Rutgers portal11/13/2023 Rutgers’ offense will only be as successful as their O-Line lets it be, and if the Scarlet Knights’ offense can’t stay on the field, their defense won’t be as good either. Rutgers might have Gavin Wimsatt under center, Samuel Brown V in the backfield, and have brought in multiple big-time transfer receivers, but none of that matters if the offensive line doesn’t step up in a big way this season. A solid run game is a necessity for any young quarterback to develop. Having a solid run game will take a lot of pressure off of Wimsatt’s shoulders. Running the ball well will not only tire out opposing defenses, but it will also keep them honest, allowing for more opportunities in the passing game. These types of drives wear down opposing defenses and allow the Knights defense time to rest. A solid running game is crucial for sustaining long drives and converting on short downs. Rutgers offense needs a solid running game. Stop the run, get pressure on the QB, and give the guys on the back end a chance to make some plays. Isaiah Iton, an Ole Miss transfer, will bring some SEC speed and freakish size to the middle of this D-line alongside returning big men Kyonte Hamilton and Mayan Ahanatou. Lewis will make plays which will open up opportunities for his teammates like Wes Bailey, a very talented pass rusher in his own right who came on very strong last season and Kenny Fletcher, a former highly ranked recruit who seems poised for a big year. Aaron Lewis is an absolute beast and the best player on this team. The strength of this Rutgers team will be the defensive unit and it starts up front. Rutgers defense should be solid, but always remember this-the best defense is an offense that controls the ball!įootball games are won in the trenches. Winning the battle in the trenches is of utmost importance. Protecting Wimsatt will help him properly go through his passing progressions and make accurate, well timed decisions. Rutgers has talent at the running back position, but it’s up to the B1G boys up front to create running lanes and separation at the line of scrimmage. Limiting turnovers and controlling the clock are two ways to accomplish this. In order for Rutgers offense to take a step forward, it has to stay on the field. Rutgers defense is its strength this year, and to be at its best the defensive line needs to live up to their potential. This group will be relied upon to clog up running lanes and sack the quarterback. They have also supplemented this group with transfer Isiah Iton and injury returnee Mo Toure. Rutgers brings back very talented veterans Aaron Lewis, Wesley Bailey, Keyonte Hamilton, and Mayan Ahanatou. Rutgers defensive line has the ability to be very good this year. The Gophers averaged 207 yards rushing per game, and 182 passing in 2022, so fully expect the same philosophy this season as OC KC relies heavily on the offensive line to spring Sam Brown V and the running backs. New offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, who just happened to coach the Gophers’ offense last season, will lean heavily on the running game, and that requires stellar line play. The Knights finally have size on that side of the ball. Rutgers is tied with Illinois for the 3rd heaviest offensive line, size-wise, in the Big Ten, trailing only Penn State and Minnesota. But what also needs to happen is receivers get open and make some plays downfield. Yes, Rutgers needs to protect its young quarterback and yes, Gavin Wimsatt needs to be effective. Chris Long is a name that has a chance to step up this season. Greg Schiano addressed this need in the transfer portal with the addition of Jaquae Jackson and Naseim Brantley. The lack of weapons on the outside can be an issue for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers needs to improve up front but it also needs pass catchers to step up. The offensive line is going to be a popular answer here - as it should be. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Outside of QB, what will be the most important position group for Rutgers this season? How will the season play out for Rutgers? Below, check out the staff here at OTB’s responses to some major questions heading into the 2023 campaign. After a full offseason of waiting, fans will get to see their Scarlet Knights back on the field, hoping to take a step forward this year. The 2023 Rutgers Football season will begin on Sunday at SHI Stadium against Northwestern.
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