Rutgers Football Opens Training Camp with High Expectations
Football is back in session for Rutgers, as the Scarlet Knights held their first training camp practice of the summer. Rutgers is returning 14 starters (six on offense, eight on…
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 28: Head coach Greg Schiano of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights walks out onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Miami Hurricanes during the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 28, 2023 in New York City.
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)Football is back in session for Rutgers, as the Scarlet Knights held their first training camp practice of the summer. Rutgers is returning 14 starters (six on offense, eight on defense) from last year's Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl championship squad.
Head coach Greg Schiano stressed experience as a key factor to training camp success this summer.
"This is my favorite time of the year," Schiano said. "It's just us. Our family. Our football family. Real good energy. We have a senior experienced team, they are leading the team, so it's fun to watch them run the squad."
ON MALCOLM RAY
"We use the portal to fill needs. And we felt we had a need. And Malcolm fit our scheme. He needed to get into our groove over the course of spring and summer, and he looks at home now."
Ray was a transfer defensive tackle from Florida State. At 6-2, 292 lbs, he fills a huge need for Rutgers up front of the defensive side of the ball. He has recorded 3.5 sacks in his career but is best used as a run-stopper.
Quarterback
"I though they had a good day," Schiano said broadly about his quarterback situation. Rutgers is expected to start former Minnesota quarterback Athan Kalikamanis under center when the season begins on August 29 against Howard. Kalikamanis started for Minnesota last year and takes over an offense with immense talent, highlighted by running back Kyle Monanagi.
Walk On's and the 105 Roster Cap
"It's gonna change a lot," Schiano said. I am disappointed because you look at walk-on football players, they have been so much a part of the game of college football. Gary Bracket was a walk-on and went on to play in the NFL. Shaun O'Hara has multiple Super Bowl rings. He was a walk-on. I am sad about it, but I understand what is going on."
