Samuel Brown V took another step forward in his progress from last season’s injury.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Samuel Brown V got an increased number of carries on Saturday as the Rutgers football running back took another big step forward in getting back to full strength.

Brown, who suffered a season-ending injury in mid-October of his freshman year, had nine carries for 38 yards and a touchdown in Saturday’s 52-3 win over Wagner. It was his most carries of the season and the latest (and most encouraging) sign that Brown is back and ready to take on a bigger workload.

The solid showing from Brown was certainly encouraging for head coach Greg and ideal for an offense that now goes on the road to play at Wisconsin on Saturday.

“That was great. That was one of the things, the takeaways, for all four running backs to score touchdowns today,” Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said after the game.

“And Sam has worked his way back. You know, you’re a natural player, right, so you’re a good player but like all the things, if you don’t practice because you’re injured, they can have a bad effect on your game day, ball security, things that people don’t think about until a guy fumbles it, and they say, well, how could he fumble? Well, he hasn’t practiced. I mean, all those things, pass protection, right. If you haven’t practiced for a while, it’s not that easy to stop some of those rushers.

“So Sam has been practicing more and more every week. Aaron (Young) has been practicing more and more every week. So they are all starting to get well, and that’s important going into this stretch because, as you know, it’s a very physical stretch we’re going to face here.”

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Brown, as a true freshman last year, put together several strong performances before his injury. He finished the 2022 season with 86 carries for 374 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

What’s the latest on Rutgers football running back Samuel Brown V?

Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano thinks running back Samuel Brown is prepared to play more.

Since returning from injury to the field three weeks ago, Sam Brown V has had a steady workload. The Rutgers football running appears to be trending towards even more carries this weekend against Wagner.

Brown, who suffered a season-ending injury last year in a midseason win over Indiana, has 10 carries on the year. He had three carries for 12 yards this past weekend in a loss at No. 2 Michigan.

Last year as a true freshman, Brown saw his role in the offense increase. The former four-star won the starting job in the backfield by mid-October. He finished his season with 374 rushing yards on 86 carries and three rushing touchdowns.

On Monday, head coach Greg Schiano talked about Brown during his weekly press conference. The question asked if Brown is ready to be back to where he was last season.

“I don’t know if it’s last season or what, but I look at it as, is he ready; has he had enough repetitions that you can go in and know that he’ll do things, muscle memory, and not have to think about it,” Schiano told reporters on Monday.

“Because when you’re thinking about stuff that you need to be able to do just naturally, you open yourself up to two things: You open yourself up to injury, No. 1 because you are not playing as fast as usually do. And you also open yourself to not performing the way you’re capable of.

“I think this week of practice now, it will be the third consecutive. That’s getting into that sweet spot now where hopefully he can play more.”

Kyle Monangai is leading Rutgers in rushing with  384 rushing yards on 69 carries with five rushing touchdowns.

 

Rutgers football: Samuel Brown V is making progress in his recovery from injury

Samuel Brown updates his injury recovery on Monday.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Samuel Brown V continues to make progress in his recovery from a season-ending injury last fall. This is certainly an important factor to monitor given the expectations and projections for Brown heading into this season.

Projected to be the Rutgers football starting running back this fall, Brown continues to recover from when he was injured in October. He suffered a foot injury in a win over Indiana where he ran for 101 rushing yards (on 28 carries). He missed the entirety of the spring season as he continued his recovery process.

Saying “I feel good, taking it day-by-day,” Brown gave an update on where things stand in his recovery. His progress is big news for Rutgers football.

“I’m feeling good, just taking things day by day,” Brown said.

Last season as a true freshman, Brown had 343 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He took over the starting running back job during midseason, only to get injured weeks later.

“It was definitely tough but you have to stay strong mentally. And I feel like I’ve been doing a good job of that,” Brown said on Monday.

“I’ve had a lot of support, you know, from the team, the training staff, doctors, and everybody. They’ve been keeping me up. And,I just took the time to improve, watching film, getting my knowledge of the game a lot better.”

Brown is a former four-star recruit who was a standout at LaSalle (Philadelphia, PA) coming out of high school. He was also one of the best basketball players in the Philadelphia Catholic League.

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Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano on Sam Brown’s injury: ‘Sam is going to be good to go when we start the summer program’

Samuel Brown should be ready to roll for Rutgers football this summer.

Samuel Brown appears to be on track and will be ready to join his teammates in three months for the start of fall camp. It is certainly encouraging news for Rutgers, given that Brown flashed some serious potential last year.

A season-ending injury cut short a freshman campaign where Brown had wrestled away the starting job at the midpoint of the year. A former four-star recruit, Brown is a strong, physical running back out of Philadelphia who has some serious upside for Rutgers.

On 86 rushing attempts, Brown had 343 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He had 101 rushing yards (on 28 carries) with a touchdown in an October win over Indiana. In that game, Brown suffered his season-ending injury.

“Sam is going to be good to go when we start the summer program; he had surgery in the offseason,” Schiano told the Big Ten Network on Thursday when asked about the status of Brown.

“But I think we have a running backs room that’s probably our deepest room. And we have Kyle Monangai, we have Al-Shadee Salaam, Aaron Young – these are all guys that have played a lot of football. So we’re going to play a lot of backs. We’re gonna make sure nobody gets too tired.

“But you hit it on the head. Sam Brown is you know, he looks different. He feels different. I mean, he’s a real big, strong, very gifted running back.”

If he stays healthy and the offensive line shows some improvement, then Brown has the potential to be an All-Big Ten running back at Rutgers.

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Earlier in spring practice, Schiano said that Brown would not participate in spring practice.

His appearance on the Big Ten Network this week was in part to promote Saturday’s annual ‘Spring Game.’

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Rutgers vs. Nebraska: Stream, injury report, broadcast info for Friday

Injury report, key players, and how to watch Rutgers vs. Nebraska on Friday night

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights play the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday night, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

A marquee matchup is not how I would describe this game, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t important stakes for both teams. At the start of the season, both programs likely circled this game as a must-win if they had any chance of making a bowl game. Rutgers sits at 3-2 with all of their wins coming from their non-conference schedule. Nebraska took care of business against Indiana last week to move them to 1-1 in conference and 2-3 overall. The Cornhuskers fired their coach before the end of September and even have an international loss on their record, but the offense showed some life last week, putting up 35 points. The Scarlet Knights have failed to score more than 22 points against a FBS school this season, but surprisingly scored first against Ohio State (before letting up 49 points) and picked off Heisman Trophy favorite, C.J. Stroud last week. Both teams need a victory to see their postseason hopes turn to more of a reality.

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Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: October 7, 2022
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: Fox Sports 1 (FS1)
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)

Nebraska at Rutgers injury report:

Rutgers:

  • DL Mohamed Toure – Out for season (knee), LB Moses Walker – Out for season (knee), QB Gavin Wimsatt – Questionable (Undisclosed), RB Aaron Young – Out Indefinitely (Undisclosed)

Nebraska:

  • RB Ajay Allen – Out for season (Undisclosed), TE Thomas  Fidone II – Out Indefinitely (Knee), WR Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda – Questionable (Undisclosed), OL Nouredin Nouili – Out for season (Suspension)

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Players to watch:

Casey Thompson (Nebraska – QB): Thompson is an athlete, there’s no question. He showed some dual-threat ability last season at Texas, but his rushing numbers have not been strong this season as a result of being sacked 14 times through five games sacks through the first five games (sacked 16 times in 12 games last season). Against Indiana, Thompson threw for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception while adding a score on the ground. Rutgers defense should provide more of a hinderance, but Thompson should still make a few explosive plays.

Tyreem Powell (Rutgers – LB): Powell will have the tough task of keeping Thompson in check Friday night. He currently leads Rutgers with three sacks on the season, and considering the lack of protection the Nebraska quarterback has received so far, he could add to that total against Nebraska. The entire defense may only have 9 total sacks, but they have come from all three levels. Even if the Huskers can somehow keep Powell in check, they will likely be facing pressure all evening.

Trey Palmer (Nebraska – WR): The LSU transfer is coming off a breakout performance against Indiana. Last weekend, Palmer hauled in eight catches for 157 yards and a touchdown after not logging over 100 yards in a game in his collegiate career prior. He leads his team in receptions with 36, receiving yards with 480 and receiving touchdowns with two. Palmer has provided a source of optimism for the Cornhusker offense, and Rutgers will have its hands full trying to contain him.

Samuel Brown (Rutgers – RB): The true freshman out of Philadelphia received some extra early season reps due to injuries in the backfield and took the reigns of the running back rotation. He is now the leader in the backfield with 210 total yards and is tied for the team lead with two rushing touchdowns. He is second on the team in carries, but only four off the leader and his 5.0 average yards per carry are stronger than the man ahead of him. No longer a change of pace back, Brown paces the backfield and is a problem for any opposing defense.

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Rutgers vs. Ohio State: Stream, injury report, broadcast info for Saturday

Rutgers takes on No. 3 Ohio State Saturday. Get the latest news, including where to watch the game

Rutgers plays No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

If you know anything about the history between these two teams, then you know Rutgers has been dominated every time they’ve taken on Ohio State. Do not expect a different result today. After starting the year 3-0 once again, the Scarlet Knights stumbled to start Big Ten play last week. They fell to Iowa 27-10 in a game that never truly felt that close. There is a clear gap in the level of talent between these two programs. Rutgers is in the early stages of a program rebuild. Ohio State is No. 3 in the country in every poll, is a perennial power house, and has future NFL players throughout their roster – including their bench. The Buckeyes have the leader for the Heisman Trophy under center and have one of the best recruiting classes each and every year. Expect this game to be over before the end of the first quarter.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: Saturday, October 1, 2022
  • Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: Big Ten Network
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)

Rutgers at Ohio State injury report:

Rutgers:

  • DL Mohamed Toure – Out for season (knee), QB Noah Vedral – Questionable (Undisclosed), LB Moses Walker – Out for season (knee), QB Gavin Wimsatt – Questionable (Undisclosed), RB Aaron Young – Questionable (Undisclosed)

Ohio State:

  • WR Kamryn Babb – Out indefinitely (Knee), CB Jordan Hancock – Questionable (Undisclosed), CB Lloyd McFarquhar – Questionable (Undisclosed), LB Mitchell Melton – Out for season (Knee), LB Teradja Mitchell – Questionable (Undisclosed), RB Evan Pryor – Out for season (Knee), TE Joe Royer – Questionable (Undisclosed), WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Questionable (Hamstring)

Players to watch:

Al-Shadee Salaam (Rutgers – RB): The sophomore running back has stepped up in a big way in the running back rotation. He has rushed 25 times for 145 yards (5.8 ypc) and two touchdowns.

Samuel Brown (Rutgers – RB): Many fans may not have expected to see this much of the true freshman out of Philadelphia this season, but injuries combined with a strong spring and strong showing in non-conference games have led to Brown being a staple in the backfield. He has 27 rushing attempts for 131 yards (4.9 ypc) and is also tied for the team lead with two rushing touchdowns.

C.J. Stroud (Ohio State – QB): If you aren’t familiar with how good Stroud is, just watch this game. He is going to pad his Heisman resume in a big way. He is tied for the No. 1 spot in the country with 16 touchdowns and just one interception. He has thrown for 1222 yards on 112 attempts and completed passes at a 70.5 percent clip. He has been exciting to watch and you’ll be watching him on Sundays next year.

Four-star Samuel Brown, a new position coach and no Isiah Pacheco highlights an evolving Rutgers running backs room

Kyle Monangai reacts to a new running backs coach and four-star Samuel Brown joining Rutgers football.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Redshirt sophomore Kyle Monangai is now one of the leaders and upperclassmen of the running backs room for Rutgers football. It is a position group that has seen some significant changes this offseason.

First, Isiah Pacheco is gone, the All-Big Ten selection taking his talent to the NFL where he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. And now Andrew Aurich is the new running backs coach, as he shifts from his previous role with the offensive line in a swapping of positions with Augie Hoffman.

For Monangai, who is expected to have a greater role in the offense this season, the changes are all good things. One of the new faces in the room is freshman Samuel Brown, a four-star running back who joined the program in June.

Oh, and Brown is fast. NFL caliber-fast. Cheetah fast.

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Monangai has been impressed with Brown so far.

“Sam’s great. Yeah, he’s got a good head on his shoulders and he’s doing everything he needs to do,” Monangai said on Wednesday following practice.

Aurich spent the previous two years coaching the offensive line and now shifts to the running backs room. It isn’t an easy task for Aurich, given that Rutgers lost a running back in Pacheco who was arguably the best player on their roster a season ago.

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Monangai was asked about how Aurich is settling in with the unit and his new role.

“So he was obviously the O-Line coach last year and now he’s running back coach. It is giving us a different perspective,” Monangai said.

“I’d say you know, the O-Line perspectives run game stuff. Pass protection stuff has been different too. And it’s good to get coaching tips from a different perspective.”

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Rutgers commit, four-star recruit Samuel Brown named league MVP

Rutgers football verbal commit Samuel Brown named Philadelphia Catholic League MVP.

 

Samuel Brown was named the Most Valuable Player of the Philadelphia Catholic League this week, the Rutgers football commit putting together a really  solid senior season.

A four-star running back and one of the top players in Pennsylvania, Brown is a big part of the Rutgers 2022 recruiting class. His class features several other four-star players including offensive tackle Jacob Allen, linebacker Moses Walker, wide receiver Amarion Brown and defensive end Kenny Fletcher.

Brown was a big part of La Salle’s 9-2 finish to the season that included a 4-1 record in league action.

Their season ended last week in a 35-7 loss at St. Joseph’s Prep.

“I would say that every year I set goals for myself that I reach to achieve and getting MVP of our league was one of them,” Brown told ‘Rutgers Wire’ on Thursday.

“As I continue my career in college I plan on having many other goals that I hope to achieve but it’s going to come with a lot of hard work.”

 

Brown will enroll at Rutgers this summer. He plans on playing as a guard for the La Salle basketball team this winter.

Four-star Rutgers verbal Samuel Brown on his senior season, direction of Scarlet Knights rebuilding

Rutgers football four-star running back Samuel Brown talks about the Scarlet Knights rebuilding.

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Four-star running back Samuel Brown is one of the big pieces for a deep and loaded recruiting class for Rutgers football.

A four-star in the 247Sports composite and the No. 12 player in Pennsylvania in their rankings, Brown is having a strong season for La Salle. He has 959 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. He also had a nice 25-yard touchdown pass on a trick play last week.

No, it really was a nice throw, into tight coverage no less. Did anyone say WildKnight?

Brown is optimistic and upbeat about the direction and growth of Rutgers, a program he says is heading in the right direction under head coach Greg Schiano. Rutgers went 3-6 a season ago in Schiano’s first season with the program and he has the Scarlet Knights at 4-5 (1-5 Big Ten) this season.

“Coach Schiano, this is his first full year. He’s getting in there, he’s getting a feel for everything. He’s rebuilding a program and you can see that from the good start they’ve had at 3-0,” Brown told ‘Rutgers Wire’ on Thursday night. “You can see the program is rising and heading in the right direction.

“You don’t panic over things like that, you keep working at it.”

(What are Rutgers recruits saying about the team’s rebuild and season record?)

A big reason why Brown is so fully vested in Rutgers is because of the strong communication and bond he is forming with his fellow recruits and the coaching staff.

“I talk to them every day, we have a great relationship. Everything is going great with them, coach Schiano, coach Fran [Brown] and my running backs coach [Augie Hoffman],” Brown said.

“I talk to coach Fran the most but I also talk to my position coach, coach Aug.”

He also has forged a strong bond with Gavin Wimsatt, who was originally a member of the 2022 recruiting class but graduated early from high school and enrolled at Rutgers in September.

“Gavin, he just tells me that he envisions me and all the other recruits coming in there, getting in there and doing our thing and helping the program as much as we can,” Brown said. “He’s really excited being there.”

Brown is hopeful that Saturday’s playoff game for La Salle against St. Joseph’s Prep at historic Franklin Field will see him not only top 1,000 rushing yards but also come away with a win.

“That’s what I want to do, hopefully, I can get it in this game coming. I’m just focused on winning, hopefully as the game goes that happens but I’m focused on winning,” Brown said.

“I’ll be grateful to get it but I want to win the game more.”

Brown plans on joining Rutgers in the summer. This winter after football he will play on the La Salle basketball team where he starts at either guard position.