Rutgers took the field for a scrimmage this past Saturday and it was not long before the special teams unit took the field. In stepped grad transfer punter Ryan Anderson who boomed a 60-yard punt that brought an audible and noticeable round of applause from the contingent of fans who were on hand for the open practice.

“I actually didn’t hear at the time, but I came off to the sidelines and they said a lot of people were clapping,” Anderson told Scarlet Nation. “It was a cool feeling.”

Last year, Anderson's 46.6 yard average was fourth among all punters from the Division I, II and III levels. And since Anderson accepted a scholarship this past January to play his final season as a Scarlet Knight, there has been a lot of buzz among the fan base.

“It is rewarding to know that, but I still have to do my part in keeping all those people excited. If I don’t perform, it is all for nothing,” Anderson said. “I am just having fun with the team and doing what I can to help.”

Anderson graduated during the spring from Olivet College in Michigan, meaning that this past summer involved an adjustment both on and off the field. He came in as a fifth-year senior among a group of true freshmen.

“It is definitely different, but I have been getting along fine. I like Jersey just as much as I like Michigan,” Anderson said. “It was a different adjustment when I came in with all the freshmen. Being a grad transfer, I went through all that before. But I would say they made it easier for me making that transition.”

And how has the experience been thus far?

“It has been the experience of a lifetime. I absolutely love Rutgers. It has been even better than I thought it was going to be honestly. I knew it was going to be hard work, but it has been everything I have dreamed it would be and more.”

Anderson has not yet been formally announced as the starting punter, although all signs are pointing to him being the No.1 player at the position this year, with a chance to be among the nation’s top punters at the FBS level.

For more on Anderson, check out our latest Scarlet Slant.