Rutgers garnered the nation’s attention after winning their season opener on the road against the Boston College Eagles on Saturday, but what most caught Rutgers recruits’ attention about the upset victory? We met with some recruits who watched the game (which was pretty tough since it was broadcast on the ACC network which most New Jerseyans don’t have) and learned what resonated most about the game from their viewing on their sofas.
willy lovea four-star junior recruit at Woodrow Wilson in Camden, NJ, who is ranked four stars and the No. 6 player in NJ.com’s new Top 50, says the two teams got into a “dogfight” from which Rutgers prevailed.
“That was the perfect way to get into an opponent’s territory and not play,” said Love, who has offers from both schools. “Rutgers had a lot of energy. They made mistakes, but they stayed on fire and didn’t give up.”
Woodrow Wilson’s William Love (5) enters to hit Timber Creek’s Austin Brown (9) during the second quarter of the football game between Timber Creek and Woodrow Wilson, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Al Amrhein | For NJ Advance Medi
Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn, NY) four-star defensive end and offer from Rutgers brown chain he had a fight that day, but caught the end of the Rutgers victory from behind. And that was all he needed to see.
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“Rutgers’ intensity stood out,” said Brown, who understands how difficult it is to stop Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec. “Everyone played hard and it showed. I love to focus on line d and see what techniques I can learn. I was happy Rutgers won because there are some E-Hall players on their defense. We always want to see our family win no matter what school they go to.”
Georgetown Prep (Rockville, Maryland) three-star defensive lineman Nnamdi Udeogu officially visited Rutgers for two days beginning June 20. However, Rutgers, which is deep in the d line, hasn’t rushed him into a decision. Still, he has kept an eye on the schedule as he ponders his options, which include Vanderbilt and a host of Group of Five schools.
Rutgers DL targets Nnamdi Udeogu. (Photo courtesy of Udeogu)
“The Rutgers defense was fun to watch,” Udeogu said. “I think their offense will gradually mend and adapt to each other, but Saturday was a great testimonial for the defensive guys on the team. It was fun watching (Georgetown Prep alumnus) Kyonte Hamilton clog the interior and make some plays!
“My favorite part was the capture of Wes(law) Bailey,” added Washington, Pennsylvania. Fuse “Tank” SemajRutgers linebacker’s brother commits Davoun Fuse. “It was a very close match that didn’t surprise me because it was the first of the year. Rutgers just wanted it more.”
Henry Snyder sophomore (Jersey City, NJ) linebacker DJ McClarywhom Rutgers offered on April 9, also touched on the Rutgers d-line and how he “got to quarterback” and admits it was “good to see the home team win.”
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Washington Township (NJ) Rutgers and Senior Center Commitment john stone he was excited to watch his future linemates rate the Eagles’ defensive front in the fourth quarter of a “super physical” game.
“I loved the game-winning drive. They just ran the ball all over Boston College,” he said. “I thought we won the battle up front on both sides of the ball. Line o and line d were dancing.”
“The last drive to win the game stood out,” said the Delran (NJ) junior offensive lineman and Rutgers candidate. Kenny Jones. “Seeing the team focus on defense when they got tired was great.”
Hun’s Dante Barone (35) and Owen Wafle (32) try to get to Mastery Camden’s quarterback during the Hun and Mastery Camden football game at The Hun School in Princeton, New Jersey on Saturday, September 3, 2022. Scott Faytock | NJ Advanced Media
Senior Rutgers colleagues pledge dante baronea h-back from the Hun School at Princeton, also spoke of Rutgers’ bravery, and his edgy running back who rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries that day.
“I definitely noticed the toughness in the running game,” he said. “Kyle Monangai had a great day and the result was a great win. We needed this to get things going this season.”
Notre Dame (Lawrenceville, New Jersey) junior A. J. Surace he may be a quarterback, but he loves a good fight and applauds the Rutgers “fight,” how the team “competed” and “thought it was a great game.”
Rutgers DB commits Ian Strong. (Todderick Hunt)
rutgers commitment Ian Strong, from St. Anthony’s in Long Island City, New York, began watching the game in the fourth quarter with Rutgers trailing, 21-15, he said. He summed up the game on Monday after two days to take it all in.
“I loved how the defense was consistently making stops and giving the offense opportunities, and the offense took the opportunities and took advantage of it to have a great start to the season,” he said.
Rutgers colleagues pledge Dylan Braithwaitea wide receiver from Holy Trinity Diocesan in Hicksville, NY, less than an hour from Strong, said it best.
“They just never gave up,” he said. “They played like dogs until the clock hit zero. I can’t wait to be a part of it. BC could have played better, but Rutgers put up more of a fight and it resulted in a win.”
The new Rutgers WR commits Dylan Braithwaite. (Photo courtesy of Braithwaite)
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