The Knights Watchman

Last week was the fourth and final week of preseason games for the NFL. Not long after those games were completed, players faced final cut-down day, as rosters needed to be trimmed to 53 men on Saturday, September 2. Yesterday, teams began signing some of those released players to their practice squads, or in some cases, claimed players off waivers. A number of former Rutgers football players were affected. Here is the recap from the past week: George Johnson assisted on 2 tackles, but was released by the Buccaneers. Carlton Agudosi (azcardinals.com via Twitter) Carlton Agudosi had 2 catches for 16 yards. He was released by the Cardinals on Saturday, but then singed to Arizona 's practice squad on Sunday. Congrats to Carlton on making the practice squad. Quentin Gause was in on 2 tackles for the Denver Broncos, but was released on Saturday. Kevin Snyder had 1.5 tackles for the Broncos, but was also released on Saturday. Leonte Carroo had 1 catch for 12 y...

For the second straight year, Rutgers opened up against the Washington Huskies. And for the second straight year, Rutgers suffered a double-digit loss. But there is a noticeably different feeling after this year's contest than there was after last year. Going into last year's opener, the Scarlet Knights had a new coaching staff in place with a new offensive system and defensive scheme. But the program was still recovering from the disarray let from the previous regime and the roster was thin. And Washington was supposed to be good in 2016, but we weren't prepared for just how good. The result was a 24-0 Huskies lead at the end of the first quarter and a 34-3 halftime deficit. I remember being active on Twitter at the start of the game and me and my fellow RU fans in the Twittersphere were reeling. Fast forward one year. Not only does Rutgers come ready to play, but the Scarlet Knights strike first as Kyle Bolin connects on a 3-yard out route to Janarion Grant...

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights kick off the season at home against the University of Washington Huskies in the "War Before the Shore," paying homage to New Jerseyans' time honored tradition of heading for the coast during Labor Day weekend. A rematch from last year's 48-13 thrashing, this revamped Rutgers team heads into the contest as 27.5 point underdogs. I'm not sure what exactly to expect out of Rutgers on Friday night. As Coach Ash said in his game week press conference, "this is a different football team." Half of the Rutgers team has changed over since the end of last season. Counting Justin Davidovicz, who the coaching staff announced will be handling kickoffs, there are twenty-four new faces on the Rutgers two-deep. That includes true freshmen, redshirt freshmen, and transfers. But that does not include a few other players who may see the field on special teams units or as part of certain offensive or defensive packages. As an examp...

A number of former Rutgers players made their presence felt during the third week of NFL preseason action. George Johnson (NFL.com) My pick for the former Scarlet Knight who made the biggest impact is George Johnson who had 3 tackles, including a sack for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Other former players who recorded stats or were in the news are as follows: Tyler Kroft: 1 catch for 2 yards Leonte Carroo: 1 catch for 5 yards Mohamed Sanu: 1 catch for 10 yards Kenny Britt: 1 catch for 13 yards Carlton Agudosi: 1 catch for 26 yards Andre Patton: 2 catches for 31 yards Brandon Coleman: 2 catches for 44 yards Jonathan Freeny: 2 tackles Steve Longa: 1.5 tackles Jason McCourty: 1 tackle Marcus Cooper: 1 tackle Duron Harmon: 1 tackle Devin McCourty: 1 tackle Tom Savage: 10/16 passing for 79 yards, 0TD, 0INT A couple players received some unfortunate news: WR Andrew Turzilli was designated as waived/injured by the Giants and is now on injured reserve, and TE Tim Wright was...

The media had the chance to pepper Scarlet Knights Special Teams and Tight Ends coach Vince Okruch this past Friday. Okruch provided them with some personnel news as well as some insights into the teams overall preparedness as they close out training camp. Senior graduate transfer Ryan Anderson has won the job as the starting punter over Michael Cintron. Okruch explained that Anderson "has greater distance; kicks a deeper ball." True freshman Justin Davidovicz will handle kickoffs. The placekicking competition is ongoing between transfer Andrew Harte, a former recruit of Jerry Kill's at Minnesota , and last year's starter, David Bonagura. Whomever shows the most consistency will get the job. There is also an ongoing competition at long snapper, with returning starter Alan Lucy trying to hold off freshman Bill Taylor. Okruch said the team "could have a lot of freshman covering kicks." As an example, Okruch mentioned Edwin "Tank...

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 go...

Last week, Rutgers defensive backs coach Henry Baker answered questions about the cornerbacks. On what has impressed him most about the corners since he's been with the Scarlet Knights, Baker said, "how these guys work...these guys are willing to embrace the process of learning." On whether he's talked with the defensive backs about last year, Baker said that they only go back and watch film "to reiterate how far they've come." Asked about some of the new players, Baker said Edwin "Tank" Lopez "has the willingness to go in there and put his face in there." He also mentioned that Tim Barrow is "coming along" in terms of getting to the point where he can make a contribution. In terms of returning players, senior Isaiah Wharton is "methodical, he knows the defense" and other players "know that they can count on him to be able to do his job." Baker says that Damon Hayes is a "produ...