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Big Ten Football: Every team’s most important newcomer in 2021

By Dante Pryor

Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 3-6:

Rutgers three wins last season match their season totals from the last two seasons, so there is hope in Piscataway. So far in 2022, Rutgers is sixth in 247.com’s recruiting rankings. If there is anything, we know head coach Greg Schiano knows it is how to recruit. This season a point of progress is how many snaps young players take away from veterans. That is a clear indicator of an uptick in recruiting.

One of the critical areas the Scarlet Knights need the most help is defensively. The Knights were 83rd in scoring defense and 104th in total defense. The Knights need help in their front seven and the secondary. These three players could contribute right away.

  • Patrice Rene (Transfer) CB: The Knights get an experienced, proven commodity in Rene. A transfer from North Carolina, Rene missed his senior season because of a season-ending injury after two games. Rene gives the Rutgers secondary size (6-foot-2) and talent depth as a graduate transfer.
  • Khayri Banton, OLB: Banton was the second-highest rated recruit for Schiano’s 2021 class. The West Side High School product is a natural pass-rusher with the athleticism to develop into an all-down linebacker. Banton has a great get-off when the ball is snapped with the ability to stay low and bend around offensive tackles. Banton needs to improve in coverage but could get snaps as an EDGE rusher on passing downs right away.
  • Alijah Clark, DB: Clark was the highest-rated recruit from the 2021 class and the fifth-rated player from New Jersey. Clark comes on campus with ready-made size (6-foot-2 and 180 pounds). Clark played receiver in high school, so he tracks the ball well when it is in the air. Clark is a high-level athlete. Though the Knights return their top two corners and bring in the aforementioned Rene, Clark’s talent and ability to turn the ball over could be too much to deny.
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