The Monday Morning Kickoff

Recruiting took a turn for the better on this holiday weekend as Rutgers doubled its commitments in the class of 2013. Now it's time for The Monday Morning Kickoff to get you caught up on the latest happenings in the world of Rutgers football.

Recruiting received a significant boost over the holiday weekend as the Scarlet Knights welcomed two additions to the incoming class of 2013.

The first came Friday afternoon when Wicomico running back Dontea Ayres announced his plans to commit to Rutgers.

"I really felt in my heart this is where I want to go. Everything I want is there," Ayres said. "The staff is unbelievable; Coach Wrobo, Coach Brock, Coach Flood, they're all great coaches. It has what I want academically. I want to help Rutgers win a national championship. I think it's a great decision."

Rutgers senior safety Wayne Warren also attended Wicomico, starring as a quarterback at the high school level.

Rutgers wasn't finished on the day as Bergen Catholic wide receiver John Tsimis followed suit by committing later that evening.

"I think I can be a slot for them over the middle but I think I can also be a deep threat," Tsimis said. "I can do whatever they want me to do."

Tsimis will be sidelined this coming season due to a torn ACL he suffered at the recent Nike regional combine in Baltimore.

Recruiting also received another piece of good news over the weekend when four-star linebacker Marcus Newby of Quince Orchard High (Md.) named Rutgers as part of his top five along with Virginia Tech, Maryland, West Virginia and Nebraska.

Last week, Rutgers continued to recruit the junior college level as an offer went out to tight end Beau Sandland of Pierce Community College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Sandland became the fifth California junior college player to receive a Rutgers offer over the past couple of months.

More positive news came out over the weekend when the first commit to the class of 2013, Dayton athlete Anthony Cioffi, scored a first-place finish in the 100m at this weekend's sectional championships. Cioffi clocked a 10.90 in the 100m.

Rutgers' recruiting target PJ Walker of Elizabeth also made headlines, showing off his arm strength. The quarterback prospect finished first in the javelin with a toss of 172' 09".