Ash Meets With Reporters 8/21/17: Kyle Bolin Starting QB; Marcus Applefield to Start at Right Guard; Other News

After yesterday's practice, Rutgers head football coach Chris Ash took some time speak with the media. The highlight of the chat was the announcement that senior graduate transfer Kyle Bolin was named the staring quarterback. This comes five days after Bolin was voted one of the team's captains for the upcoming season. Since that announcement, it seemed only a matter of time before the coaching staff tabbed him as the guy.

Bolin is the most experienced QB on the team in terms of FBS action, having played in 16 games during his time at Louisville, as opposed to the 7 games Giovanni Rescigno has participated in. In addition, Bolin has thrown almost 80 more passes than Rescigno in collegiate action.

When asked why the staff went with Bolin, Ash said they felt Bolin "executed," "made good decisions," and "understands the offense."

As for Resigno, Ash said that he's "a team guy, he's a competitor" and "he's going to be ready if his number is called."

Ash also noted that currently Rescigno and freshman Johnathan Lewis are still battling to secure the backup role. Regardless of how that turns out, there is still a chance that Rutgers could utilize Lewis's skill set in a separate package. In terms of how Lewis might be used this year, Ash stated "We'll decide over the next couple weeks what kind of role that'll be."

In addition, Ash announced that junior Marcus Applefield has won the job at right guard. The Florida native has played in 15 games over the past two seasons.

The kicking job, though, is still up for grabs. Ash said, "hopefully we'll have that settled by the end of the week."

Reporters asked about Kemoko Turay having missed practice due to injury and Ash seemed to think this was not much of a concern and that "we plan on him playing" in the opener against Washington.

Janarion Grant is also on schedule to be full-go for the opener. Ash mentioned that he's "felt great about Janarion all along."

Also asked about the freshman receivers, the coach felt that they had "hit the wall a bit" but it's clear that a number of them will see action.