Who will lead Rutgers on offense and defense? Predicting top performers for 2023 season
Training camp is over. Rutgers football is days away from beginning its season.
So who will lead the Scarlet Knights on both sides of the ball?
Here’s who we’re predicting will be Rutgers’ top performers for the 2023 season, which begins Sunday against Northwestern at SHI Stadium (noon, CBS):
The leader in rushing yards will be…
Sam Brown. The second-year running back had a breakout, 101-yard rushing performance last season against Indiana, only to suffer a foot injury late in the game and miss the rest of the season. As long as the 6-foot-1, 225-pound Brown stays healthy, he’s poised to remain Rutgers’ top running back and should pile up plenty of yardage.
Will Rutgers football have its first 1,000-yard rusher since Jawan Jamison in 2012?
No. While Brown will have plenty of yards, Rutgers has a deep running back room and will be able to split the carries up. Aaron Young, Kyle Monangai, Al-Shadee Salaam and even true freshman Ja’shon Benjamin should receive opportunities. And with the offensive line still an uncertainty, it’s tough to say this will be the year Rutgers has a 1,000-yard rusher. I think Brown gets there in the future, but not just yet.
The leader in receiving yards will be…
JaQuae Jackson. Rutgers brought him in from the transfer portal to help fill a big void in the wide receiver room. Jackson has potential to be the No. 1 receiver and a reliable weapon for Gavin Wimsatt. Jackson should get plenty of opportunities.
Gavin Wimsatt will throw at least 10 touchdown passes…
Wimsatt had five TD passes in eight games last season. If he really has improved his accuracy and decision-making, it’s fair to believe that number should at least double.
The leader in touchdowns will be…
Sam Brown. We know Rutgers is going to run the football plenty. Brown led Rutgers with three rushing touchdowns last season in seven games. His output will only increase this season.
The leader in interceptions will be…
Max Melton. He had two picks last season and three in 2021. If you were to ask him, he’d tell you neither number is high enough. He has legitimate NFL potential. The Mays Landing native will showcase that this season.
The leader in tackles will be…
Tyreem Powell. The Vineland native had 71 last season, 20 shy of Deion Jennings, who led with 91. But Powell gained more strength in the offseason, he said he’s playing with more confidence, he’s playing with more quickness and explosiveness. He isn’t thinking as much on the field. That should translate to a big season.
MORE Here's the state of Rutgers football's offensive line with season set to begin
Aaron Lewis will finish with at least four sacks
Lewis had 1½ last season, a number that should be higher considering the Williamstown product is considered one of the best defensive ends in the Big Ten. Lewis, who had 2½ in 2021, had 19 QB hits last season, according to Pro Football Focus. That led all edge rushers. Lewis is a focal point of game plans – he routinely drew double teams last season as his productivity increased. But he has the talent, explosiveness and potential to double his number of sacks from last season.
A freshman who will open plenty of eyes will be…
Ian Strong. 247Sports ranked Strong, out of St. Anthony’s High School on Long Island, as the No. 1 overall recruit in New York for the 2023 class. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Strong was an early enrollee, giving him a chance to get a jumpstart in the offense. He’s a big, athletic target. And while Jackson could be the No. 1 receiver, Rutgers still has a relatively unproven wide receiver corps. That could open up chances at some point this season for Strong to make an impression and an impact.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers football: Predicting offense, defense stars for 2023 roster
