The Monday Morning Kickoff
The first wave of Rutgers camps began this weekend as Saturday’s East Coast Elite Camp brought roughly 240 prospects on campus to participate in various camp events. Among those campers were several New Jersey prospects, one of which walked away with a Rutgers offer.
DePaul class of 2018 offensive lineman Khristopher Banks added Rutgers to his list of offers.
“I went through camp drills and then 1-on-1’s and then Coach [Chris] Ash sat me down and we talked about Rutgers’ history and stuff,” Banks told Scarlet Nation. “And then, he offered me. He also told me that I could really help change the program.”
Also on hand was Miami Central class of 2018 safety Hunter Goetz, who already held a Rutgers offer.
“I love the environment. It's Big Ten football,” Goetz said. “I like Coach [Henry] Baker and Coach [Bill] Busch, they really know how to coach you up.”
Leading into the weekend, Omar Hales officially took over as Rutgers director of recruiting communications and he has already proven to be an asset.
“Me and Omar had a great coach and player relationship at Temple,” said junior athlete Travon King of Woodrow Wilson High in Camden, N.J. “When I visited there, we always had stuff to talk about and kicked it and talked about business at the same time. So for him to move to Rutgers it’s the same. Nothing is going to change. We are going to have the same relationship. I am interested to see how Rutgers will fit him on the coaching staff.”
Recruiting continues to maintain a steady pace as Rutgers continues to find itself among the top schools for a host of prospects.
Florida three-star defensive end Ricky Williams Jr. out of Blake High School in Tampa named Rutgers his leader, forging ahead of 10 other schools who have also offered.
"Rutgers is definitely number one on the list,” Williams said. “I just feel like Rutgers is the best thing going right now. Also, the coaches really seem into me and they definitely have a program I can see myself developing in. I like that the head coach. Chris Ash seems to be energetic and is bringing some positive energy to the team. I also like the fact they are in the Big Ten conference and I plan on visiting soon although I don’t have a definite date yet.”
The camps will continue next weekend at Rutgers with another East Coast Elite Camp set for Sunday. As always, stay logged onto Scarlet Nation and be on the lookout for our newest weekly features, which include the Scarlet Nation Podcast and Knights of the Round Table.