Rutgers hoping for a rebound

In his first two seasons at Rutgers, David Osei didn't see much time on the playing field. But that's about to change as the Abington High product is penciled in as the starting center this season. The only problem is, well, Osei never has played a snap at center before.

When he was recruited by the Scarlet Knights three years ago, the coaching staff told him that he would be a good fit at the position. He possesses a solid frame at 6-foot-4, 285 pounds. But the biggest factor may be Osei's excellent footwork and body control, which he gained from his time as a heavyweight wrestler in high school. He said that he has learned aspects of the position each year and now looks to put them into play.

"I got used to it now; it was a little different at first," said Osei. "Now after a whole camp and all this time doing it, I think I got it down."

Last season, the Scarlet Knights finished a disappointing season with a 4-8 record after four straight eight-win seasons. The team does return 15 starters (10 on offense, five on defense) and hopes its youth grows into experience and results in wins.

At quarterback, the Scarlet Knights return sophomore Chas Dodd. As a true freshman, he started seven games last season and threw 11 touchdowns for 1,637 yards. Dodd had guided Byrnes High (South Carolina) to two state championships and was a three-year starter.

In February, Cardinal O'Hara product Tom Savage transferred from Rutgers to Arizona. The quarterback will sit out this season with the Wildcats before becoming eligible to play in 2012. Savage started as a freshman for the Scarlet Knights and injured his hand in the fourth game of his sophomore season, giving way to Dodd.

In his two years at Rutgers, Osei has become a standout in the classroom. He was named to the Big East all-academic team last season and is a history education major.

"You have a lot of people here to help," Osei said. "You have to learn how to balance your time. I've got it down now."

At running back, the Scarlet Knights look to split carries between sophomore Jeremy Deering and junior De'Antwan Williams. This spring, Deering made the move from wide receiver to running back after he was the team's second-leading rusher last season. Williams received the team's award for the most improved player during spring practice and played in six games last season.

"We have people with experience under their belt, and I think that will help us out," Osei said.

On the defensive side, the Scarlet Knights' pass defense will look for the improved play of Brandon Jones. A product of Winslow Township, Jones played all 12 games last season at cornerback and will enter the season as a first-year starter alongside sophomore Logan Ryan. Last season, Jones made 11 tackles in two of Rutgers' last three contests.

In recent years, Rutgers has built a pipeline for area talent. This season is no different, as the Scarlet Knights feature six players from Southeastern Pennsylvania and 10 from South Jersey. Osei said that he chose Rutgers over local schools due to the "family feel" among players and the aspect of being a 90-minute train ride from home. His brother Bryan recently made the decision to stay close to home, making a commitment to play football for Villanova.

Last season: 4-8 overall, 1-6 Big East (eighth)

Head coach: Greg Schiano (11th year), 59-63

Key returning players: Jordan Thomas (running back), Chas Dodd (quarterback), Mark Harrison (wide receiver), Manny Abreu (linebacker), David Rowe (safety), Scott Vallone (nose tackle).

- Matt BreenEndText