By Tyler Barto

Twitter: @Tyler_Barto

tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — In an effort to stabilize Rutgers' defensive line rotation, rush end Quanzell Lambert has doubled at the traditional end position the last two weeks.

Lambert was part of a three-man rotation at end against Michigan with starter Dwjany Mera and Julian Pinnix-Odrick. Mera (lower body) was listed as probable that week.

"It's no different from R, just now my hand's in the dirt — that's the biggest difference," Lambert said of the rush position, which requires a two-point stance. "I don't have the vision of the backfield that I used to when I was standing up at the R."

Lambert, Mera and Pinnix-Odrick combined for two tackles and 0.5 sacks against Michigan. Lambert was called for a hands-to-the-face penalty.

The rush end, which lines up on the outside shoulder of the tackle, has more space to account for since it usually lines up on the weak side of a formation. The traditional end often sees a tight end or slot receiver to his side.

"At rush you rarely get double-teamed," Lambert said. "But at end you look forward to getting double-teamed. That is one different role that I'm taking over right now."

Rutgers also mixed in different three-man fronts against Michigan, mostly on passing downs. The multiple-look defense accentuates Rutgers' undersized, speedy front, which requires more movement at the line of scrimmage.

"What you have to have to be multiple on defense is smart football players," head coach Kyle Flood said. "You're asking them to do a lot of different things and fit into a lot of different places, both in the run and in your coverage."