The Monday Morning Kickoff
There has been no shortage of news coming out of Piscataway as it was a busy weekend at Rutgers with a contingent of official visitors on campus. It also netted the first offensive recruit of the Chris Ash era. As first reported by Scarlet Nation, Bergen Catholic tight end Korab Idrizi committed to Rutgers on Sunday.
“I absolutely love the coaching staff as well [as Coach Ash]," Idrizi said. "They sat down and showed me how I'd be included in the offense and it's just going to be fun to play tight end in this offense.”
Later on, Scarlet Nation also revealed a new target who will be visiting next Saturday as Texas athlete Dacoven Bailey will make an official visit to Rutgers starting Friday.
“I am really not too familiar with them, but the [Rutgers defensive backs] coach [Bill] Busch that came down and talked to me,” Bailey said. “He coached my high school coach so he has known him for a long time. So when my coach gave them my name, they trusted that I was a good athlete.”
The staff wasted no time hitting the recruiting trail as Ash and three of his assistants were at the home of Camden Catholic athlete Tyree Rodgers to issue an offer. Scarlet Nation also revealed that Rodgers will make an official visit to Rutgers next weekend.
Meanwhile, this past weekend’s visitors came away impressed. Defensive tackle Julius Turner made the trip up all the way from Meridian, Miss., and talked about the message that Ash relayed to him.
“He told me what they have to offer and how they are trying to change things,” Turner said. “They want me to come in and start something new. So I will go home and talk to my family about it. I am still committed to La Tech, but we will talk about it and I will go from there.”
Closer to home, St. Peter’s Prep athlete K.J. Gray had himself a solid official visit and told Scarlet Nation he will make his announcement on Wednesday.
“[Coach Ash] wants me to be a part of his vision to turn Rutgers around,” Gray said yesterday. “He believes I will be successful under his staff.”
Georgia kicker and RU commit Alex Barbir told Scarlet Nation his visit went well and he will soon decide whether or not he will take an official to Penn State next weekend.
The official visit weekend has been extended for Louisiana quarterback Lindsey Scott Jr., who is currently on campus following an early weekend visit to Maryland. He will be the first of two quarterback visitors as Tennessee signal caller Tylin Oden will be on campus next weekend.
Among those players joining Oden will be RU commit Damon Hayes, who has been fielding his share of interest over the last couple of months. Scarlet Nation spoke with Hayes last night about the latest on his situation.
Another new offer went out yesterday to Piscataway, N.J. native and Temple commit Linwood Crump, who updated Scarlet Nation last night on the latest in his recruitment.
As always, stay logged onto Scarlet Nation for the most up-to-date information as the one and only spot for all your Rutgers recruiting news.