The annual spring scrimmage for Rutgers football concluded on a wonderfully heartfelt moment when 11-year old Gavin Kane, who suffered a traumatic injury from a car accident when he was just a baby, and is a a patient at Children’s Specialized Hospital, an RWJ Barnabas Health facility, scored the game winning touchdown on the final play of the game to push the Scarlet Team to a 16-14 win over the White team.
Gavin, who was joined by his father and former Yankees and Mets third baseman Todd Fraizer at the five yard line, was helped out of his wheelchair by his dad, who helped him up as Fraizer went under center to take the snap.
Fraizer turned around and handed the ball gently off to Gavin, who with the assistance of his father and Fraizer walked into the end-zone for the celebratory and emotional moment.
Today’s Shining Knight is 11-year-old NJ native Gavin Kane.
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) April 23, 2022
Gavin is joined by his father and Rutgers legend @FlavaFraz21.
Gavin, through Kane’s Mission, has inspired many by creating an inclusive outdoor area for those with special needs. @RWJBarnabas | @ChildrensSpecNJ pic.twitter.com/0DjYGhxGUn
Honoring people in the community at the Spring Game is nothing new at Rutgers. Last year, the football team honored health care professionals for the work battling COVID-19, by having a group of doctors and nurses take the final snap of the game and run it into the end zone.
Regarding the 2022 version of the Scarlet Knights, the Spring Game provides one of the best opportunities for Greg Schiano and his coaching staff to see what they have heading into training camp come August.
Both Gavin Wismett and Evan Simon played fairly well at quarterback for Rutgers. Wismett was 9-for-16 for 118 yards and a touchdown for the Scarlett team, while Simon completed a higher percentage of passes 12-of-19 for 109 yards with the one negative being an interception.
Taj Harris (five receptions, 49 yards, touchdown) and Shameen Jones (three receptions, 67 yards) were both standouts as the Scarlet Knights look for a replacement for Bo Melton who is heading for the NFL Draft this week.
Taj Harris 🤝 Rutgers Nation @_harris3 | @Noah11_V pic.twitter.com/nzgzhfrvUo
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) April 22, 2022
On the ground Al-Shadee Salaam had a big night in white rushing for 71-yards on five carries. Meanwhile Kyle Monanagi had seven carries for 65 yards.