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The Monday Morning Kickoff

Shameen Jones
Shameen Jones

Last week was a big one for Rutgers recruiting as it landed three commits in one day. Coincidentally, the last time Rutgers pulled in three recruits in one day was also on June 27th, four years ago. This time around, New York wide receiver Shameen Jones of Cardinal Hayes started things off.

Jones’ commitment came on the heels of a trip to campus with his parents.

"They wanted to show me the academic aspect because they already showed me all the football stuff," Jones said. "The visit had a different feel. I talked with my parents on how close the school is to them. They want to be at most of my home games. Plus, the new staff is going to change things with the football team. We all came to an agreement to make that decision.”

Not long after Jones’ commitment, Rutgers added another New Yorker when Grand Street Campus linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi offered up his commitment.

“I just love how all the coaches are just building strong relationships with all the players. They always have a fun, but there are hard workouts,” Fatukasi said.

The hat trick was completed when Pennsylvania defensive lineman Jaohne Duggan of Liberty High School in Bethlehem finished off the trio of Tuesday commitments.

“I was not worried about getting offers from a bunch of schools, I was just worried about finding the right fit for me,” said Duggan, who was an under-the-radar recruit. “I feel like I have a place over there and everything they are saying is perfect. It is the right move for me all the way."

Prior to that run of three commitments in one day, Cherokee running back Jon Lovette committed on the preceding day.

"It’s my state school. I love that I have the opportunity to stay home and show everybody how us Jersey boys do it,” Lovett said. “The program is on the rise with the new staff. It’s just all coming together and hopefully we can compete nationally.”

Meanwhile, Rutgers continues to make a lot of headway with other recruits. Last week, the Scarlet Knights landed in the final 11 for standout Florida defensive end Bobby Roundtree of Largo High School.

“[Rutgers Defensive Line] Coach [Shane] Burnham really likes me. He checks up on me and just shows a ton of interest in me,” said Roundtree, who holds upwards of 30 offers. “When we talk, he just catches me up on everything going on at Rutgers and tells me he really wants me up at Rutgers.”

Recruiting is expected to be a little quieter this week with a dead period running through July 10th. Coaches can have no interaction with recruits on campus over the next week.

Offers continued to go out last week to prospects beyond the state of New Jersey. Class of 2017 defensive end Darius Stills of Fairmount, W.V. added a RU offer to his list last week.

“I don't really want to label schools right now as top ones or not, but Rutgers is one of my favorites for sure,” Stills said.

As always, stay logged onto The Round Table for all your Rutgers recruiting news and updates.

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