Rutgers official visits key man for a huge purpose
Saturday marked the beginning of a pivotal period for Rutgers football recruiting. A four-star all-purpose back from the Big North committed to Rutgers, followed by a significant defensive back recruit from Florida and the first South Carolina player to join since Greg Schiano’s return.
Rutgers football recruiting and staff have been on a remarkable run, using June to bolster their roster with future starters and depth more effectively than any other college team. At the start of June, Rutgers’ 2025 recruiting class was ranked in the mid-50s among 134 FBS teams. However, after securing 19 commitments following official visits this month, the class has surged to as high as No. 5 nationally. This includes 13 commitments from the first weekend, headlined by N.J. four-star offensive lineman Jae’lyne Matthews, wide receiver Michael Thomas III, and running back John Forster, two from the second weekend, and four in the last three days.
Matthews, during his commitment ceremony at Toms River North, credited his decision to the relationship he built with Coach Schiano and Coach Susan, which started when he was in eighth grade. Forster, a four-star all-purpose back from St. Joseph Regional in Montvale, announced his commitment to Rutgers two weeks after his official visit. He chose Rutgers over several other offers, including Penn State and Syracuse, highlighting the family atmosphere at Rutgers as a key factor in his decision.
On Sunday, Rutgers secured another key commitment from CB Kaylib “Iceman” Singleton, who also visited Rutgers the previous Friday. Singleton, from Fleming Island in Orange Park, Fla., was initially expected to choose the Florida Gators but decided on Rutgers after visiting Piscataway, the Jersey Shore, and Times Square. Singleton’s decision led him to cancel his visit to the University of Michigan.
The weekend also saw commitments from Michael Clayton, another fast CB from Georgia, and Jakarrion Kenan, who brings track speed to Rutgers’ secondary. Kenan, from Marlboro County, will become the first player from South Carolina to join Rutgers under Schiano.
On Monday, 6-foot-5, 230-pound edge rusher Canaan Edwards from Langston Hughes in Fairburn, Georgia, became Rutgers’ fourth addition from the state this month. Edwards, a three-star recruit, is noted for his athleticism and potential.
With 27 players now in Rutgers’ 2025 recruiting class, ranked sixth nationally, the class includes eight four-star recruits and spans six offensive linemen, six defensive linemen, six defensive backs, and four wide receivers. As the class fills up, Rutgers can now focus on addressing its linebacker needs, potentially adding four-star Kamar Archie or convincing DJ McClary to stay home.
Additionally, Rutgers recently hosted committed players Steven Murray and Jyon Simon, along with non-committed prospects Demetrius Campbell, Jaden Wilkerson, Jayden Mann, and Elijah Crawford.
Rutgers, poised to lose much of its starting defense and key offensive players after next fall, could sign up to 30 high school seniors by the end of this recruiting cycle. However, they will be selective, balancing high school additions with potential transfer portal players to strengthen their developmental program.