Rutgers’ best class ever? Here’s a player-by-player breakdown of eye-opening recruiting surge

Published Jul. 10, 2023, 7:30 a.m. By Patrick Lanni Can this be the recruiting class that changes Rutgers’ fortunes? On paper, the Class of 2024 is shaping up to be one of the best ever of coach Greg Schiano’s tenure with the Scarlet Knights — even dating back to his first stint. Momentum has continued to build throughout June and July, with Schiano securing 14 commitments. The class also received early pledges from a running back who has drawn comparisons to Rutgers legend Brian Leonard and a quarterback who could represent the future of the program. The biggest boost to the class came Saturday, however, when Rutgers landed a verbal commitment from Kaj Sanders, a highly touted defensive back from Bergen Catholic. Sanders, the second four-star pledge to commit in the past two weeks, represents a significant addition to a group that is teetering on becoming just the second top-25 ranked class in program history. It’s still a long way to the early signing period in December when everything becomes official, but here’s an early look at the 11 commitments since June 10. Kaj Sanders, Bergen Catholic, DB Vitals: 6-1, 190 pounds Stars: Four-star recruit Commitment date: July 8 Scouting report: His versatility may be his biggest strength. Capable of playing four positions (safety, cornerback, running back and wide receiver), Sanders has noteworthy speed on the track and big-play ability. He chose Rutgers over Wisconsin, South Carolina and North Carolina. How he fits at Rutgers: Schiano wants players who can do it all. Sanders has the versatility to fit into any defensive scheme and may even see his offensive production flourish in his final season high school season. Korey Duff Jr., St. Anthony’s (Mellville, N.Y.), WR Vitals: 6-5, 205 pounds Stars: Four-star recruit Commitment date: June 29 Scouting report: A hybrid pass-catcher, Duff has the size and ball skills to translate to the next level. He caught 35 passes for 682 yards and scored five touchdowns last season. His commitment gives Rutgers the highest-ranked recruit in New York for the third season in a row. How he fits at Rutgers: Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca knows how to utilize tight ends and will benefit from having a recruit who can play with size or speed. Carter Kadow, Middleton High (Middleton, Wisconsin), OL Vitals: 6-7, 270 pounds Stars: three-star recruit Commitment date: June 25 Scouting report: Not many tight ends convert to offensive tackle, but that’s the move Kadow will make for his final high school season. His athleticism should help make for a smooth transition. How he fits at Rutgers: Not many young linemen play early on in their careers in the Big Ten so development will be key for Kadow, who will arrive at Rutgers as a fairly raw prospect. Look for him to flourish under offensive lineman coach Pat Flaherty’s mentorship. Antonio White, Parkview High (Linburn, Georgia), DB Vitals: 6-2, 190 pounds Stars: three-star recruit Commitment date: June 24 Scouting report: White projects as a free safety with size and athleticism and could also dabble with playing wide receiver. His recruiting victory was a big one after Rutgers won out over several SEC schools. How he fits at Rutgers: Schiano has a long history of developing players in the secondary. White will arrive as a blue-chip prospect capable of making an early impact. Noah Shaw, Asheville High (Asheville, North Carolina), ATH Vitals: 6-2, 195 pounds Stars: three-star recruit Commitment date: June 22 Scouting report: His on-field production was off the charts last season after the outside linebacker/hybrid safety made 115 tackles, 15 pass breakups and three sacks. He chose Rutgers over offers from Vanderbilt, Missouri and took an official visit to Duke before making his pledge to the Scarlet Knights. How he fits at Rutgers: Linebacker depth has fluctuated the last two years, but a versatile defender like Shaw should add quality depth and upside to a room that has excelled despite less-than-ideal scenarios based off injuries and other factors. Elijah King, Gahanna Lincoln High (Columbus, Ohio), DL Vitals: 6-6, 240 pounds Stars: three-star recruit Commitment date: June 22 Scouting report: King looks like a prototypical pass rusher as a defensive end. He chose Rutgers over a long offer list that included several Big Ten foes. He also took official visits to Purdue and Indiana. How he fits at Rutgers: During his official visit, King bonded with several of the team’s best defensive linemen and fits the mold of team’s starting ends this season — Aaron Lewis and Wesley Bailey, two candidates who could earn All-Big Ten honors. Samarian Robinson, Lincoln High (Tallahassee, Florida), LB Vitals: 6-4, 210 pounds Stars: three-star recruit Commitment date: June 21 Scouting report: A hard-hitter with plenty of speed, Robinson’s best ability could be his ability to track down ball carriers in space. He can play all over the field, but enjoys playing in the box as a downhill threat. He flipped his commitment from UCF to Rutgers during his official visit. How he fits at Rutgers: Think Tyreem Powell, a rangy and athletic linebacker who can fill a number of roles defensively. Benjamin Black, Mallard Creek High (Charlotte, North Carolina), WR Vitals: 6-1, 190 pounds Stars: three-star recruit Commitment date: June 11 Scouting report: It’s all about Speed for Black, who owns several impressive times in track and field and has been clocked as fast a a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash. While he has good ball skills, Black could also be used a defensive back. He chose Rutgers over several ACC schools. How he fits at Rutgers: No matter where it is on the field, Rutgers can utilize a player with Black’s speed and quickness. Aron Cruickshank was the latest example of a speedy receiver who could take any play the distance. Montele Johnson, West Bloomfield High (West Bloomfield, Michigan), LB Vitals: 6-2, 230 pounds Stars: three-star recruit Commitment date: June 11 Scouting report: Known for his physical play and big hits, Johnson put together a strong junior season with 102 tackles, 23 of which went for loss (in just 10 games). He also took official visits at Boston College and Kansas. How he fits at Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights will look to utilize Johnson’s physicality as a thumping inside linebacker who can plug holes and stuff the run. He hits much bigger than his size indicates. Dahkari Gilley, University Christian High (Jacksonville, Florida), DB Vitals: 6-3, 190 pounds Stars: three-star recruit Commitment date: June 10 Scouting report: Gilley, with good size and athleticism, could impact two levels as a safety who can come into the box and play the run as well as he can play the pass. He had 64 tackles and four sacks last season and picked Rutgers over a list that included FBS offers from Georgia Tech, Navy, Pitt, UCF and USF. How he fits at Rutgers: Safety could be one of the deepest rooms the Scarlet Knights have over the next several years. Look for Gilley to fit right into the mix and develop with a good group of underclassmen. Aaris Bethea, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn, N.Y.), DL Vitals: 6-3, 260 pounds Stars: three-star recruit Commitment date: June 10 Scouting report: An explosive defensive tackle with high upside, Bethea could be a disruptor on the interior. His commitment represents and important one as it continues the lucrative recruiting pipeline from Erasmus Hall, one of New York City’s top stops for recruits. How he fits at Rutgers: It may take time for Bethea to physically morph into a Big Ten contributor but don’t discount what he’s been able to do as a high school player. His fast motor and get off should add to a deep room of defensive linemen. Previous commitments Tycoolhill Luman, DE Tyclean Luman, DE Raynor Andrews, OL Isaiah Crumpler, WR Matthew Ogunniyi, TE Monte Keener, TE Sam Pilof, LB A.J. Surace, QB Gabriel Winowich, ATH Kenny Jones, OL