(AP photo)

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

Few could have imagined Kemoko Turay's rapid development through two games, during which time he leads Rutgers with three sacks.

But that's the luxury Rutgers has found in the Newark native with two full years of football to his name.

"It's clicked a lot," Turay said Saturday after recording another sack in a 38-25 victory against Howard. "Last year I didn't know anything, but this year I know a lot, from the guard to the center to the fullback. That's a big learning experience for me when I came in last year as a freshman. I'm still learning a lot. I don't know a lot about the plays, but I'm willing to learn. I want it to click like this [snaps fingers]. I know the plays, but I want it to click [snaps fingers]."

At 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, Turay's speed rush around Howard left tackle Toree Boyd was textbook. But he also showed promise with a bull-rush sack against Washington State.

"Once it all clicks for him in terms of all of his responsibilities and he’s confident," defensive end David Milewski said, "he’s probably the best pass rusher on the team."

His quick improvement is one of several reasons Rutgers can now rotate freely along the defensive line. Considered a pass-rush specialist at Rutgers' revamped rush-end position, Turay has played more than expected on first and second down.

"If I have it all figured out, I feel like I can carry this team," said Turay, who played one year of varsity football at Newark's Barringer High. "That's what I really want to do. That's my determination, and that's why I came to Rutgers in the first place. ... I've got a lot of stuff put on my shoulders and I'm ready."