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A.J. Surace talks his senior season, recent Rutgers football visit for Ohio State game

The future of the Rutgers football offense was impressed with what he saw this past Saturday from the Scarlet Knights. A.J. Surace, a three-star quarterback commit to Rutgers, was at SHI Stadium last weekend to see the Big Ten game against No. 1 Ohio State.

Surace, from Notre Dame Prep (Lawrenceville, New Jersey), committed to Rutgers in January. He showed this fall why he was one of the top quarterbacks in the northeast as he led Notre Dame Prep to a 9-1 record.

This past season, Surace completed 130-of-188 passes for 1,862 yards. He had 22 passing touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had 909 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns on 107 carries.

Saturday’s game against Ohio State, Surace said, was a good advertisement for the direction of the program under head coach Greg Schiano. Rutgers held a halftime lead before losing 31-16 to the top team in not just the Big Ten but also the nation.

“I had a great time. I thought they played a good game and the atmosphere was great,” Surace told Rutgers Wire.

“It’s great to see the progress they’ve made this season and I’m excited to see them keep going.”

At the time of his commitment to Rutgers, Surace had a strong offer list that included multiple Big Ten schools and Power Five programs such as  Boston College, Duke, IndianaMichigan State, Northwestern, Pittsburgh and Tennessee.

He is a three-star and the No. 13 player in New Jersey according to Rivals and is a top-10 player in the state in the 247Sports rankings.

Surace showed some strong decision-making ability his senior season and plenty of the potential that made him an early must-get for Rutgers as part of the 2024 recruiting class.

He has been a rock-solid commit and a leader in this class.

“The season went good,” Surace said. “We went undefeated in the regular season and won our division. Then lost 51-41 to Paul VI in the playoffs.”

On Saturday, Rutgers (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) face No. 22 Iowa (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten).

Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano praised fans and students for their turnout this year.
Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano praised fans and students for their turnout this year.

NCAA Football: Northwestern at Rutgers

Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; The Scarlet Knight mascot Sir Henry cheers in front…

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NCAA Football: Northwestern at Rutgers

Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Al-Shadee Salaam (26) warms…

Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Al-Shadee Salaam (26) warms up before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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NCAA Football: Northwestern at Rutgers

Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) throws a…

Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) throws a pass during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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NCAA Football: Northwestern at Rutgers

Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano (left) shake…

Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano (left) shake hands with Northwestern Wildcats interim coach David Braun after their game at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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NCAA Football: Northwestern at Rutgers

Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) celebrates his…

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NCAA Football: Temple at Rutgers

Sep 9, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; A view of the main scoreboard announcing bad weather…

Sep 9, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; A view of the main scoreboard announcing bad weather at SHI Stadium before the game between the the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Temple Owls. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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NCAA Football: Temple at Rutgers

Sep 9, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Ja'shon Benjamin (20) scores…

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Jai Patel, kicker for Rutgers football.
Jai Patel, kicker for Rutgers football.

NCAA Football: Temple at Rutgers

Sep 9, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights place kicker Jai Patel (44) celebrates…

Sep 9, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights place kicker Jai Patel (44) celebrates his field goal with long snapper Jake Eldridge (49) during the first half against the Temple Owls at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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NCAA Football: Temple at Rutgers

Sep 9, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; A member of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights spirit team…

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Rutgers football continues to press for Naseim Brantley to be eligible.
Rutgers football continues to press for Naseim Brantley to be eligible.

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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 3: Head coach Greg Schiano of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights leads…

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NCAA Football: Virginia Tech at Rutgers

Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) warms up…

Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) warms up before the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano prior to Saturday's win over Virginia Tech.
Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano prior to Saturday's win over Virginia Tech.

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Rutgers football wide receiver Christian Dremel may look like a Starbucks barista to some, but he is making a strong brew in the Big Ten.
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USA TODAY is projecting Rutgers football will make a bowl game.
USA TODAY is projecting Rutgers football will make a bowl game.

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Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Christian Dremel (6) celebrates…

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NCAA Football: Virginia Tech at Rutgers

Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Da'Quan Felton (9) attempts…

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NCAA Football: Virginia Tech at Rutgers

Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai (5) carries…

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Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano knows Bob Bostad of the Indiana Hoosiers quite well.
Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano knows Bob Bostad of the Indiana Hoosiers quite well.

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NCAA Football: Rutgers at Michigan

Sep 23, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights mascot performs on the sideline in…

Sep 23, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights mascot performs on the sideline in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

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Wagner v Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 30: A view of the field at SHI Stadium before a…

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 30: A view of the field at SHI Stadium before a football game between the Wagner Seahawks and Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 30, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

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Wagner v Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 30: Steven Krajewski #8 of the Wagner Seahawks is sacked by…

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Rutgers football is projected by ESPN FPI to be bowl eligible.
Rutgers football is projected by ESPN FPI to be bowl eligible.

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Wagner v Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 30: A stack of Rutgers Scarlet Knights footballs on the field…

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NCAA Football: Michigan State at Rutgers

Oct 14, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; The Rutgers Scarlet Knights band performs during the first…

Oct 14, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; The Rutgers Scarlet Knights band performs during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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NCAA Football: Michigan State at Rutgers

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Oct 14, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (center) is seen on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights sideline during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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NCAA Football: Michigan State at Rutgers

Oct 14, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Isaiah Washington (14) catches…

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Rutgers football celebrates an impressive win over Michigan State.
Rutgers football celebrates an impressive win over Michigan State.

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Oct 14, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Isaiah Washington (14) celebrates…

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NCAA Football: Michigan State at Rutgers

Oct 14, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights fans cheer during the second half…

Oct 14, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights fans cheer during the second half of the game between the Scarlet Knights and the Michigan State Spartans at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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NCAA Football: Michigan State at Rutgers

Oct 14, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai (5) fights…

Oct 14, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai (5) fights for yards as Michigan State Spartans linebacker Jacoby Windmon (4) and defensive lineman Khris Bogle (2) pursue during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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Rutgers football is proving why they belong in the Big Ten.
Rutgers football is proving why they belong in the Big Ten.

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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 14: Defensive lineman Jordan Thompson #14 and tight end Shawn Bowman…

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Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Fans arrive at SHI Stadium prior to the NCAA…

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Fans arrive at SHI Stadium prior to the NCAA football game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

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NCAA Football: Ohio State at Rutgers

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; A view of the helmet worn by Rutgers Scarlet…

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; A view of the helmet worn by Rutgers Scarlet Knights tight end Jordan Walker (82) on the field before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano walks from…

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano walks from the locker room for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

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Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; A cannon is fired on the sideline following a…

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; A cannon is fired on the sideline following a field goal by the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at SHI Stadium.

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ESPN FPI is projecting a win from Rutgers football to close out their Big Ten schedule.
ESPN FPI is projecting a win from Rutgers football to close out their Big Ten schedule.

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; The Rutgers Scarlet Knight celebrates a field goal by…

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; The Rutgers Scarlet Knight celebrates a field goal by place kicker Jai Patel during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at SHI Stadium.

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NCAA Football: Ohio State at Rutgers

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano reacts during…

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano reacts during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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NCAA Football: Ohio State at Rutgers

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hartford (25) breaks up…

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hartford (25) breaks up a pass intended for Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Ian Strong (29) during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers fans watch the Scarlet Knights take on the…

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers fans watch the Scarlet Knights take on the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of the NCAA football game at SHI Stadium. Ohio State won 35-16.

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Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights fans watch during the second half…

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights fans watch during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at SHI Stadium. Ohio State won 35-16.

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Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano motions to…

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano motions to his team during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at SHI Stadium. Ohio State won 35-16.

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Story originally appeared on Rutgers Wire