Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano sees freshman Gavin Wimsatt acclimating to the fast-paced world of college football.
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Last week, Gavin Wimsatt went from high school football player to Rutgers quarterback, all in less than 48 hours. It was a rapid change to go from Friday night lights to Big Ten athlete, one that Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano says is understandable coming fast and furious for his newest freshman.
It is a transition and learning curve that Schiano says is being helped by Wimsatt’s new teammates at the college level. So far, the Scarlet Knights head coach is pleased with Wimsatt’s ability to handle the changes and the progress that has been made so far.
And it isn’t just a transition for Wimsatt as Rutgers is learning this process as well, as unique of an opportunity as there is in college football. The four-star quarterback is now the second player since the institution of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) in the NCAA to accelerate his senior season and graduate early.
Wimsatt was able to graduate by the third game of his senior season, allowing him to make this move to Rutgers and college football a year early.
“Well, I think we’re still in the middle of it,” Schiano told reporters on Monday when asked about this transition for Wimsatt.
“I mean he’s only been here for less than a week, right? No, just over a week.
“But I think he’s doing a good job of just finding his way. Get his books, get to class – he’s been to some classes, he’s kind of living in college life now. But you can imagine it’s like drinking out of a firehose right? One minute you’re playing in a high school football game and the next minute you’re sitting in a college class. So, we’re just kind of helping them along and I think the guys – really the players have done a great job accepting him and helping him learn to learn the ropes.”
And of course, there are obvious questions about eligibility. There is significant excitement and hype about Wimsatt’s arrival and the expectation, perhaps a bit premature, is that the freshman could see some run this season.
Schiano noted that in terms of being integrated into the program, Wimsatt is eligible to be a part of the team.
With FCS opponent Delaware coming into town this weekend, Schiano was asked if Wimsatt could potentially suit up and play. It is a complicated question and answer for sure.
Ten days ago, Wimsatt was a high school senior. Now he’s in college practicing with future NFL players. He has talent but hasn’t had a training camp.
It isn’t as simple as throwing him in at the end of a game to get some live experience.
“Gavin is eligible to do everything now. He’s eligible to practice in full pads, he’s eligible to dress for the games and everything,” Schiano said.
“So he’s an eligible player by NCAA rules.”
