Meet the new faces of Rutgers football: 7 impact newcomers with big potential

They may be newcomers at Rutgers but don’t call them rookies. In fact, three of the newest Scarlet Knights have combined to play in 104 games, albeit at lower levels of college football.
What does that experience mean?
This offseason, Rutgers added seven players out of the transfer portal, five of which could play prominent roles when the Scarlet Knights open the season Sept. 3 at SHI Stadium in a nationally televised game against Northwestern.
So who are the new faces? What kind of impact will they make? Can their experience at other schools pay off in the long run?
Those are the key questions facing the newest Scarlet Knights. Each one has something to prove when training camp opens Aug. 3. Until then, here’s what to know about the impact newcomers.
Shawn Bowman, tight end, Sr.: A pair of assistants, including defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak, coached and recruited Bowman to the University of Maine. That connection helped Rutgers land Bowman late in the transfer cycle over a big-time list of suitors, including Louisville, Mississippi State and Oregon. Bowman caught 31 passes for 377 yards and five touchdowns last season for Maine.
Naseim Brantley, wide receiver, Sr.: It’s the third stop on a winding college career for Brantley, but the 6-2, 205-pound senior from Howell, who previously played for Western Illinois and Sacred Heart, may be the most promising offensive weapon for first-year coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca. Although he’s yet to make a splash in the Big Ten, he hauled in three catches for 50 yards and a touchdown when Western Illinois took on Minnesota last year. He has more than 2,000 career receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 41 games — production that the Scarlet Knights hope will transfer to the highest level of college football. Brantley did not participate in spring practice while he recovered from an ankle injury.
Michael “Flip” Dixon, safety, Jr.: After graduating two of its veteran safeties, Dixon has the opportunity to step into a starting role. The transfer from Minnesota arrives with plenty of experience in Harasmyiak’s defense after working with the Rutgers defensive coordinator during his time with the Gophers. Last season, Dixon finished with 28 tackles in 11 games. The Statesboro, Georgia native was one of the newcomers who made a noticeable impact during spring ball.
Isaiah Iton, defensive tackle, Sr.: Northern Colorado, Hutchinson Community College and Ole Miss — those are the three previous stops for Iton, who will play for his fourth team this fall. The Houston native linked up with assistant coach Marquise Watson during their time together in the SEC, where Iton played a back-up role for the Rebels. Look for Iton to be one of the leading candidates to replace the spot filled by senior Ifeanyi Maijeh last season. The 6-2, 290-pounder was a late arrival and did not participate in spring ball.
JaQuae Jackson, wide receiver, Sr.: Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt played a role in recruiting the 6-foot-3, 180-pound Division 2 All-American, who gave his pledge to the Scarlet Knights in May after taking official visits to Miami, Texas A&M, Colorado and Pitt. The Pittsburgh native had a head-turning 77 receptions for 1,178 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns last season for California University of Pennsylvania.
Ian Strong or Famah Toure, wide receivers, Fr.: How about some love for the freshmen? Don’t forget that Rutgers will also have a new cast of freshmen to develop, and these two could see playing time as true first-year players. Strong, the No. 1-ranked player from New York in the 2023 class, enrolled early and worked his way into the mix at wide receiver during spring ball. Toure, meanwhile, a three-star recruit out of Irvington High will make his debut in summer camp.