Rutgers Football: Named to Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big Ten Teams
Athlon Sports recently unveiled its Preseason All-Big Ten team in the “Athlon Sports 2024 College Football Preview Magazine.” Rutgers had seven players selected, with four on defense, two on offense, and one on special teams. Although none of the Scarlet Knights made the first team, Rutgers was prominently featured on the second, third, and fourth All-Big Ten teams.
Knights on Athlon’s Second Team All-Big Ten
Three Scarlet Knights secured spots on the Second Team All-Big Ten roster: running back Kyle Monangai, linebacker Mohamed Toure, and offensive lineman Holland Pierce. Many Rutgers and Big Ten fans argue that Monangai deserves a place on the First Team All-Big Ten due to his achievement as the Big Ten rushing leader last season. However, he was ranked behind both Ohio State running backs and Donovan Edwards from Michigan.
Holland Pierce, Rutgers’ second player on the list, played a crucial role at left tackle, earning recognition as the sixth-best tackle in the Big Ten last season. He anchored an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the conference. Mohamed Toure, the team’s third player on the Second Team, had an impressive comeback season, tallying 93 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. The New Jersey native was also a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year.
Knights on Athlon’s Third Team All-Big Ten
Three Scarlet Knights earned spots on Athlon’s fourth team: defensive lineman Aaron Lewis, defensive back Robert Longerbeam, and kicker Jai Patel. Aaron Lewis is receiving All-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive season after a productive 2023 campaign where he recorded 51 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks. He currently ranks as the No. 12 edge defender in the Big Ten and is expected to increase his sack production this year, given his high number of quarterback hits last season.
Robert Longerbeam made his debut on the All-Big Ten team after a standout season with 10 pass breakups, one interception, two forced fumbles, one sack, and 43 tackles. He was previously an honorable mention in media voting for All-Big Ten honors.
Kicker Jai Patel rounded out the All-Big Ten selections on the fourth team. He set a Rutgers record for the most accurate field goal percentage in a season, hitting 15 out of 18 attempts. Patel also made two kicks beyond 50 yards and contributed a team-leading 78 points for the season, establishing himself as a highly reliable college kicker.
Knights on Athlon’s Fourth Team All-Big Ten
Completing the list of Scarlet Knights who earned All-Big Ten honors, Flip Dixon secured a spot on the fourth team. In the previous season, Dixon accumulated 73 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and six pass breakups, ranking him as the No. 12 safety in the Big Ten. With significant departures in the secondary during the offseason, including Max Melton, Dixon is expected to step into a larger role and continue his upward trajectory.