By Tyler Barto

Twitter: @Tyler_Barto

tbarto@trentonian.com

At his home in Jacksonville, Fla., Kaleb Johnson made the decision he says he always planned to but left in doubt publicly: return to Rutgers in 2014 for his senior season.

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By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Following a season in which Rutgers was tied for 102nd nationally in sacks allowed per game, right guard Chris Muller says pass protection was a priority in the offseason.
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By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

New defensive coordinator Joe Rossi hasn't wasted much time in offering subtle tweaks to Rutgers' defensive philosophy.
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Kain Colter and Northwestern won an early court decision Wednesday for the potential right to unionize as student-athletes. (AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — The Northwestern football team's first minor victory in earning the right to unionize Wednesday hit close to home at Rutgers, where senior David Milewski thought about how it could impact his lengthy medical history.
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By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Rutgers' Leonte Carroo has had only one practice in new offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen's system, but the junior had nearly all offseason to digest it.
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By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — Rutgers' Steve Longa and Kevin Snyder officially swapped positions Tuesday, but the differences are minimal in the team's defensive framework.
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Gary Nova has 28 career starts, but erratic play and criticism have followed. He is listed as an 'OR' on Rutgers' pre-spring depth chart. (AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY ― Despite cornering the market in every statistical category, Gary Nova is no lock to start, according to Rutgers' pre-spring depth chart.
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OFFENSE

Quarterback: Gary Nova OR Mike Bimonte/Blake Rankin/Chris Laviano/Devin Ray

Running back: Paul James (Savon Huggins injured ― shoulder)

Fullback: Michael Burton

Tight end: Tyler Kroft

Wide receiver (X position): Leonte Carroo

Wide receiver (Y position): Ruhann Peele

Offensive line (LT to RT): Keith Lumpkin, Kaleb Johnson, Betim Bujari, Chris Muller, Taj Alexander

DEFENSE

End: Djwany Mera

Nose tackle: Kenneth Kirksey

Three technique: Darius Hamilton

'R' end: Quanzell Lambert

Strongside linebacker: Quentin Gause

Middle linebacker: Kevin Snyder

Weakside linebacker: Steve Longa

Cornerbacks: Gareef Glashen, Anthony Cioffi

Strong safety: Lorenzo Waters

Free safety: Johnathan Aiken OR Delon Stephenson

INJURY REPORT

Out: Mezo Cooper (knee), Huggins (shoulder)

Limited: James (shoulder), Kroft (shoulder), Lambert (shoulder), Longa (lower body), Milewski (lower body), tight end Logan Lister (ankle), linebacker L.J. Liston (hamstring)

REACTION

Injuries to Huggins and James leave Rutgers pretty slim in the backfield, but Goodwin is plenty capable in a heavier role. ... No fifth-year transfers mean the Scarlet Knights' secondary remains largely unproven. ... There is little in the way of depth outside of Rutgers' top-three linebackers. ... One of the team's younger receivers (Carlton Agudosi, Janarion Grant, Andre Patton, etc.) must step up.

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — Jamal Merrell says he's up to 230 pounds, the most he's carried in his career, in an attempt to show NFL scouts he can add bulk while moving in coverage.
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By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Rutgers is one of 12 schools nationally hosting pro days Wednesday, when a few interesting prospects could vault themselves into an NFL Draft discussion.

Here's everything you need to know in Piscataway:
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By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

NEWTOWN, Pa. — Quron Pratt is a week away from Rutgers' March 12 pro day, where the 6-foot receiver from Palmyra can significantly improve his draft stock with a solid performance.
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