Rutgers football this season has a chance to make some noise in the Big Ten.
The Scarlet Knights not only have a more manageable conference schedule, on paper at least, but they also have quality depth and talent on both sides of the ball.
Who will have a chance to step up in 2024?
Here’s a look at seven players − including a few under-the-radar names − to keep an eye on:
Sam Brown, running back
While Kyle Monangai is clearly entrenched as the starter, Brown helps create a formidable 1-2 punch. It’s going to be interesting to see how the 6-foot-1, 222-pound Brown looks this season. He had a breakout game against Indiana in 2022 but suffered a foot injury that ended his freshman season and limited him in 2023 – he had 216 rushing yards on 63 carries a year ago. Brown ran for 38 yards in the Pinstripe Bowl win over Miami and looked much more like himself in an encouraging sign for the Scarlet Knights. If Brown can play at that level this season, Rutgers is going to be a dangerous running team.
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Dymere Miller, wide receiver
Miller was one of the biggest additions Rutgers made in the offseason, bolstering the wide receiver corps with a speedy weapon for quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. The 5-foot-11, 184-pound Miller was a stud at Monmouth, leading the FCS last season with 1,293 receiving yards and 117.5 yards per game. He set single-season program records for catches (90), receiving yards, single-game receiving yards (333) and single-season 100-yard games with six. Miller impressed in the spring – offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca remarked he was even better than he looked on film – and he has a chance to become an integral piece of the offense.
Robert Longerbeam, cornerback
Longerbeam has clearly developed into one of the top cornerbacks in the Big Ten and the spotlight on him will be even greater this season with Max Melton now in the NFL. The 5-foot-11, 178-pound Longerbeam has gotten better each season – he had 43 tackles with one interception and broke up 11 passes last season. Longerbeam is going to draw some big assignments this season against elite Big Ten receivers.
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Benjamin Black, wide receiver
Right now, it’s too early to say just how much of an impact Black will make as a true freshman. But he showed enough in the spring to know that that Scarlet Knights have a dynamic, speedy, young receiver in Black. He has tremendous athleticism. Coach Greg Schiano has made it clear that playing time has to be earned, so Black in training camp will have a chance to carve out a role. If he does, he’s going to be a fun player for Rutgers fans to watch.
Kenny Fletcher, tight end
Rutgers needs to replace Johnny Langan and Shawn Bowman at tight end, a position that hasn’t been as productive in recent seasons as the Scarlet Knights need. Fletcher moved from defensive end late last season and showed some good things in the spring. Fletcher was a wide receiver at Delran High School so he has the pass-catching ability. Schiano in the spring said Fletcher can “do everything” and is “uber-talented.” Can Fletcher become a weapon for Kaliakmanis? We’re going to find out soon.
Kaj Sanders, safety
Much like Black, it’s too soon to know how much playing time Sanders will receive as a true freshman. But there’s no denying the potential that the Bergen Catholic product boasts. A four-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite, Sanders has elite speed (he ran a 10.8 second 100-meter dash in high school). He was also a running back in high school. It’ll be interesting to see if Rutgers uses Sanders in any offensive packages or wrinkles.
Dariel Djabome, linebacker
Rutgers is deep at linebacker with Tyreem Powell (who’s recovering from a torn Achilles) and Mohamed Toure at the top. But Djabome is an important member of the linebacker room and has impressed in the chance’s he’s gotten the last two seasons. He had 15 tackles last season, including two in the Pinstripe Bowl. A Quebec native, the 6-foot-2, 240-pound Quebec native has continued to improve.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers football: 7 players to watch in 2024
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