The Monday Morning Kickoff
It has been vacation time for coaches as the start of a long season is only a few weeks away with training camp set to begin in early August at Rutgers. That still did not stop the commits from coming last week as Union defensive end Mike Tverdov announced his intentions to join the Rutgers football program.
“It is just the right place for me. I have been going to games since I was six years old,” Tverdov said. “Growing up and watching them during the time that I did, it was a really special time. I just feel like it is the right place to be and I really love Coach [Chris] Ash. He is a fantastic coach, he is one of my favorite coaches. I really have a ton of respect for him, just for the way he is changing the program and trying to convince every kid to stay in New Jersey and if all those kids stay in New Jersey, Rutgers could be a national championship contender down the road.”
Tverdov’s commitment moved Rutgers' class of 2017 up to a No.14 national ranking, according to Rivals.com.
The recruiting continues as the class of 2017 is getting in on the act, with committed prospects looking to bring in more top players to Piscataway.
“The coaches are telling me the same things, just to keep working. We are also trying to get some big guys. We want Fred [Hansard],” RU commit Naijee Jones of Timber Creek said.
Today will also mark a return trip to Rutgers for recent defensive tackle commitment Jaohne Duggan, who will be on campus for the first time since he committed. Stay logged onto Scarlet Nation for a complete rundown of Duggan’s visit.
In team news, Rutgers saw two of its players transfer out last week as tight end Charles Scarff and linebacker Jon Pollock both left the program. Scarff was the leading receiver last year among RU tight ends with 14 catches. Pollock enrolled this past January as part of the 2016 recruiting class, but saw very limited reps through spring practice.
Also, be on the lookout for more of Scarlet Nation’s Countdown to Camp series this week as the start of training camp 2016 draws near and keep it locked onto The Round Table for all the latest team and recruiting news.