Rutgers Scarlet Knights O:7 D:7
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights, were at one point the worst football program in the country. Head coach Greg Schiano and his staff have changed that around and are now looking to build a program for the years to come. This year they return 14 starters with a much healthier mentality now that the losing attitude is gone.
The Knights return lots of offensive firepower but the impact they will have all depends on quarterback Mike Teel taking charge as their new leader. The backfield looks solid with the running back – full back combo of Raymell Rice and Brian Leonard. The wide receiving unit returns Shawn Tucker and tight end Clark Harris who combined for 70 receptions last year. The offense should improve on their 29 points per game of last year, if Teel can get into the groove of this offense in time.
The defense of last year that gave up only 26 points per game, is a concern as a number of last years squad members are now gone. The secondary however is returning almost untouched, with 7 of 8 players returning. Special teams are lethal with Lou Groza Award hopeful kicker Jared (20 of 27 FG last year), and return men Willie Foster and Tiquan Underwood. This is a new Rutgers team with a new winning personality. There is no reason the Rutgers Scarlet Knights should not have a great chance at getting to a Bowl Game in 2006.
