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PISCATAWAY – When Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano named Athan Kaliakmanis the team’s starting quarterback last spring, the Scarlet Knights hoped the Minnesota transfer could help jumpstart an offense that needed to be far more productive than it had been in recent seasons.
Kaliakmanis won the job partly because of his accuracy. He had a strong relationship with offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca from their previous time together with the Golden Gophers. Any improvement that Kaliakmanis could bring to the quarterback position, which floundered under his predecessor Gavin Wimsatt, would be welcome for Rutgers.
Ten games into the season, the results are clear.
Kaliakmanis has done what Rutgers has hoped, leading an offense that’s shown consistent strides through the season to help the Scarlet Knights reach the six-win mark and earn bowl eligibility for a second-straight season.
Nov 16, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) throws a pass against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Rutgers will look to win its seventh game when it hosts Illinois on Saturday (noon, Peacock) at SHI Stadium.
Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano: Athan Kaliakmanis is ‘only going to get better’
“I’m glad he’s here, and I thinks he’s only going to get better,” Schiano said Monday. “I don’t think we’ve even scratched the surface how good he can be.”
That’s a pretty big compliment from Schiano.
Especially given how productive Kaliakmanis has been. It hasn’t been a flawless season – Kaliakmanis had a tough stretch earlier this season against Nebraska and Wisconsin.
But overall?
He’s been exactly what Rutgers has needed. Against Maryland he went 20-of-30 passing for 238 yards with two touchdowns. His throws…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/heres-why-addition-athan-kaliakmanis-090719068.html
Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press
Publish date : 2024-11-20 09:07:00
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