Rutgers Football: 5 freshman to keep an eye on entering in 2018

Rutgers football is shaping up to have many young pieces to the puzzle. Which newcomers should we keep an eye on?

It is rare to see a freshman get a lot of playing time at a Power 5 school. More often than not, freshman players are learning from their older counterparts and are being immersed into the new college system.

Even if they do see game action, it is usually on one or more of the special teams.

In some instances, freshman can also step in and play the role of backup which provides depth, stability and dependability if a starter goes down for some reason.

Eventually, freshmen rise up the ranks and have the opportunity to take on a starting role, but until then, fans can only imagine what talents await.

Here is a list of five freshmen to watch for Rutgers football in 2018.

Naijee Jones did not see the field last season as he was designated as a redshirt. He was, however, fully committed to the Scarlet Knights from pretty much the beginning of his recruitment.

Jones is a former three-star recruit. He was also the third-best cornerback recruit and No. 32 overall player from the state of New Jersey out of Timber Creek High School, according to his Scout.com profile.

He comes from a team with success. He helped lead the Chargers to an undefeated season in his senior year of high school and to a South Jersey, Group 4 Championship.

At Rutgers, he is preparing to fill the role of safety once his time comes, and it may be soon. While the safety position is an area of strength for Rutgers as it returns several upperclassmen, it’s not terribly deep with bodies.

Jones could be a piece this season alongside two starters from last year, K.J. Gray and Saquan Hampton.