Rutgers football offensive lineman Nick Krimin has been through his share of training camps, but the one ongoing currently is the first true one with head coach Greg Schiano and his staff.
Last season, because of COVID and the changing Big Ten schedule, there was an abbreviated practice time prior to the season. This time around, training camp is in full swing and a week is in the books.
“It's been tough,” said Krimin, who is in his sixth year with the team. “We have long days which are pretty similar to what I'm used to. It's a lot more energy, a lot of great coaches, but it's very demanding. It's not made for everybody, but as long as we try and get through it, anything's possible.
“Camp is about getting acclimated to playing next to whoever you're gonna play next to. It's the time to really shine with what position you might want, whether it's guard, center, or left or right tackle. You can really go out and show what you're made of and show the coaches that you have the ability to play in the Big Ten.”
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Krimin’s starting spot for all intents and purposes is safe, it’s just a matter of where. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder from St. Joseph (Metuchen) started all nine games at center in 2020, and in 2019, he started all 12 games at right guard. This summer, Krimin has gotten work in center and both guard positions.
“It's been good. I always tell the coaches wherever they need me to play I'm going to play whether it's right guard, center, or left guard. I feel comfortable at all three positions,” Krimin said. “Whatever happens on game day that's what I'm going to be comfortable with.”
There are a number of first and second year offensive linemen on the roster who are biding their time and a spot on the depth chart. However, there are also a good amount of older players like Krimin who are bringing them along. Krimin didn’t single out any standouts, but said as a collective group everybody is improving.
“We have a great group of guys with a lot of potential and a lot of talent,” Krimin said. “Coach (Andy) Aurich is always getting this right. It's exciting to go out there and practice every day. A lot of the younger guys are really stepping up. But as a leader, an older guy in my sixth year, whatever I can do to help them for their future, it's gonna better myself too.
“Being here for a sixth season, I have a lot of knowledge. I can help out the younger guys. I can get the guys going. I know how good they are, and I know how good they can be. With that, you know, I'm excited to see what happens September 2.”
In February of 2015, Krimin, who is from South Amboy, committed to Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights haven’t been to a bowl game since they defeated North Carolina in the Quick Lane Bowl on Dec. 26, 2014. This is Krimin’s last chance at going to one and he wants it.
“Go to a bowl game,” Krimin said of his goal. “That's pretty much the goal every year since I've been here. It's been tough. We have the ability to do it this year, and as long as we keep chopping and working hard, anything is possible.”
Rutgers is set to have an intra-squad scrimmage on Saturday inside SHI Stadium. Schiano has mentioned wanting and needing the offensive line to improve. It’s been hard without full contact, but that’ll change in the scrimmage.
“I think you can take something away,” Schiano said of the OL from the first week. “You’re doing one-on-one pass rush and team periods. It’s thud, but it’s still with pads, and you can tell if a guy is in good position and if he made the block or not. We’re improved and we have to be. How much, we’re going to find out.”
Krimin said he can’t wait.
“I just want to have fun. Once Saturday rolls around, it's going to be a full-tilt,” Krimin said. “I’ll be live and we will get to hit each other. That's something I'm going to look forward to.”
Follow Chris Nalwasky on Twitter @ChrisNalwasky.
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