While college football is still a while away, that means it is time to speculate on the 2023 Rutgers players. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights had a weak offense in 2022, but some players did stand out. It would be big if Rutgers can make it to five wins this season, and there are a couple of players that can make it happen. One player in particular should be watched for the most and that is Samuel Brown V. Here is a look as to why Brown is a 2023 Rutgers player to watch on the offense next season.
2023 Rutgers Player to Watch
Samuel Brown V is a running back entering his second year with the Scarlet Knights. He will not be the only running back on the team of course, but this can really help Brown in 2023. Before looking into why he is a 2023 Rutgers player to watch, it is important to look back on the 2022 season for the then-freshman running back.
Rutgers RB Samuel Brown (27) – Jay LaPrete/AP Photo
2022 Season for Samuel Brown V
In 2022, Brown played in just seven games. He dealt with an injury that limited him to just seven, but he still did well when on the field. In 2022, the running back had 66 carries for 347 yards and three touchdowns, according to ESPN. His three touchdowns led the team in rushing touchdowns, and he came in second in rushing yards. His longest run was for just 20 yards, but he averaged 4.3 yards per attempt.
What is also helpful about Brown is that even though it is not a lot, he had four receptions for 17 yards. While his injury held him back, he was set to play an important role in 2022. Rutgers only won four games in 2022, but Brown played in all four. This leads him to be one of the 2023 Rutgers players to watch.
Rutgers RB Samuel Brown (27) – Rich Schultz/Getty Images
Brown’s Potential in 2023
There is admittedly not a lot to go off of as he is only going to be a sophomore in 2023, but the fact he will only be in year two will be great for the Scarlet Knights. Brown is young and will not have all the pressure on him. The leading rusher in 2022 was Kyle Monangai. The running back will be heading into his third season next year, and between him and Brown, the Scarlet Knights should have a strong run game.
In 2022, Monangai had 109 carries for 445 yards and two touchdowns, according to ESPN. When Brown was out with an injury, all of the pressure was on Monangai. With both of them on the field, Brown can potentially turn into a breakout player for the Scarlet Knights. The biggest need will be for Brown to stay healthy. Hopefully, by splitting reps, the chances of him getting hurt will lessen, and Brown can be the 2023 Rutgers player to watch.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the quarterback position. Considering the two main quarterbacks were with the team in 2022 as well, as of now it seems as though Rutgers will need to be a run-first team. Hopefully, the Scarlet Knights will be able to break up the reps and pass more, as that will make it easier on the run game, but that needs to be proven first. The hope will be that opposing defenses do not just assume that the Scarlet Knights will run each time. Once that is shown, the 2023 Rutgers players can take advantage of that.
Rutgers RB Samuel Brown (27) – Ben Solomon/Rutgers Athletics
If Rutgers does get to pass the ball better, Brown will most likely be utilized more often. He had just four receptions, but it is still an added option that can help the quarterbacks out. He will not be recognized as a receiver but he could be just what Rutgers needs in 2023.
All Brown needs is momentum. Once he has that he will be able to stand out on the Scarlet Knightsh’s offense. The team did not lose too many offensive players, which means these returning players will have more chemistry. Watch for Brown to be the 2023 Rutgers player to stand out, and keep an eye out to see if he gets more receptions.
