By Matt Sugam

On a defense with changes just about everywhere, one mainstay is Scott Vallone. But anywhere the rising redshirt junior glances, he sees new linemen next to him.

There’s defensive end Justin Francis or Manny Abreu—who moved to the line after four years at linebacker—on one side, and fellow defensive tackle Michael Larrow on the other.

With all the changes due to the graduation of defensive tackle Charlie Noonan and defensive ends Alex Silvestoro and Jonathan Freeny, Vallone notices the changes, but it’s nothing that concerns him. Continue Reading

By Matt Sugam

PISCATAWAY NJ- It’s been said that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

After making some history of their own—allowing an NCAA record 61 sacks—the Rutgers offensive line has had all offseason to study their dreadful performance.

And listen to how poorly they played.

“We’re sick of hearing it,” Desmond Stapleton said. “We’re just trying to break the mold this year. Do what we got to do so people have a better idea what this o-line can be.”

The rising fifth year senior moved back to right tackle this year after playing left tackle a season ago. The difference isn’t a big one for Stapleton, as he played right tackle prior to playing on the blind side last season. Continue Reading

By Mike Vorkunov

Less than seven months after lying prone on the field of New Meadowlands Stadium and suffering paralysis, Eric LeGrand is well enough to leave the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange. LeGrand left the facility yesterday, where he had been since Nov. 8, and will stay at his aunt’s home in Jackson, N.J.

LeGrand will now carry on with his rehabilitation at the Kessler Rehabilitation Center in Ocean Township, coming as an outpatient twice a week, and once a week at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange. Additionally, LeGrand’s tracheotomy was removed last week.

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By Matt Sugam

After hundreds of in-game snaps, countless hours of time spent on practice field, weight room and film room, many NFL dreams come down to a stopwatch and measuring stick.

At the Rutgers practice bubble on Wednesday morning, nine players from last seasons roster worked out for the dozens of NFL scouts to try and turn that dream into reality.

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By Mike Vorkunov

Hoboken Volunteers will be holding their 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off tomorrow, Saturday Feb. 26. This year’s event will benefit the Eric LeGrand Believe Fund. The event is being held from1 PM - 5 PM at The Shannon (106 1st St. in Hoboken).

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By Mike Vorkunov

Rutgers football announced its 2011 schedule. It will include one trip to Yankee Stadium, seven home games and four true road games.

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By Kyle Franko

So it’s the day after National Signing Day for colleges and well, not all players are signed. No doubt, that’s confusing, and still two of the top three rated players managed not to pick a school.

Consensus No. 1 prospect Jadeveon Clowney went the Terrelle Pryor route and chose to commit to … nobody.

Meanwhile, five-star offensive lineman Cyrus Kouandijo kind-of-sort-of-but-not-really committed to Auburn. But he may still go to Alabama … and my head hurts too so read about it here. Continue Reading

By Matt Sugam

PISCATAWAY — As Rutgers looks to cover up the black eye that the Tom Savage transfer saga left, there’s no better makeup to apply than a highly touted recruiting class.

The Scarlet Knights did just that.

Out of the 24 recruits, four are four-star recruits and three of the Garden State’s top four recruits according to Rivals will be Scarlet Knights. That has the 2011 recruiting class widely regarded as one of the best in school history.

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