Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Rutgers Football: 5 Knights primed for breakout season in 2018

By Luke Feliciano

PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: The Rutgers Scarlet Knight rides his horse onto the field before a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 30, 2017 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. Ohio State won 56-0. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: The Rutgers Scarlet Knight rides his horse onto the field before a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 30, 2017 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. Ohio State won 56-0. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Raheem Blackshear makes for the most interesting storyline to follow as a potential breakout star for the Scarlet Knights come 2018. He is a former three-star prospect from the Philadelphia area.

Blackshear was immediately effective in the only true strong point for Rutgers last season in the running game. Blackshear played in 11 games and carried the ball 39 times for 238 yards and three touchdowns.

He also displayed versatility as he saw time set up as a receiver and caught seven passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, Blackshear’s speed made allowed him to get a lot of time as one of the main kick returners last year. In 2017, he returned the ball 20 times for 334 yards with a long return of 44 yards.

With the departures of Rutgers’ top two tailbacks in Gus Edwards and Robert Martin gone, Blackshear may hold the key to the ground game in 2018. This video is just a taste of what Blackshear is capable of. On this run, he doesn’t even get touched on his way to a 34-yard touchdown.

Next: Preseason Top 25 following spring practices

Although undersized for his position at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Blackshear is agile, has quick feet and turns on the jets when he’s in open space. He even showed the ability to lower his shoulder pad level and attempt to gain extra yardage at times last season. He could be a key cog in the offense next season.

Home/Rutgers Scarlet Knights