Raheem Blackshear commits to Rutgers

One of the final pieces of the Rutgers recruiting class of 2017 held off his commitment until signing day. But it became official today when Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) all-purpose back Raheem Blackshear signed his letter of intent to Rutgers University.

Blackshear’s 7-on-7 coach, Eric Taylor of Philly’s Finest, talked about what Rutgers is getting in the 5-foot-9, 160-pounder.

“He a great teammate, he’s tough, and he’s a smart kid. He will do anything you ask him to do, he has good hands, and he will do whatever you need him to do. Not to mention he’s fast, actually fast isn’t even the word to describe his speed.

“He practices really hard, and he’s a leader by his word and also by example. His play really displays his leadership. If you need something done, he will do it for you. He always wants the toughest assignment regardless of offense or defense, and he’s also very confident in his abilities.”

Blackshear was originally committed to Temple, but decommitted and then made a verbal pledge to Michigan State a week ago.

Now, his commitment is official with Rutgers as the decision-making process not an easy one.

“He’s been playing for us for two years and he was never a problem, ever. We went up a lot of top level competition, major D1 guys and he was beating these guys just as much as anyone else,” Taylor said. “Mind you, some of these guys against him were 3,4, and 5 star recruits and he was right up there with them.”

At the college level, Blackshear has one element that should enabled him to play as a true freshman.

“I think the one element that he will bring to the table in college is his speed. We were in a tournament one day and he just shot up the sideline and we all looked at each other in shock,” Taylor said. “I think he will continue to grow, especially with a good strength and conditioning program in college. I think he eventually grows into the leader of the team in college and will continue to be a tough kid as well.”

And who would Taylor compare Blackshear’s game to at the college leve?

“If I had to compare him to somebody, I would compare him to Reggie Bush. He is just a very elusive kid. He can play the slot, take a handoff in the backfield, he can catch out of the backfield, and he can even play on special teams if needed. He can honestly excel at all those positions.”