Saturday, August 31, 2013
Dave Cohen asks much of Rutgers' Jamal Merrell at Fresno State
 |
| Jamal Merrell said he expected to take on a pass-rushing role in 2013, but coordinator Dave Cohen might rely on his base defense against pass-heavy offenses. (Tyler Barto) |
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
The busiest man on the field Thursday in Fresno, Calif.? That'd be Jamal Merrell, the 6-foot-4 linebacker Rutgers often asked to play along the perimeter.
Merrell finished with eight tackles, second on the team, but no defender endured more responsibility in coordinator Dave Cohen's first outing.
Read more »Labels: Dave Cohen, Fresno State, Jamal Merrell, Kyle Flood
Friday, August 30, 2013
Rutgers' Gary Nova's season opener revolves around quick-twitch decisions
 |
| Ten of Gary Nova's 41 pass attempts Thursday night left his hand in less than two seconds. Coordinator Ron Prince's offense has been based around quick reads, Nova said. (Tyler Barto) |
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Gary Nova recorded 41 pass attempts against Fresno State, the fourth most of his career. I timed how long each throw took from the snap to release.
Read more »Labels: Gary Nova, Kyle Flood, Ron Prince
Season opener at Fresno State displays new mold of Rutgers offense
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Rutgers' Ruhann Peele's journey begins at Fresno State
 |
| Ruhann Peele will appear in his first game with Rutgers tonight. A few plays could determine if he sees more time. (Tyler Barto) |
The first installment of a season-long look following redshirt freshman Ruhann Peele
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — The last few nights for Ruhann Peele have gone like this: tossing and turning in his on-campus bed, thinking about Rutgers' offense and occasionally pulling out his team-issued iPad for mental fuel.
Read more »Labels: Ruhann Peele, The Season
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Quotable: Rutgers' Dave Cohen talks Kyle Flood, Tampa and recruiting
 |
| Head coach Kyle Flood begins his first and only season in the American in nearly 24 hours. His close friend, Dave Cohen, will do the same but with more responsibility. (Tyler Barto/ file photo) |
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Dave Cohen, 46, has never called plays at a potential BCS-qualifying school. That will change Thursday night, when Cohen becomes the first coordinator directly outside Greg Schiano's coaching tree to impact Rutgers.
The Trentonian profiled Cohen in its season preview, but here's what Cohen said Aug. 10 at Rutgers' media day that didn't make the cut:
Read more »Labels: Dave Cohen, Greg Schiano, Kyle Flood, Quotable, Robb Smith
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Rutgers' Dave Cohen could use Lorenzo Waters in balancing act
Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova prefers to let play in 2013 define him
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — Gary Nova isn't issuing any grand public statements. He won't offer up a 60-percent completion percentage goal like last year.
In fact, the only meaningful talking he's doing these days is with coordinator Ron Prince, with whom he has more input than any playcaller that's preceded him.
Read more »Labels: Gary Nova, Kyle Flood, Ron Prince
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Rutgers' Steve Longa learns from Hyatt hotel gaffe
 |
| Steve Longa's philosophy shift came after several blunders during a defensive meeting before a 2012 home game. (Tyler Barto) |
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Steve Longa spent the early part of the 2012 season in a trance.
Longa, eventually destined to redshirt, peered ahead and saw four more years of eligibility remaining. So when veteran Steve Beauharnais told him to enjoy every moment, Longa brushed it off.
Read more »Labels: Dave Cohen, Steve Longa
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Leonte Carroo, Rutgers await sophomore's first role in game plan
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Despite enjoying arguably Rutgers' best individual performance during training camp, not even Leonte Carroo knows how he'll be used in the team's offense.
That figures to change when Rutgers installs its first game plan of the season this week in preparation for its Aug. 29 season opener at Fresno State.
Read more »Labels: Leonte Carroo, Ron Prince
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
In their own words: Rutgers players reflect on training camp
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Tuesday's practice signaled the end of Rutgers' 19-day training camp, ushering in game preparation for Fresno State in the team's Aug. 29 season opener.
The Trentonian caught up with Steve Longa, Marcus Thompson and Lorenzo Waters to re-hash their training camp memories that ranged the spectrum. The following are their stories through their own eyes.
Read more »Labels: Lorenzo Waters, Marcus Thompson, Steve Longa
Rutgers' Betim Bujari breaks down pre-snap reads: 'There's a lot'
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
A few weeks ago we profiled middle linebacker Steve Longa, who's required to make all the front-seven calls based on the offense's personnel and formation.
The same role applies to center Betim Bujari, who must read a defense and relay signals to the rest of the offensive line before the snap.
Read more »Labels: Betim Bujari, Ron Prince
Monday, August 19, 2013
Rutgers' Kyle Flood faces rotation issue along offensive line, more from practice
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — Kyle Flood said Monday he may be forced to play six or seven offensive linemen, much like he admitted early in his first season.
It is the latest development in a series of moves that have clouded the line's stability.
Read more »Labels: Andre Civil, Brandon Coleman, Kyle Flood, Tyler Kroft
Tyler Kroft develops better understanding of Rutgers offense
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — Tyler Kroft met the media for the first time during training camp last week, largely updating the condition of his sprained ankle.
But when asked about the differences in this year's offense, Kroft's answer was revealing.
Read more »Labels: Ron Prince, tight end, Tyler Kroft
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Quotable: Johnathan Aiken, Tejay Johnson talk sub-packages, depth chart and more
Saturday, August 17, 2013
As second scrimmage approaches, Savon Huggins', others' carries remain uncertain
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Savon Huggins hasn't taken a second-team snap during training camp, but Rutgers' unclear backfield makes for an interesting case study. Entering Saturday night's final team scrimmage, carries remain available.
Read more »Labels: Kyle Flood, Ron Prince, Savon Huggins, zone blocking
Friday, August 16, 2013
Rutgers' final decision on personnel nears for Johnathan Aiken, others
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Several players agree: Saturday night's scrimmage at High Point Solutions Stadium will be the final opportunity before coaches put near-finishing touches on the depth chart and formation personnel.
Read more »Labels: Johnathan Aiken, sub-packages, Tejay Johnson, Terminology Talk
Brandon Coleman in on 7-on-7s as Fresno State looms, needs to find "next gear"
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Brandon Coleman participated in 7-on-7s on Thursday for the first time in training camp, another sign Rutgers' top receiver is making progress for a season opener less than two weeks away.
Read more »Labels: Brandon Coleman, Fresno State, rehab
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Quotable: Ruhann Peele on Jamal Merrell, trash talking and more
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Gary Nova sits again, Antwan Lowery returns as Kyle Flood meets media
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — Gary Nova didn't practice for both two-a-day practices for the second time in three days Wednesday, but head coach Kyle Flood insists it was planned.
Read more »Labels: Antwan Lowery, defensive line, Gary Nova, Kyle Flood
Rutgers' Ruhann Peele: 'It's a natural attitude'
 |
| Ruhann Peele was recruited lightly out of Linden, and he's trying to gain a foothold in 2013 as a slot receiver. He says he just started being able to read defenses as a redshirt freshman. (Tyler Barto) |
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — The education of Ruhann Peele begins and ends with seven 150-by-six-foot holding patterns.
Read more »Labels: film study, Kyle Flood, Ruhann Peele, wide receiver
On eve of wedding, Jamal Merrell prepares for another new role: pass rusher
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — Expect Jamal Merrell to inherit Steve Beauharnais' role as an edge rusher on third downs this season.
The fifth-year senior is gearing up as a pass rusher after primarily serving in pass coverage the last two seasons.
Read more »Labels: dime defense, Jamal Merrell, Jamil Merrell
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
As zone blocking arrives, Damian Wroblewski takes center stage
Monday, August 12, 2013
Freshman File: Andre Patton says approach hasn't changed at Rutgers
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Even at 6-foot-4, Andre Patton still looks up to Brandon Coleman.
The wiry true freshman has drawn head coach Kyle Flood's attention, namely through Saturday's first scrimmage at High Point Solutions Stadium. For his part, Patton has tried to emulate the hulking 6-foot-6 Coleman, the blueprint for Rutgers' receivers.
Read more »Labels: Andre Patton, Brandon Coleman, Freshman File, wide receiver
Quotable: Janarion Grant on punt returns, Rutgers' Jeremy Cole and more
 |
| Janarion Grant appears the biggest threat to fifth-year senior Quron Pratt at punt returner, although Rutgers traditionally values experience there. (Tyler Barto) |
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Through more than a week in Piscataway, Janarion Grant has shown quick-twitch ability and change of direction skills as a slot receiver. His stock has risen at similar speed.
He has drawn attention from all parties, including Brandon Coleman, who shared a private moment with Grant during warm-ups before a practice last week.
The true freshman touched on a number of subjects at media day, found below:
Read more »Labels: Brandon Coleman, Janarion Grant, punt returns, Quotable, wide receiver
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Quanzell Lambert plays weight-ing game in new pass rush role
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — No one has been busier in the past week than Quanzell Lambert. The redshirt freshman, officially converted to defensive end, finds himself in new packages, meets privately to understand technique and rushes to get to a new normal playing weight.
Read more »Labels: defensive line, dime defense, Jim Panagos, Quanzell Lambert
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Freshman File: Sebastian Joseph makes transition to three-technique
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — Sebastian Joseph, a true freshman with little experience to draw on as an interior linemen, is impressing as a three-technique.
Read more »Labels: Freshman File, Jim Panagos, Sebastian Joseph
Quotable: Kyle Flood from Rutgers media day
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — Kyle Flood held his media day press conference Saturday, hours after Rutgers' first training camp scrimmage and a commitment from four-star wide receiver Saeed Blacknall from Manalapan.
You can find our story from the scrimmage linked, but here's a cut of what Flood said in the team's recruiting lounge:
Read more »Labels: Kyle Flood, media day, Quotable
An early look at Rutgers' pass, run games from Scrimmage No. 1
 |
| Gary Nova made quick work of his debut in Ron Prince's offense, recording only two incompletions in three different team periods in Saturday's first team scrimmage. (AP File Photo) |
By
Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY
— The few outside observers allowed inside Saturday for Rutgers’ first
scrimmage saw an offense Saturday that scrapped its conservative roots.
Gary
Nova handled all three of the team’s practice settings — traditional
down-and-distance, red zone, two-minute drill — with ease, connecting with six
different receivers.
Read more »Labels: Gary Nova, Justin Goodwin, Paul James, Ron Prince, Savon Huggins
Unofficial stats from Rutgers' first scrimmage
Friday, August 9, 2013
Michael Burton's role is one of few unknowns left with Ron Prince
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Through more than a week of training camp, Michael Burton isn't sure how he'll be used outside of a blocking role in Ron Prince's offense.
Burton said he figures he'll lead more outside zone runs instead of traditional isolation blocks in Prince's zone system.. But other than that, Burton can only anticipate.
Read more »Labels: Michael Burton, Ron Prince, running backs, zone blocking
Chris Muller: 'I was a terrible pass blocker' arriving at Rutgers
 |
| Chris Muller knew little of zone-blocking schemes and pass-blocking techniques growing up in Boyertown, Pa. Now? He's a starting right guard in a pro-style offense. (Tyler Barto) |
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Ten plays dotted Chris Muller's playbook at Boyertown (Pa.) High School. He is now being tasked with understanding his second offensive scheme in as many years, adjusting to zone blocking and doing so as a starting right guard.
Read more »Labels: Antwan Lowery, Chris Muller, Ron Prince, zone blocking
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Before the snap, Rutgers' Steve Longa's work really begins
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Steve Longa is staring.
He squats in a two-point stance, trying to read a developing play run during positional drills Tuesday. Three linebackers line up as a center and guards in front of him.
Read more »Labels: Dave Cohen, dime defense, Steve Longa
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Rutgers adds layers to defense, plus talk of the read option
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — The read option has become a buzzword in the NFL, so much so SI's Greg Bedard wrote a piece for the MMQB tracing the play sequence's college roots.
Kevin Snyder said Rutgers' linebackers have worked against it briefly with defensive coordinator Dave Cohen through nearly a week of training camp. Cohen has focused on defending Rutgers' zone schemes and play-action looks that follow.
Read more »Labels: Kevin Snyder, read option
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Gary Nova details film study, new features of Ron Prince's offense
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — As Rutgers prepares for the first of five two-a-day practices Wednesday, its quarterback is taking care of all the minutiae away from the field.
Junior Gary Nova meets more often now with quarterbacks coach Rob Spence and offensive coordinator Ron Prince because of NCAA-imposed rules on practice time, as well as a layover period before preparing for Rutgers' first opponent.
Read more »Labels: Gary Nova, Ron Prince
Kyle Flood reveals criteria, candidates for Rutgers' punt returner
 |
| Quron Pratt appears the most likely candidate to fulfill Kyle Flood's prerequisites at punt returner. (Tyler Barto) |
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — Kyle Flood said Tuesday he will value dependability above all else in determining Rutgers' punt returner during training camp.
Read more »Labels: Kyle Flood, punt returns, Quron Pratt
Follow-up: how Rutgers' defense could look on third downs
 |
| Jamil Merrell said he wouldn't be surprised if he moved to defensive tackle on passing downs, opening up potential for four pass rushers on a given play. Four-and-a-half of his 5.5 sacks in 2012 came at tackle. (Tyler Barto) |
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Jamil Merrell, now at defensive end, said Sunday he wouldn't be surprised if he moved inside on passing downs. The look would give Rutgers four pass rushers across the line, potentially including 257-pound three-technique Darius Hamilton.
Read more »Labels: Darius Hamilton, defensive line, Jamil Merrell
Monday, August 5, 2013
How tackle Keith Lumpkin fits in new Rutgers scheme
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Keith Lumpkin is 6-foot-8, weighs 315 pounds and has a seven-foot wingspan.
And yet, as Rutgers adds more movement-centric zone-blocking schemes, could Lumpkin's size be a liability? Lumpkin, pegged as Rutgers' starting left tackle, doesn't think so.
Read more »Labels: Jamil Merrell, Keith Lumpkin, zone blocking
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Kyle Flood names captains, including Gary Nova, early
FILM STUDY: Rutgers' Kaleb Johnson dissects zone blocking
 |
| Inserted at left guard after two seasons at tackle, Kaleb Johnson could be Rutgers' blueprint as it focuses on more zone-blocking concepts. (Tyler Barto) |
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — Kaleb Johnson pulled to his left Friday, picking up an oncoming defensive end as Rutgers' backfield awaited a series of keys on a run play.
It was textbook execution, and chances are more of it will come as Rutgers features more zone blocking than it has in recent history.
Read more »Labels: film study, Kaleb Johnson, Ron Prince, zone blocking
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Lewis Toler talks Rutgers' NFL output, Dave Cohen and more
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Nearly six months after Western Michigan fired Bill Cubit, Lewis Toler jettisoned Kalamazoo, Mich. His arrival at Rutgers offers a stopgap at a cornerback position in need of one.
You can find Friday's first training camp feature on Toler linked, but here is more from Toler that didn't make the cut:
Read more »Labels: Kaleb Johnson, Lewis Toler, Lorenzo Waters, Quotable, Terminology Talk
Friday, August 2, 2013
How Rutgers' Jeremy Deering's learning curve affects Lorenzo Waters
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
PISCATAWAY — Despite early woes in pass coverage last season, Lorenzo Waters emerged as a quick study against the run. The first-year starter finished with 6.5 tackles for loss, the most in Rutgers' secondary.
Why was Waters, a junior, so effective?
Read more »Labels: Jeremy Deering, Lorenzo Waters, secondary
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Peering into Rutgers' Dave Cohen's defense
 |
| Defensive coordinator Dave Cohen has yet to call a play, but a few details about his defense are starting to emerge. (AP Photo) |
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Unmasking new coordinator Dave Cohen's defense isn't easy, especially without a training camp practice or pads. But a few things about Cohen's system are clear.
Read more »Labels: Dave Cohen, Isaac Holmes, Kevin Snyder, Terminology Talk
TOP 20: Proving it in Piscataway (No. 1)
 |
| Because of how Rutgers' offense might look and the scrutiny that comes with the position, junior quarterback Gary Nova has the most to prove in 2013. (AP Photo) |
By Tyler Barto
Twitter: Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com
Players report to the start of Rutgers training camp today. This top-20 countdown concludes today (check the rest of the blog for an archive), documenting who's got the most to prove in 2013.
Read more »Labels: 20113, Gary Nova, Ron Prince, Rutgers, Top 20
RSS
