Rutgers Football Coach Optimistic About Tom Savage's Condition, Opts for Caution

Strategic Insights -

Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano expressed confidence in true freshman quarterback Tom Savage's recovery from a head injury suffered during the game against FIU. Despite Savage's optimism about playing, Schiano has put in extra reps for fifth-year senior quarterback Dom Natale as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, freshman cornerback Darrell Givens has impressed in practice and may see playing time at cornerback due to a lack of depth at the position.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rutgers coach Greg Schiano is optimistic about Tom Savage's recovery from a head injury but is taking a cautious approach by giving Dom Natale extra reps in case Savage is unable to play.
  • Freshman cornerback Darrell Givens has separated himself from other true freshmen and is practicing with the varsity squad, potentially paving the way for his first career playing time.
  • The Rutgers receiving corps, led by seniors Tim Brown and freshman Mohamed Sanu, has struggled to find a third contributor, with the rest of the team combining for only one catch and nine yards.
  • The school's draft class has seen six players from last year's class join active NFL rosters, including Tiquan Underwood, who was drafted in the seventh round and activated by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Statistics:

  • 29: combined catches for Rutgers' starting wide receivers Tim Brown and Mohamed Sanu through three games.
  • 507: yards gained by the Rutgers' starting wide receivers through three games.
  • 1: combined catch for the rest of the Rutgers receivers (excluding senior Julian Hayes) through three games.
  • 9: yards gained by the rest of the Rutgers receivers (excluding senior Julian Hayes) through three games.
  • 6: number of Rutgers players from the 2009 draft class to join active NFL rosters, including Tiquan Underwood.

Sources:

  • Daily Targum via UWire via COMTEX (Sec 2009)
  • "Rutgers football: Schiano expects to meet with doctors today," Rutgers University's Scarlet Report (2009)
  • "Rutgers adds WR Jamal Coombs and QB J.W. Harris to roster," Rutgers University's Scarlet Report (2009)