Knights of The Round Table: The Uniform Craze

Scarlet Nation's brand new weekly feature takes a look at a current topic with input from four former Scarlet Knights. Today's topic focuses on the college football uniform craze and how programs are continually updating their uniforms with new looks. Former Rutgers players Scott Vallone, Edmond Laryea, Mike Fladell and Brandon Jones offer their takes on the latest college football uniform craze.

DT Scott Vallone (2008-12)

“It has really changed. Everybody seems to have a new uniform and multiple uniforms. It is almost like the new fad. I am one of those guys who likes to be identified by a uniform and have a lot of people recognize you and know you by your uniform. I like to have people turn on the TV and immediately be able to say, 'oh, that’s Rutgers.' I am more of a fan of the consistency. But I also know this new fad going around helps recruiting in terms of having the newest and best uniforms. People’s interests change and what catches people’s eyes changes. I am more of a fan of traditional uniforms.”

And what was Vallone’s Favorite uniform to wear at Rutgers?

“The black uniforms my senior year in 2012. That black with the silver was nice. But I really like what they did with the black in 2015. They had the black battle scars on the helmet instead of the silver ones. I think they had black face masks too. That was my favorite uniform. But I did like the all red uniforms from 2008 to 2011. That was probably my other favorite one.”

LB Edmond Laryea (2006-11)

“Working in the sports industry, I see it a lot. I think what is going on right now is the uniforms are being geared towards the recruiting process. You have to kind of go out of your way to do that. It is all about swag. You look good, you feel good, you play good. That is a good way to market your brand and a good way for recruits to be intrigued. Given the fact that red and white is coming back to Rutgers, everybody is going to be drawn to it. It helps in the recruiting process. There is a thin line getting guys and not getting guys to commit. Every little advantage you can get, it benefits you. If your jerseys look good, that is a good way to sell your program. Personally, I am all about the swag and looking good with the jerseys. I am all for it and I think it is good now. I was all about it when I played.”

And what was Laryea’s favorite uniform to wear during his Rutgers career?

“When I was at Rutgers, my favorite uniform was the all-white away jersey. There was something about the all white. We did not get to change helmets as much. But I remember distinctly playing at Army. We had the white helmets with the American flag in the R. That was my favorite by far; the white helmets, the all white uniforms. We played Army at Yankee Stadium when we wore that.”

OL Mike Fladell (2003-07)

“I am glad Coach Ash went back to the classic look. I love Coach Flood to death, but I didn’t care for those uniforms too much. I love the scarlet helmet, just the classic, clean, crisp uniform. I know when I was playing we always wanted black uniforms. Then, we came out in black uniforms against West Virginia and we did not perform too well. And then we didn’t wear black again. But the uniform thing has changed tremendously since the time when I was playing. Oregon and maybe Maryland were the only ones doing little things with their uniforms. Now, it is like everybody has alternate uniforms and what not. But as far as Rutgers goes, I like the classic look. You can’t beat it."

And what were the most comfortable Rutgers uniforms?

“I remember our red pants were a lot more comfortable than our white pants for some reason. Comfort was a huge thing for me, especially as an offensive lineman getting down in a three-point stance. You want something that stretches and something comfortable. For some reason, the red pants moved with your body a whole lot better. I never really had any issues with our jerseys, but I know they have come a long ways as to where it moves with the body. But comfort is definitely important.”

CB Brandon Jones (2008-2012)

“I loved it when I was playing. I thought it was good to have different uniforms. It is always good to have that tradition, but this is a new era. If you look good, you play good. I think it becomes an issue though when people are more worried about which uniforms they are wearing versus the game plan. I think it can get away from you a little bit. But I loved it personally and I think it is great that they are doing it now. Every time I turn on a Rutgers game, they are wearing a different uniform, which is great."

And what was Jones' favorite uniform to wear during his Rutgers career?

"My favorite uniform at Rutgers was when we did the blackouts. The blackouts were always fun. You add a whole other dimension when the fans get involved and that is always fun. We were some team’s blackout games on the road and we played some at home. There is a little more excitement around those games. It is usually night time and the ones I played in, and it is usually a bigger game. It’s fun. I miss it. Watching it now is fun because I get to kind of relive it.”

For more from these players, check out our latest Scarlet Slant.