Here are 5 players who stepped up in Rutgers football’s season-opening win over Howard

PISCATAWAY – Greg Schiano didn’t hide the fact that Rutgers football was going to be without some key players for its season-opening game against Howard.

The Scarlet Knights had a tough training camp. Multiple key players got banged up. The availability report, released two hours before kickoff, reflected that.

The Bison might’ve been an FCS opponent. But still, Rutgers was going to need plenty of contributions if it was going to come away with a victory.

Well, that’s what ended up happening as the Scarlet Knights got off to a slow start but eventually found a rhythm offensively and rolled to a 44-7 victory at SHI Stadium.

Here’s a look at five players who stepped up to help propel Rutgers to the win:

Aug 29, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights tight end Kenny Fletcher (12) is tackled by Howard Bison defensive back Carson Hinton (2) in front of defensive back Jabari Knighten (13) during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Fletcher, tight end

Fletcher moved to tight end from defensive end ahead of the Pinstripe Bowl last season and the switch has worked.

“I think Kenny’s found a home at tight end,” Schiano said. “He’ll be a work in progress all season. It’s so new to him. But some of the things you see are catches, but Kenny is a really violent blocker, and we just have to make it consistently violent blocking, then you’ll have a complete tight end. It will take time. He’s very new to the position.”

The Delran grad on Thursday caught four passes for 31 yards. Fletcher caught a three-yard touchdown pass from Athan Kaliakmanis in the fourth quarter that put Rutgers up 38-7.

It was a solid showing from Fletcher, who could be the type of consistent pass-catching tight end that Rutgers didn’t have in recent seasons.

Fletcher had plenty to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/5-players-stepped-rutgers-footballs-080424766.html

Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press

Publish date : 2024-08-30 08:04:24

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