The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have been improving their recruiting process for their football program. When it comes to recruiting, one thing is clear and that is head coach, Greg Schiano wants to bring in the best players on and off the field. That may seem obvious, but the Scarlet Knights mean it. This push by Rutgers is already paying off, and here’s how.
Greg Schiano Explains Recruiting
As known, Schiano was the head coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights years ago. In his eight years away from the team, a lot changed. With his return, one of the first focuses was to fix the infrastructure. Next up was of course to bring in strong players. Back at the 2023 Big Ten Media Day, Schiano emphasized the importance of recruiting in New Jersey, stating, “It’s always important to recruit in your backyard.” Looking at the current roster, one big player recruited from New Jersey is Kyle Monangai. He has been a stud for the team this season.
Rutgers HC Greg Schiano – Robert Goddin/USA TODAY Sports
What really stood out in what Schiano said about recruitment is what he looks for in players. Schiano stated in the press conference, “The most important thing is that you get the right players that fit your culture and are gifted enough to play, compete, and win in the Big Ten Conference.” This is an element that is starting to be seen more in this 2023 season. The big three are Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State when it comes to the Big Ten and it will take a lot to compete with them. Rutgers has some skilled players on their roster, but what pushes them each game is the connection that the team has with each other.
The Culture is Paying Off
The way Schiano emphasized finding the players that fit the culture is paying off. When looking at this team over the past two seasons, one thing is clear, and that is they fight each and every game. In the 2022 season, Rutgers was able to beat a Big Ten opponent at home for the first time in years. This win was against Indiana, after being down at the half. In that same year, they went into halftime tied with the Michigan Wolverines. The team ended up only having five wins, but they pushed each game. The issue was that the offense truly could not stay on the field, which made it difficult to fight.
Rutgers HC Greg Schiano – Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports
This season, Rutgers is currently 5-2. There are two games that come to mind when thinking about the culture of this team. That is their loss against Wisconsin and their win against Michigan State. Both games could have gone completely differently with a team that can’t stand strong together. Wisconsin blew Rutgers out in the first half. While they did lose, they scored 13 points in the second half compared to Wisconsin’s seven points. It was too late, but the team fought anyway.
A similar situation happened in the week seven game against Michigan State. The Scarlet Knights were down 24-6 heading into the fourth quarter. This is a terrible spot to be, and it looked to be like a done deal for Rutgers. Then something changed. The team came together and won. The defense, the special teams, and the offense all came together as a team and got the comeback. Evidently, the culture Sciano referenced is already paying off.
Rutgers HC Greg Schiano – AP Photo/Barry Reeger
Future of the Rutgers Football Program
Of course, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights also have to recruit top players. But look at the team they currently have. There are numerous bright players on both sides of the ball. The program is gaining key players, but the team is full of athletes who want to win, even if it is a battle until the end. They don’t give up, and that is why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights need just one more win to be bowl-eligible. This is a solid group of players, and it is this mentality, and the leadership, that will continue to bring in strong recruits.
