2004 Statistics

Quarterback
No player is more vital to Rutgers' success than Ryan Hart, who has started 27 straight. The senior, who holds several school single-season records, is poised to shatter all the career marks, too. But, he's also coming off an inconsistent junior campaign, when he set the Big East record for accuracy (65.1%) and the school record for yards, but also tied the Rutgers record for INTs (19). Hart is one-dimensional, offering no threat of running. But he's got an exceptional arm to burn defenses. He will shake his inconsistency and put together his finest year as a Scarlet Knight. Also strong is depth at the position for the first time in a while. Redshirt freshman Mike Teel is the real deal, and will keep the offense rolling if Hart falters or gets injured.

Running Back
With the Hart-led aerial assault, the running game was nearly non-existent in '04 (ranked 113th, 2.5 yards per carry), and gave defenses no reason to stack the box. Brian Leonard was the only weapon, as he led the team in rushing and established himself as one of the nation's best fullbacks (NationalChamps.net all-American Honorable Mention). He's a bruiser who can get a first down in short-yardage situations, and he's got tremendous hands, which makes him one of Hart's favorite targets. The question is whether Leonard gets any help. Will it finally come from Clarence Pittman? The fifth-year senior has failed throughout his career to impress, but he will emerge from a mediocre group of tailbacks and get the bulk of the carries. Still, Pittman isn't good enough to keep the others off the field. Look for Canadian-newbie Jerome Messam (230lbs. and runs a 4.4-second 40) and Dwayne Jones (recruited as the No.1 fullback in the nation by Rivals.com) to be inserted (and lose any red shirts) if the struggles on the ground continue.

Receiver
No quarterback puts up the numbers Hart puts up without great receivers, and Rutgers has one of the best receiving corps in the conference. Tres Moses is as good as it gets. He is, without question, Hart's favorite target, and he's one of the best receivers in the country. With speed (4.55) and good hands, he will have another big year. He'll also be helped by the return of Shawn Tucker (medical redshirt in '04), who was a big-play threat two years ago when he caught 50. Chris Baker will also have a big effort, so this senior trio could easily catch over 150 as a group.

Tight End
Clark Harris’ 53 catches was second for TEs last campaign, and he’s too good not to succeed even at blocking assignments (also a long snapper if needed), but he'll also get plenty of help. Former quarterback Anthony Cali has been converted - his soft hands have already made an impact at his new position.

Offensive Line
Although the running game managed just a paltry 2.5 yards per carry, the line surrendered a respectable 20 sacks (down from 55 in 2002). The group is only going to get better as sophomores Pedro Sosa and Jeremy Zuttah reach their potential. Zuttah became a starter as a true freshman - he’s strong and athletic. Junior LT Sosa has had rapid developments (former roundball standout started playing his junior year of prep) to accompany his size and strength, and Hart now trusts him to effectively guard his back. The right side will contain John Glass and Sameeh McDonald. Both started every game in '04. Walk-on Joe Giacobbe also had a strong spring to earn the starting center spot, but this was due in part to the spring absence of likely starters Will Vogt (shoulder) and Dan Mazan (shoulder). If one of these cannot cement the center position in the fall, the results could be a problem. The line could be more of an asset, but how much the rest of the members improve will go a long way toward defining the team’s destiny.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
The Scarlet Knights had the sixth-ranked passing offense (310.5 yards per game), but were 48th in efficiency – that means (least of all) that RU’s aerial attack doesn’t have the impact to carry this offense alone. Rutgers will once against be deadly through the air with Hart calling the shots, but a running dimension has to emerge for this side of the ball to positively impact winning efforts. The roster is full of capable runners, so when the Knights try to ride those horses, we’ll see just how much the trenches have (finally) accomplished in run-support. We feel that Rutgers will run the ball better than it did a year ago, and that production of all 11 will be respectable by mid-season. Optimistically speaking, opposing defenses best not overlook them if balance can be attained.

Defensive Line
This area just gave up 178.2 ypg on the ground. The Knights, did, however, record 31 sacks, and their leader in that category is back. DE Ryan Neill uses his exceptional speed to spend half the game in foe’s backfields. He also led the team in TFLs, so look for two hats on him most plays. That will clear things up for the others. Val Barnaby brings more size to the other end spot, and he, too, has the speed to beat tackles to the outside. Inside, the Knights will search well into the fall to find the right combination of tackles. Converted-OT Cameron Stephenson excelled at the JUCO level on the inside, so his switch brings needed depth after Nate Robinson’s dismissal (broke unspecified team rule). Robinson never reached anything near what he was supposed to, so the new tackles can only improve things. The ends are capable, but the uncertainty at tackle means gelling won’t occur until mid-season (at its earliest).

Linebacker
There’s experience here, a good thing for the Knights uncertainties in their front seven. Middle-man Devraun Thompson returns as one of the team leaders in tackles. His aggressive pursuit puts him in optimal position on almost every down. Outside backer Terry Bynes is a great athlete (sprinter in high school) who is always around the ball (led Big East in fumble recoveries). The other outside backer, Will Gilkison, has made as much of an impact the other two (and as a reserve), so his starting nod will “up the ante” here. Little proven depth means it is a(nother) struggle here if health issues arise.

Defensive Back
Plenty of experience returns to the secondary, but that is not necessarily good news for a group so often burned (97th against the pass). Corners Joe Porter and Derrick Roberson both put up good numbers, in terms of interceptions and pass breakups, and both have good speed, but they also got torched on occasion. That’s why Anthony Miller and Corey Barnes were shifted from receiver to corner in the spring. Safety Ron Girault stepped in as a starting lineup midway through 2004, and had a great second half. Although not big, he’ll get even better.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Schiano is taking a more active role here after watching his team give up 428.7 ypg (104th). Whether it was the ground game or the air attack, Rutgers gave up way too much. The linebackers – with six former starters – will be strong, but the development of the line and secondary are going to be the keys. We see the Scarlet Knights continuing to perform inconsistently on this side of the ball and that will ostensibly cost the team wins.