The top five Rutgers players to watch in the season’s final four games
As the Scarlet Knights inch closer to the conclusion of the 2023 season, which five players will stand out in the season’s final four games? Rutgers has games against No. 3 Ohio State, Iowa, No. 10 Penn State, and Maryland remaining on their regular season schedule.
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano has his team at 6-2, the best start since the Scarlet Knights started 7-1 in 2012. Also, the Scarlet Knights’ six wins are the most in a season since going 8-5 in 2014.
Sat ‘Em Down 🥞 pic.twitter.com/gMkmm3vlmq
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) October 25, 2023
The Scarlet Knights are playing hard for Schiano and are buying into his philosophy of running the football and playing tough defense. For their efforts this season, the Scarlet Knights matched a program-high three Big Ten wins in a season, which was done in 2014, 2017, and 2020.
Can the Scarlet Knights capture a fourth Big Ten win to break their program record? Below are the five players to watch in the season’s final four games.
No. 5 Freshman Wide Receiver Ian Strong
Ian Strong recovers an onside kick!!!
First play from scrimmage and Kyle Monangai runs it 21 yards for a TOUCHDOWN!!!
Extra point never attempted of bad snap or hold.
Rutgers leads Michigan State 27-24 with 8:21 to play.
Unbelievable but A LOT of time left.
— Aaron Breitman (@aaron_breitman) October 14, 2023
Rutgers first-year wide receiver Ian Strong has raised some eyebrows this season, recording a solid freshman season. The Coram, New York, native is ranked No. 4 on the team in receiving yards with 135 yards, sitting behind senior wide receivers Isaiah Washington (No. 3), JaQuae Jackson (No. 2), and Christian Dremel (No. 1). The underclassman appeared in all eight games for the Scarlet Knights, recording receptions in five of them. Through Week 8, Strong has registered ten catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns as he looks to build on his rookie season.
No. 4 Senior Linebacker Deion Jennings
“I’m one of the oldest guys in the program,” linebacker Deion Jennings said. “Seeing the ups and downs of this program – it’s been a wild ride. But I’m glad we’re here.”
Bowl eligibility is one step, but a major one for Rutgershttps://t.co/ETSXqiHgfj
— Chris Iseman (@ChrisIseman) October 22, 2023
With starting linebacker Tyreem Powell going down with a season-ending hand injury, senior linebacker Deion Jennings will take his role as the heart and soul of the Rutgers defense. Through eight games, Jennings is behind Powell with the second-most tackles on the team (51). The Sicklerville, New Jersey, native has registered 20 solo tackles, 31 assists, and four pass breakups. The Timber Creek High School prospect is projected to have a solid final four games with Powell being out of the lineup.
No. 3 Sophomore Linebacker Moses Walker
Rutgers LB Moses Walker is one to watch this year https://t.co/D1tCw7DzB5
— Bobby Deren (@BobbyDeren) July 17, 2023
Rutgers sophomore linebacker Moses Walker made his collegiate debut this season, recording two tackles and a forced fumble against Temple. With the absence of Powell, Walker can be one of the several defensive breakout players in Rutgers’ final four games. Walker is finally healthy this season after a season-ending injury during his freshman season. The former four-star recruit has provided depth behind Powell and Jennings so far this season, but with Powell’s injury, Walker will see a ton of action in the season’s final four games.
No. 2 Senior Linebacker Mohamed Toure
NEWS: Rutgers linebacker Mohamed Toure has been named to the midseason Comeback Player of the Year watch list, per release.
Story for @Ruscarletnation: https://t.co/aUUYcKb67a
— Chris Tsakonas (@tsakonas_chris) October 11, 2023
Rutgers starting hybrid linebacker Mohamed Toure missed the 2022 season after suffering a season-ending injury during spring practice. Since returning to the field this season, Toure has recorded 50 total tackles and four tackles-for-loss. He has recorded a forced fumble, 1.5 sacks, and four quarterback hurries. The Pleasantville, New Jersey, native is ranked No. 3 on the team for total tackles, sitting behind Jennings and Powell. According to the Rutgers Athletics Department, the senior linebacker has been named to the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year watch list. He is one of 49 players to be named to the watch list.
No. 1 Freshman Running Back Ja'shon Benjamin
JA’SHON BENJAMIN PUNCHES IT IN FOR ANOTHER KNIGHTS TOUCHDOWN!!! #CHOP
🪓: 44
🦅: 3 pic.twitter.com/DzGhIXJw7c— Sidelines – Rutgers 🪓 (@SSN_Rutgers) September 30, 2023
In his first season with the Scarlet Knights, running back Ja’shone Benjamin has been a solid addition to the Rutgers backfield. The Pahokee, Florida, native has complimented lead back Kyle Monangai through eight games this season, ranking No. 3 on the team with 174 rushing yards. Benjamin has appeared in six games this season, averaging four yards a carry on 43 attempts. Also, the freshman running back has recorded a rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown on the season. He has recorded four catches for 54 yards, averaging 13.5 yards a catch.
