The Big Ten media day began on Wednesday, July 26th. One of the first coaches to speak to the media was Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano; he discussed the 2023 Rutgers Scarlet Knights season. One of the first and most important parts of the day was that Schiano did name the starting quarterback for 2023. Along with the named starter, there were numerous topics covered. Here is a look at what was discussed regarding the 2023 Rutgers season and beyond.
2023 Rutgers Starting Quarterback
The first thing to come from the Big Ten media day is that the 2023 Rutgers starting quarterback will be Gavin Wimsatt. This was expected by many, but with a history of injuries, some did wonder if Evan Simon would take the starting spot for the 2023 Rutgers season. Many also wondered if the competition would last all training camp. This right away demonstrates the confidence in Wimsatt, and fans can be excited for what is to come.
Last season Wimsatt played in eight games where he had 65 completions for 757 yards and five touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. The quarterback has a high ceiling as a quarterback, he just needs to be able to stay healthy. The Scarlet Knights will also have a new offensive coordinator this year. While sometimes, when there is a new offensive coordinator, there is an adjustment period, this can be a big help for Wimsatt in 2023.
Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt (9) – Charles Rex Arbogast/AP Photo
Rutgers as a Developmental Program
One key aspect of the program is that Schiano describes it as a developmental program. There is that understanding Rutgers will have a more difficult time recruiting those high-rated players, but the school can turn them into great players. Schiano feels they are finally at a point where everyone can see how the juniors and seniors have grown, and the 2023 Rutgers team will be a tough one to face. Some great examples who were also in attendance for the Big Ten media day are Deion Jennings, Aaron Lewis, and Johnny Langan.
These players could have moved on from Rutgers if they wanted but stuck with the team instead. They are going to be the leaders on this team, and it is clear Schiano trusts them. Langan is just an offensive player, and that is not being said in a bad way by any means. He came in as a quarterback and shifted fully to tight end in 2022. Lewis and Jennings are both key players on a tough Rutgers defense. Now that Schiano has been back with the team for enough years that players have truly grown with the team’s growth, it will be great to see how well they do.
Infrastructure Changes, Schiano’s Focus, and Biggest Challenges
As a football fan, the biggest discussions are always what is happening on the field, and what the chemistry between the team, as well as the coaches, is like. The emphasis that Schiano put on the infrastructure was interesting to hear. He explained how poor everything was while he was away from the program. He has had to spend a lot of the past couple of years just building that back up to his standards. Now that everything, such as food and training equipment, is back up to par he is excited to see how much better the team will be.
Aside from the infrastructure being a challenge, Schiano opened up about what else will be hard for this 2023 Rutgers team. The head coach was completely honest about the strength of the Big Ten. Facing teams like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State are no joke. He called the Big Ten the best conference in college football. Understanding the challenge is one of the major steps to success.
Rutgers QB Johnny Langan (21) – Andrew Mills/NJ Advance Media
New Offensive Coordinator
As known, the 2023 Rutgers Scarlet Knights will have a new offensive coordinator. Kirk Ciarrocca will be taking over, and Schiano is excited to have him back with Rutgers. He is not new to the program, but it has been a couple of years. Schiano spoke very highly of him and his effect on the 2023 Rutgers team. The Head Coach described Ciarrocca as a veteran coach that he knows very well, considering the two worked together for Rutgers in the past. He is a great leader who brings clarity to this team.
Schiano also said this is the best staff he has been on in his whole career. The head coach now has to focus more on NIL, as he explained, which makes having a trusted offensive coordinator much easier. Tight end Johnny Langan was in attendance for the Big Ten media day and also spoke highly in regards to having Ciarrocca for this 2023 Rutgers team. Langan called him a tough guy who will not settle. This could be a big spark for the Scarlet Knights’ offense and one fans should be extremely excited for.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights – Cos Lymperopoulos
Other 2023 Rutgers Notes
Schiano covered a lot in his press conference, which gave fans a lot to look forward to for the 2023 Rutgers season. There was some discussion when it comes to NIL, and Schiano does wish the schools could have more of an even playing field when it comes to that. He does know that the third party in these situations has the power but wishes it were more even in the schools.
If there is one major takeaway that fans should take, it is the way Schiano cares about the program. When asked about recruiting, his major statement was that it all depends on how the player will fit into the culture. In-state vs. out-of-state is not the most important aspect, despite it being great to recruit in-state. He wants to make sure the university has a team that works well together.
The 2023 Rutgers season is going to be a big one. This team is well developed with a coach who definitely cares about each and every player on the roster. The Scarlet Knights even had the highest GPA in program history, which is always important. The season will begin on September third against Northwestern.
