Rutgers Football: 3 most impactful newcomers for Scarlet Knights in 2023

3. Naseim Brantley, WR (transfer)

One position the Rutgers recruiting staff went after in volume was a wide receiver, signing four out of high school and one in the transfer portal. There are veteran receivers at the front of the depth chart, but Greg Schiano and new offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca would love for some of the younger receivers to at least push the veterans for snaps.

Incoming freshmen Dylan Braithwaite is listed as 5-foot-10, but that’s being generous. The diminutive dynamo is electric with the football in his hands. Braithwaite could see the field early and often on a team devoid of playmakers. He could be a poor man’s Roscoe Parrish when it’s all said and done.

Jesse Ofurie, another incoming freshman, could see snaps. At 6-foot-2 and nearly 200 pounds, he has the size to play early. He’s a natural route runner who high-points the ball well. He is a versatile receiver, able to line up in the slot or on the perimeter.

However, Western Illinois transfer Naseim Brantley is the receiver to watch. He led the Leathernecks in receiving with 893 yards and was a Phil Steele FCS All-American. Brantley will add punch to an offense that averaged 153 passing yards and 4.4 yards per play in 2022.