While hidden gems are not a rarity in the world of recruiting, it is not often that they come in the form of a 6-foot-6, 285-pound lineman. But that is definitely the case with DT Taj Alexander of Exton (PA) Downingtown East, who after a huge growth spurt, is finally beginning to receive serious interest from a number of programs, including Rutgers. ScarletNation.com spoke with Coach Michael Matta of Downingtown East to get some additional information on Alexander]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:00 GMT The Premier Showcase event, held at Kean University during the summer, attracted a number of top Class of 2010 prospects, but also a few Class of 2011 prospects that definitely caught our eye. One of these was WR Shawn Robinson of Stamford (CT) Trinity Catholic, who spoke to ScarletNation.com earlier this week about his junior season and his recruitmen]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:12:00 GMT While Devin McCourty may be having the best year of any defensive player in the Big East, Rutgers has received some sound production from its other starting cornerback. Sophomore David Rowe is quietly having himself an excellent season in his first year in a starting role.]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:09:00 GMT Nine games into the season, it is not much of surprise that a pair of true freshmen have played key roles on the offensive side of the football for the Scarlet Knights. Many expected Tom Savage and Mohamed Sanu to be integral parts of the offense this season. However, the most dynamic play from a true freshman on the Rutgers defense has come from more of an underdog. ]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:03:00 GMT To help simulate the environments of the Carrier Dome, the Rutgers football team practiced in the Bubble for the first time this week. The Scarlet Knights will take on Syracuse in the 49,250-seat Carrier Dome in just two days time. At the end of practice, head coach Greg Schiano discussed the significance of the game with the latest injury updates before kickoff]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:50:00 GMT The first big recruiting weekend of the season is right around the corner for the Scarlet Knights. 3-star OL Shane Johnson of Hyattsville(MD) DeMatha was one of the first to confirm his attendance for the weekend, and with a couple of previous trips to RU already under his belt, ScarletNation.com spoke to the talented lineman to find out what he was hoping to experience this tim]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:59:00 GMT Antwan Lowery's decision to sign with Rutgers continued the pipeline of Florida recruits, plus may have helped RU's situation with future prospects out of Columbus High School in Miami. One 2011 prospect that RU is keeping a close eye on out of Columbus is DE Anthony Rabasa, who actually took a trip to Rutgers with Lowery this past sprin]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:30:00 GMT Rutgers travels up to Syracuse this weekend in an effort to improve to 8-2 on the season. In our latest Scarlet Nation Podcast, Bobby Deren and John Otterstedt look at the game, as well as several other topics that have been discussed recently on the message board.]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:30:00 GMT Rutgers continued its extensive week of preparation for its upcoming bout with Syracuse this Saturday. The Scarlet Knights should be well-rested as the team will have had ten days between game days. Here's a glimpse into the latest preparations from the practice field in Piscataway]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:54:00 GMT Over the last year, playing away from Piscataway has been rather favorable for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers has won six straight games away from home and will look to build on that streak Saturday when the team heads north to face Syracuse. The 3-7 Orange have not beaten the Scarlet Knights since 2004 and must now face a Rutgers team that has cracked the top 25]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:24:00 GMT Four-star wide receiver Brandon Coleman already has one official visit set. The Forestville (Md.) Bishop McNamara prospect is eyeing a second trip. Where is he planning to g]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 GMT While the Jersey Shore has been a little down with its college level production over recent years, the Class of 2011 continues to produce players that should have recruiters stirring. One of the newest names to this list is OL Shane Mertz of Hazlet (NJ) Raritan, who spoke to ScarletNation.com earlier this week about his junior season and his recruitment]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:42:00 GMT Four-star wide receiver Brandon Coleman already has one official visit set. The Forestville (Md.) Bishop McNamara prospect is eyeing a second trip. Where is he planning to g]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:20:00 GMT The Rutgers football team returned to the practice field today to get ready for a different environment at the Carrier Dome. Rutgers will head up to Syracuse on Saturday where it will look to defeat the Orange for the fifth-straight time. Head coach Greg Schiano met with reporters to update the situation at right guard, the third-down running back dilemma and some team injuries. ]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:48:00 GMT Shaquille Thomas, but after moving from school to school the 6-foot-6 recruit hopes he has finally found a home to finish out his prep basketball days]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:17:00 GMT The more games Devin McCourty continues to play, the more impressive his résumé becomes. For his performance during last Thursday night's win over South Florida, Rutgers' fifth-year senior captain earned special teams player of the week in the Big East for the second time this season. And much like every other game he has played this season, McCourty continued his brilliance on the defensive side of the football. ]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:35:00 GMT While coming from a small program in North Jersey, its actually the size of junior TE Louis Jacob that has college programs interested. ScarletNation.com spoke to the Ridgefield Park junior recently to discuss his junior season and his recruitment]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:37:00 GMT The Scarlet Knights have continued to make their recruiting mark in South Jersey over recent years, and one of the high school programs that has sent multiple players to RU has been Winslow Township. The Class of 2011 may bring another opportunity for RU at Winslow, and that will likely be headed by ATH Bill Belton, who has had a fantastic junior season]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:43:00 GMT East Stroudsburg South junior cornerback Kyshoen Jarrett has had a big year in the Pennsylvania high school football ranks and he already holds four scholarship offer]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:19:00 GMT With Kordell Young now out for the third season in a row with a knee injury that will require surgery, the look at running back may see more changes. Young, who served as Rutgers' third down back because of his receiving and pass blocking abilities, will need to be replaced. In all likelihood, the job falls into the hands for incumbent starter Joe Martinek. ]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:14:00 GMT