Isaih Pacheco has been Rutgers’ lead running back for years. So while his decision to enter the NFL draft was not a surprise, it was still a major change.
The good news for the Scarlet Knights: They seem well-prepared to handle Pacheco’s departure. Here is a closer look at the running backs room headed into 2022:
Potential starters: Kyle Monangai and Aaron Young will both get their touches. The question is whether they will split the increased workload or if one lead back will emerge.
Monangai and Young combined for 407 yards and eight touchdowns on 111 carries last season. Monangai had a 62-235-4 stat line while Young was 49-172-4. They were also pretty even in the receiving game: Young had 12 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown; Monangai had 10 catches for 68 yards.
By comparison, Pacheco had 166 carries for 641 yards and five touchdowns and 13 catches for 25 yards. The bulk of those touches will go to Monangai and Young. But will it be an even distribution?
Also in the mix: Jamier Wright-Collins is a load to tackle and has flashed at times in his first two seasons, but he has yet to see consistent touches and he missed the second half of the season with injuries. Al-Shadee Salaam dressed for a few games this season but did not see the field. He projects more as a pass-catching threat. Rutgers also has Nyjon Freeman and Jordan Kinsler on the roster.
Incoming recruits: Four-star back Sam Brown could make an instant impact and fight for carries as a freshman like Pacheco did.
Transfer portal? Rutgers has several positions it could fortify through the portal. Running back does not figure to be one of them. There is no reason for the Scarlet Knights to do anything but roll with their current backs.
Projection: Monangai and Young will both see heavier workloads. Monangai will be the starter by name, as his running style seems to fit offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson’s scheme well, but the touches between him and Young will be relatively even. There will be a consistent role for a third back; Brown seems most likely to fill it.
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James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com.
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