These young receivers and former high school teammates making big impact for Rutgers football

PISCATAWAY – Not too long ago Ian Strong and KJ Duff were starring at St. Anthony’s High School on Long Island.

Now they’re in Rutgers football uniforms, establishing roles within the Scarlet Knights offense and becoming go-to weapons for quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis.

“Those two guys are awfully talented, and to think that they were on the same high school team – they won some games,” coach Greg Schiano said. “There’s a reason teams win games.”

Strong and Duff are now critical to Rutgers’ ability to win games, if the Scarlet Knights can beat Maryland on Saturday (6 p.m., FS1) at SECU Stadium in College Park, they’d win their sixth game and earn bowl eligibility for a second consecutive season.

Both young receivers have made some big plays through the first nine games.

Going up against the Terrapins could offer opportunities for more −Maryland has the Big Ten’s worst pass defense, allowing 265.4 yards per game.

Nov 9, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Ian Strong (9) celebrates after scoring on a touchdown reception during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The 6-foot-3, 211-pound Strong is Rutgers’ second leading receiver with 356 yards on 20 catches (he’s fourth in the Big Ten with 17.8 yards per catch) with two touchdowns, while the 6-foot-6, 219-pound Duff is third with 294 yards on 16 catches with one touchdown.

Duff made a great catch in the first quarter of Rutgers’ 26-19 win over Minnesota on Saturday, hauling in a pass from Kaliakmanis down the right sideline on third-and-6 from the Rutgers 29 for a 37-yard gain to get the ball to the Minnesota 34. The drive ended with the Scarlet Knights’ first touchdown of the game.

Kaliakmanis has been impressed by what he’s seen…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/young-receivers-former-high-school-090510098.html

Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press

Publish date : 2024-11-13 09:05:10

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