Mike Tverdov maps out plan for the future

Rutgers commit Mike Tverdov of Union High School has mapped out a plan for the future that has a target goal of playing as a true freshman defensive end next season. The Rutgers defense is in need of some help at the position and the 6-foot-4, 235-pound Tverdov may be able to provide more of a pass rush in 2017.

“Coach [Chris] Ash, Coach [Shane] Burnham and Coach [Jay] Niemann have told me from the beginning that they need defensive linemen, especially defensive ends,” Tverdov said. “And there is no reason I can’t compete for playing time if I come in physically ready. They just really want me to work my tail off this offseason and do everything I can to come in physically prepared. They know I am going to be fine when it comes to learning the x’s and o’s and schemes and stuff like that.”

Early playing time at defensive end has also been a steadfast part of the RU recruiting pitch.

"That is something they preach to the rest of the recruits," Tverdov said. "If you want to play early, you have a great opportunity at Rutgers. I know I am going to get to play early.”

Tverdov also has a plan mapped out to get him onto the field in 2017.

“I am going back to training this week and after signing day, I am going to go down to Rutgers and lift,” he said. “I am going to stay at my school half the day and change my schedule. Then, four or five days a week, I am going to drive down to the Hale Center and lift with the weight room interns. NCAA rules won’t let me be trained by coach [Kenny] Parker and his assistants. But I am going to do some drills and stuff like that.”

For more on Rutgers' defensive end situation and how it is impacting recruiting, check out our latest Scarlet Slant.