PISCATAWAY – Rutgers football players and coaches have been discussing the Scarlet Knights' progress throughout this spring as they welcome promising young talent and return some of their most impactful players.
Coach Greg Schiano's team will have a chance to show it all on Saturday at the annual Scarlet White Game (3 p.m.) at SHI Stadium.
Here are five things to keep in mind:
1. The battle between Gavin Wimsatt and quarterback Ahsan Kaliakmanis
Both players said the right things about the competition last month, insisting they were competing with each other, not each other.
Still, only one of them gets the starting job. A good performance in the spring game could be a big help heading into training camp.
Wimsatt's 2023 season was up and down, and while he was good at running, his passing accuracy needed improvement. Rutgers added Kaliakmanis, a transfer from Minnesota, to improve its competitiveness. The Scarlet Knights hope both quarterbacks can bring out the best in each other.
It will be interesting to see how well Kaliakmanis runs Kirk Ciarrokka's offense, as they previously worked together in Minnesota.
But it will also be interesting to see Wimsatt's offseason progress.
The offense needs to improve, and a lot of that starts at quarterback.
The spring games won't necessarily decide anything, but they will provide an opportunity to learn about the current state of the battle.
2. Young wide receiver
Rutgers returns wide receiver Christian Dremel and also acquires Daimare Miller, a transfer from Monmouth. Naseem Brantley is also eligible after being forced to sit out last season with his status in NCAA purgatory, much to Schiano's displeasure.
But the Scarlet Knights also have a few true freshmen early enrollees who impressed coaches in the spring. Benjamin Black, a speed recruit from North Carolina State, and KJ Duff, the top overall prospect in New York State, a 2024 graduate.
It's not far-fetched to think that both players could expect significant playing time once the season begins.
“Both freshmen did a great job,” wide receivers coach Dave Brock said. “Here, we just throw them in. We don't really worry about that. We don't worry about coaching young players. Ben plays fast. He said he was on the track team in high school. His growth has been tremendous and his abilities are limitless, and that's true for KJ Duff as well.
Fama Toure, entering his second season, is another receiver who could take on a bigger role.
3. Offensive line combination
Pat Flaherty's team has made strides since the start of last season, returning several starters, especially left tackle Hollin Pierce and center Gus Zilinskas. Guard Curtis Dunlap will need to be replaced, but could Reggie Sutton keep the starting job at right tackle, or could Tyler Needham take it back after missing most of last season with an injury? I don't know yet.
The Scarlet Knights also have notable young linemen, including Taj White, Dominick Rivera and Kobe Asamoah, who started five games at right guard in 2023, his second year at Rutgers.
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4. Defensive depth
Rutgers returns a number of defensive stars, including defensive linemen Aaron Lewis, Wesley Bailey and Kyontae Hamilton. defensive backs Flip Dixon, Shaquan Royal, Desmond Igbinosan and Robert Longerbeam; and linebackers Tyrem Powell and Mohamed Toure.
However, the Scarlet Knights are using a lot of players on defense to keep everyone fresh, and they have the depth to do that.
Coach Schiano said young linebackers Abram Wright, Dariel Jabome and Moses Walker have solid springboard, and after the first scrimmage, true freshman and early enrollee defensive back Kevin It highlighted the presence of Levy and Kai Sanders.
Al Shadi Salam also transitioned from running back to cornerback late last season.
Rutgers plans to take advantage of its depth, and it will be on display Saturday.
5. Breakout Star
Spring games always provide a chance for under-the-radar players and young players to make a big impression not only on the team but also on the fans.
Rutgers has a lot of young players trying to carve out a role for themselves. Will any of them be able to make a case on Saturday?
What you'll find out when you go…
Admission and parking are free.
A fan fest will be held outside SHI Stadium starting at 2 p.m. During games, the Rutgers Boardwalk will be behind the north end zone.
The Knights of the Raritan will also host an autograph session with players after the game.
How to watch
The game will be live streamed on the Big Ten's app BTN+. BTN+ is offering a one-month free trial for fans to watch Scarlet White games.
The game will be rebroadcast on the Big Ten Network at 8 p.m.
