Rutgers football: Evaluating CHOP 2023 recruit WR Dylan Braithwaite

New York native Dylan Braithwaite is one of three wide receivers to join the Rutgers football 2023 recruiting class, having given his commitment in the summer and signing this December.

The three-star wide receiver out of Holy Trinity High School (Hicksville, N.Y.) led the Titans to a 9-1 record and the CHSFL AA-1 Intersectional championship. Braithwaite played three games as a senior, finishing the season with nine catches for 237 yards and four touchdowns. In 2021, Braithwaite had a stellar junior season, recording 30 receptions for 701 yards and nine touchdowns. Outside of playing wide receiver, he is also a dangerous punt returner.

As a junior, Braithwaite totaled 173 punt return yards.

According to ESPN, Braithwaite is the No. 2 overall prospect in New York. 247Sports has the three-star recruit ranked No. 7 in New York and 164th in the nation. Braithwaite received six offers  but Rutgers was the only team from a Power Five conference to offer the 2023 recruit.

Dylan Braithwaite, Holy Trinity Diocesan, Wide Receiver (247sports.com)

Evaluating Braithwaite’s skillset

Braithwaite ran 55 meters in 6.58 seconds at approximately 23 MPH, showing off his speed. When running routes, he can outpace many defenders. It will be tough to out throw his speed.

Braithwaite can make the big play anytime he has the ball in his hands. He relies on his hands to catch many passes, not letting the ball hit his body. He is a solid route runner with a great release off the line of scrimmage. Outside of playing receiver, Braithwaite is likely going to make an immediate impact on special teams for the Scarlet Knights. After showing his skill off in high school, he will most likely compete for the starting punt returner in 2023. 

Areas to work on

Braithwaite will need to add size and strength to factor into the two-deep at Rutgers. It is a good thing that the Scarlet Knights are getting him into the program this spring so he can be in the strength and conditioning program.

He might not win all the jump balls against opposing defenders, but he will outrun them. Braithwaite took many of his high school snaps from the X or Z position, but now he needs to work on taking routes out of the slot. While playing inside, Braithwaite can cause many mismatches against opposing linebackers or nickel packages. Look for Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano and his staff to work with Braithwaite in the slot, maximizing his skillset. 

List

An early look at Rutgers football’s 2023 schedule

Story originally appeared on Rutgers Wire