Rutgers Football: 3 newcomers who’ll have instant impacts in 2020

1. Victor Konopka, DE

When a program recruits all three-stars, it usually signals not many of them will see the field year one in a program. Most times, they are destined to redshirt and develop to play in the future. There is one of those recruits that could see the field this season is strong-side defensive end, Victor Konopka.

The first reason Konopka could see the field is he has the size to see the field. At 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, he is big enough to compete for snaps. Not only that, but he could also play offense next season. Not only did Konopka play defensive end, he saw a lot of snaps at tight end.

His tape shows an ability to control the seams and play either in-line or split in the slot. He’s a good route runner with great hands. Konopka high points the ball and does not wait for the ball to come to him.

It is most likely that he ends up playing defensive end and his experience on offense serves him well. He has great feet and engages offensive linemen with his hands. He’ll need to get stronger, but Konopka has a great motor with instincts to make plays around the football.

He’s a natural smooth athlete and though he needs to get stronger, he’ll have an opportunity to earn some snaps in the defensive line rotation this season.