You think PSU fans drink Kool-Aid?

[The Ancient Enemy]

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THE official RutgersAl Rutgers Season Preview Reply
2009 sees the Rutgers Football team replete with talent, depth, and experience and with the potential to join College Footballs elite fraternity. I have Rutgers ranked third in my preseason
poll, behind USC and Florida, but ahead of noted luminaries such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Penn State. Rutgers will win in 2009 because we are
among the deepest, most intelligent, best conditioned, best coached, and most talented teams in the country.

The biggest validation of the development of Rutgers players has been their
strong performances at the NFL combine, and then in the league itself.
Jeremy Zuttah is a prime example, finishing #1 at his position in some
combine categories and finishing #2 to Jake Long in the bench press.
He went on to start for Tampa Bay. Players like Zuttah are why NFL personnel are now taking notice of Rutgers. If nothing else,
a Rutgers player will know the playbook, give 110% in practice, and have the motivation to be the best player he can be.

Rutgers players are not only succeeding on the gridiorn, they're succeeding
in the classroom as well. Rutgers was ranked #3 with Duke in APR ranking,
the best performance of any state university in the nation. Rutgers was
the only program to win a bowl game and score in the top 10 percent in APR.
Thats why I like to think of Rutgers as Harvard from Monday thru Friday
and USC on Saturdays.

Given the caliber of players that Rutgers has successfully developed, I strongly
feel that we would win the ACC, BIG XII and Big 10; will win the Big East; and
would give Florida and USC all they could handle for the SEC and Pac 10 titles,
respectively. I really wish our game against Notre Dame wasn't cancelled, as
we would have HAMMERED them.

Now, its on to the preview.

I'm going to talk about our Offensive linemen first because
our Football success will be largely dependent on them.
The line is anchored by perhaps the best college football offensive linemen,
BIG DADDY ANTHONY DAVIS, who combines the mobility of a tight end, with
the strength of a powerlifter. Anthony is complemented by our right tackle, Kevin Haslem.
Kevin is another player who has transformed his body, coming to Rutgers
looking like a basketball player and now looking like an NFL offensive lineman.
Guards Caleb Ruch and Art Forst had their good spots and not so good spots when
they first started off in the lineup last season, but they got progressively
better as the season went along. Caleb is striving to fend off Howard Barbieri,
but don't be surprised if both players play significantly this season. As the
Center, Ryan Blazcek is the glue of the offensive line. He is another player
who has flourished, and is a Rimington Trophy candidate, given to the nations
best center.

While some college football running backs may be running away from the po-lice
in five years, some Rutgers running backs should be running in the NFL.
Our running backs, who are also among the nations best, are also going to be
integral to our teams prospects for success. Joe possesses excellent vision
and has a signifcant burst of speed, which was apparent when he took a direct snap and ran
around the end for td against Syracuse. He also ran for big
yards in the second half against NC State in the bowl game, and this helped
Rutgers win the game. Jourdan Brooks complements Martinek nicely and runs
with significant power. Brooks most productive games were against Navy where
he ran 22 times for 138 yards and against Louisville, where he ran 11 times
for 126 yards. Rocket Williams is the newcomer to the group who reminds some
of Ray Rice, but he reminds me of Reggie Bush. I don't think there is a better
corp of backs in the country.

With Rutgers quartebacks having barely any starting experience, the mandate
will probably be to manage the game, win first down, stay out of third and
long situations, and minimize costly turnovers. Tom Savage is a future
franchise quarterback but for now, Dominic Natale is the projected
starter, though both will likely see time.

Jack Corcoran figures to be an integral part of the offense in '09, just
as Brian Leonard was in 2006, as the offense figures to be more conservative
due to the new qb starters. Corcoran has vastly improved his blocking
and demonstrated tremendous hands when he made a fantastic catch in the NC
State bowl game. Andres Morales should be his backup, but must be in the doghouse,
since he's been relegated to third string. Morales is a punishing blocker
who flat out embarrasses linebackers when he is in the game.

The Tight end position is long on talent but short on experience. The starter
is Shamar Graves, who runs around a 4.5 40, and is impossible for a LB to cover.
Shamar had a number of important receptions last year and he has all the attributes
to be a star, but coach wants him to be more consistent. I'm VERY excited
about our new tight end walkon Tony Texas Tornado Trahan. He's huge
has soft hands, and I'm hopeful he will be the Rutgers version of Jeremy Shockey.
DC Jefferson also figures to play a role at tight end, but how big, remains
to be seen. The guy is huge at 6-6 and athletic, and if he can demonstrate
good hands, he'll be an NFL Lock.

Rutgers receivers led by Tim Brown, who has demonstrated good hands and big play ability, averaging
over 20 ypc, and has made a number of impressive td catches over the years.
Complementing Tim is future first round pick Mohamed Sanu. Sanu hails from
South Brunswick, and will likely bring a large contingent to all the games.
Sanu reminds me of Michael Crabtree because he is a flat out playmaker. Mark Harrison
also brings big time ability and he reminds me of Calvin Johnson. Marcus Cooper,
Tim Wright, Julian Hayes and others could also see time. What I'm really interested to see is how well our wide receivers block
on running plays. Thats something we took for granted with Kenny Britt and Tiquan
Underwood, who took their man out of the play on running downs.

After winning with airpower in 2008, I expect Rutgers to return to the 2006
offense, where the ground game dominates. Won't be surprised to see our tight
end and fullbacks see an increased role in the offense on passing plays
and am very much looking forward to witnessing the development of our young
wide receivers. If our receivers can hold on to the ball, and not suffer a
case of the dropsies as young receivers are prone to do, the offense will
be unstoppable.

After ranking #4 in total defense in 2006, the Rutgers defense slipped
in 2007 and 2008, ranking 17th and 33rd, respectively. This year the
defense should be back in the top 10, thanks to vastly improved depth across
the board, especially at the defensive tackle position.

The defense is led by Senior Captain and All American candidate Ryan D'Imperio,
who could be the best linebacker in the nation, and is the defenses heart and
soul, thanks to his outstanding play. Ryan is everything you want in a middle
linebacker, he's smart, he's eloquent, he's confident, he's tough, he's aggressive,
and he has an outstanding nose for the ball. Antonio Lowery
and Manny Abreu have huge shoes to fill in assuming Kevin Malasts wlb position. Lowery
and Abreu bring superior athleticism to the role, and Physically, they look like
superstars. Lowery in particular seems to have made as much progress in the weight
room as any player I have ever seen. Strongside linebacker Damaso Munoz finished in
2008 ranked 7th in the team in tackles. Impressive considering he shared the position,
in 2008 but assumes the position fulltime in 2009.

The Rutgers Defensive Line will have improved overall talent and depth and
consequently should be among the nations best in 2009. The line is bookended
by the twin towers of terror Alex Silvestro and George Johnson, who figure to
cause many a Knightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Johnson, who has been held
back by back problems in the past, enjoyed productive 2007 and 2008 seasons,
and figures to raise his play up a notch as he makes his bid to be drafted.
Silvestro figures to flourish as he transitions to his more natural end position
from tackle. Backing them up are Sorie Bayoh, Jonathan Freeney, and Justin Francis.
While Francis is not listed in the two deep, there's just no way, he's not going to
see the field. I hope we redshirt rookies like Andre Civil, Larrow, and Merril, but
they could play.

Talent and depth at the defensive tackle spot is what I'm most excited about in 2009.
Blair Bines made a number of HUGE plays in 2008, including tackling a UConn player
for a safety, which proved to be the difference in that game. Redshirt junior Charles
Noonan hasn't played a lot but has made considerable progress in the weightroom
and was recognized as the teams most improved defensive player. Eric LeGrand seems
to have found a home at the defensive tackle position in 2009, and figures to impact.
Scott Vallone would have seen considerable time in 2008, but was injured and consequently redshirted.
I'm MOST excited about Antwan Lowery. Many Rutgers DTs have been
developed, coming over from LB or DE to be DTs. Antwan is a STUD DT from the getgo, and
is good enough to play for any team in the country. Now at 314 pounds, its not difficult
to fathom him at 300 lbs at some point in the season, and stepping into a starting role
next year. He is on his way to becoming the premier college football defensive lineman.

Rutgers returns most of a secondary which ranked #36 against the pass last year. Its led
by Captain Devin McCourty, who is one of the finest corners in the country. McCourty may
not be the fastest player out there, but he plays with excellent technique, which is why`McCourty led the team with 7 pass breakups last year,
including one against Jonathan Baldwin, Pitts great receiver. McCourty is going to make
some NFL team very happy next year. Complementing Devin at the other corner spot,
is Brandon Bing one of the fastest players in the nation. Whats very
impressive about Brandon is that he's a walkon who outplayed recruits who have an
impressive set offers. Joe Lefeged is an All Big East caliber safety
who has a habit of sometimes knocking opposing quarterbacks out.
Zaire Kitchen is a free safety, who hits so hard that one of these days, I'm afraid he's
going to kill somebody. Zaire is a study in perseverance and persistance, as he's had to overcome
a couple of knee injuries.

People realized how effective a strategic weapon the punter can be when Ted Dellaganna
pinned UConn deep in its end a number of times during the UConn game last year. Its
not a stretch to say he played a big role in that victory. Teddy had 13 points of
50 yards or more last year and he should continue to flourish in 2009.

Kicker San San Te's field goals were the difference in victories against UConn and NC State
and this year he will look to improve upon his 70% field goal conversion rate.

As long as Rutgers players realize their potential, I don't think we can be beaten,
despite playing in the difficult Big East conference which has at least 5 teams
capable of beating Rutgers. Rutgers is a solid three deep among most positions and the toughest competition Rutgers
will face this year might be in practice, as starters try to fend off 2nd stringers from grabbing
their jobs. We're actually good enough to play for the National
Championship, but our weak schedule will likely hold us back. No matter, we'll be content
playing in any BCS bowl. See you in New Orleans in January, hopefully against an SEC
opponent.

[The Ancient Enemy]

I agree, let's see them play Florida.

[WALTER4]

If in fact, the writer of that is attending or is an alumnus of Rutgers, he/she is the dumbest smart person in the world.

[Crimson09Crazy]

hahahahahahahahahahahah Cincinnati embarrassed them on National TV as the whole story of the broadcast was to endorse their new facilities. They play a softer schedule then Penn State Schiano is the biggest cry baby in college football. They have 3 QB's...i mean what a joke.

Id love to see what this person is writing now.


"Im sure we could give Florida Atlanic a run for their money in the Sun Belt!!!!" "Maybe could knock off Central Michigan for a MAC title.


Have a fun trip back to mediocrcy.