Scarlet Knights Wide Receivers Coach Jafar Williams Chats with Reporters

Rutgers wideouts coach Jafar Williams spoke with reporters during practice last week. He gave an update on some of the players who were banged up, as well as a preview of what fans can expect from some of the newcomers.

Overall, Williams thinks "we're a little bit more explosive" than last season in term of the athleticism of the unit.

On what we can expect out of Janarion Grant, Williams said "everything."

Damon "Duwop" Mitchell is "a guy right now that's going out and leading by example."

Mitchell's brother, Ahmir has "been great" as he recovers from injury. He's an "energetic and very passionate person."

On the freshmen:

Hunter Hayek "goes out there and makes a lot of plays."

Everett Wormley "came in physically able to compete."

Bo Melton has a "feel for the position."

Shameen Jones "got hurt early in camp" but is "going to be a good player down the road."

On the difference in Coach Ash between last year and this year, "he can lean on Jerry [Kill] and Jerry's experience.

Although the unit is young and overall inexperienced with the exception of a couple players, the receivers have a chance to be a disruptive force in the offense. I expect that some of the guys will struggle a bit to get open as Rutgers goes up against some of the more physical units in the Big Ten. Early in the season, I expect defenses to try to crowd the line of scrimmage and double team Janarion Grant. But as the other players get used to the competition, teams will have to respect the speed and size of some of the Rutgers wideouts. This will hopefully open up possibilities for Rutgers both in the run game and with the play-action pass as the year progresses.