While there are many wide receivers on the Rutgers roster, the group is largely unproven at both the FBS and Big Ten level. The biggest positive is having experienced assistant coach Dave Brock leading their development.
On Thursday, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano spoke about how the wide receiver group was progressing throughout training camp.
“They’ve gotten better in all phases – run, pass, understanding the game of football, so I’m pleased with their improvement,” Schiano said. “We have some young – a lot of young receivers, so they have a lot of growth to make, so saying that they’ve gotten better is a relative term, and we still have a long way to go – but we will continue to get better.”
Rutgers is hoping that Division II All-American JaQuae Jackson and FCS all-conference receiver Naseim Brantley can play big roles this season. In addition, both Chris Long and Isaiah Washington return with the opportunity to play important roles this fall.
Slot receiver Christian Dremel won the most improved offensive player award during spring camp and could be a major factor as well. Rashad Rochelle is battling in the slot position and has the speed and versatility to develop into a key contributor.
All that being said, it’s possible that true freshmen emerge among the wide receiver group. Ian Strong has made a big impression during the preseason and appears poised to play a big role. There is plenty of talent and speed among the rookies, but it’s a matter of how many can develop quick enough to crack the rotation this season. Regardless, its a freshmen group that will hopefully have a major impact on the future at wide receiver for Rutgers.
Listen and watch to the ninth of ten positional previews regarding the wide receiver position below. Joining me for all of these positional preview episodes is football writer and Rutgers fan David Anderson.
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Wow! Aaron & David, you are doing a great job of providing in depth info on all the positions. Lots to digest. Firstly, I really love the size & length of the true frosh. On that basis alone, it wouldn’t surprise if one of them emerges over the course of the season to provide the “X” factor. But, for the here and now early part of the season, what caught my ear was YAC ability, ability to adjust & catch the errant pass, as well as blocking ability.That all sounds like the kind of receiver who could be Wimsatt’s best friend! So,for me, I favor Long as a wildcard among the receivers mentioned. My other wildcard candidate would be Rochelle (don’t ask me to differentiate “wildcard” from “X” factor). Here’s a player who impressed as an RB in his frosh year. With his work ethic & receptiveness to coaching, who’s to say he can’t make an immediate contribution at receiver? In my mind he’s already proved himself to be game day player. Having said that, I’m expecting the early nod to go to experienced vets on opening day against Northwestern, but I’ll be interested to see if Long & Rochelle get meaningful minutes
Yet another great podcast. Thanks so much Aaron and David. I think I have more concerns about our QB play than our WRs. We have so many WRs that it seems like it is easier for one or two to step up and really surprise. Less wiggle room at QB.
pj43
August 26, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Wow! Aaron & David, you are doing a great job of providing in depth info on all the positions. Lots to digest. Firstly, I really love the size & length of the true frosh. On that basis alone, it wouldn’t surprise if one of them emerges over the course of the season to provide the “X” factor. But, for the here and now early part of the season, what caught my ear was YAC ability, ability to adjust & catch the errant pass, as well as blocking ability.That all sounds like the kind of receiver who could be Wimsatt’s best friend! So,for me, I favor Long as a wildcard among the receivers mentioned. My other wildcard candidate would be Rochelle (don’t ask me to differentiate “wildcard” from “X” factor). Here’s a player who impressed as an RB in his frosh year. With his work ethic & receptiveness to coaching, who’s to say he can’t make an immediate contribution at receiver? In my mind he’s already proved himself to be game day player. Having said that, I’m expecting the early nod to go to experienced vets on opening day against Northwestern, but I’ll be interested to see if Long & Rochelle get meaningful minutes
thevinman
August 29, 2023 at 2:24 am
Yet another great podcast. Thanks so much Aaron and David. I think I have more concerns about our QB play than our WRs. We have so many WRs that it seems like it is easier for one or two to step up and really surprise. Less wiggle room at QB.