Football Rutgers Football QB Ajani Sheppard to enter the Transfer Portal

[PSAL_Hoops]

No, it's not for sure because it's speculation and Rutgers has never beaten Penn State unless it was before I was born or paying attention to sports... Nova provided some of the best moments to be a fan of Rutgers football, vedral never came close to Nova, like not even close man, sitowski? Forget about it, lol you guys are really committed to this back up QB thing..

Okay yeah - I’ll give you everything and anything is speculation, but PSU was awful that day and practically handed us that game. Those turnovers were unforced errors. Like the Kent State game - Nova just choked. All I’m saying is, Vedral didn’t make the fancy highlight reel plays to Caroo (he didn’t have a Caroo although as I said, his arm not as strong) - but Vedral was one of the more accurate passers in the short and medium games in RU history and capable with his legs. He didn’t have true WTF games like Gary did because he didn’t try to play above his ability.

Your right - it’s all speculation, but it’s also unfair to speculate that Noah wouldn’t have significantly better stats recorded had he played with the surrounding cast we had in 2014. It wasn’t like one of two future NFL calibers. It was a lot of guys who at least got looks.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

The RVs are the one question mark I have for next year..until I see them on the field it's an unknown for me..the one kid from Canada looked good when he got in there last year though...but if I'm not mistaken, didn't Nova have Robert Martin and that Florida rb? Those guys were legit..I still remember them running all over north Carolina in that bowl game..

Yeah - that’s right. Those guys were pretty good too. We didn’t have anyone like Kyle or Pacheco but running was solid.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Okay yeah - I’ll give you everything and anything is speculation, but PSU was awful that day and practically handed us that game. Those turnovers were unforced errors. Like the Kent State game - Nova just choked. All I’m saying is, Vedral didn’t make the fancy highlight reel plays to Caroo (he didn’t have a Caroo although as I said, his arm not as strong) - but Vedral was one of the more accurate passers in the short and medium games in RU history and capable with his legs. He didn’t have true WTF games like Gary did because he didn’t try to play above his ability.

Your right - it’s all speculation, but it’s also unfair to speculate that Noah wouldn’t have significantly better stats recorded had he played with the surrounding cast we had in 2014. It wasn’t like one of two future NFL calibers. It was a lot of guys who at least got looks.

Actually, Kent State weren’t what I would call unforced. His first two were plays by a DE that were plays 95% of players never touch, much less Int. Two others, Nova was under very heavy pressure…

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Actually, Kent State weren’t what I would call unforced. His first two were plays by a DE that were plays 95% of players never touch, much less Int. Two others, Nova was under very heavy pressure…

Ok - I certainly believe you as I only listened to that one on the radio. We were traveling that day. I referenced it because it’s another game where we laid an egg.

That PSU game I watched start to finish and that particular loss happened because of poor choices by Nova. It’s only one game but there’s really nowhere else to point the finger unless you question Flood’s decision not to bring in a back up for a series to try to get Gary’s head together.

 

[-RUFAN4LIFE-]

Actually, Kent State weren’t what I would call unforced. His first two were plays by a DE that were plays 95% of players never touch, much less Int. Two others, Nova was under very heavy pressure…

Stop throwing facts in the way of great fiction, just like Nova's 5 INTs against PSU - two were off tipped balls by the WRs that should have been caught.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Stop throwing facts in the way of great fiction, just like Nova's 5 INTs against PSU - two were off tipped balls by the WRs that should have been caught.

If you don’t accknowledge that the PSU loss was on Nova, I don’t know what to tell you. If you asked him today himself, I’m sure he’d accknowledge it. For so many reasons.

The pick thrown down field in the middle of the 3rd quarter into good coverage, on the first play of the series, up 10-0, ranked up there on the single worst decisions by a RU veteran QB. We had PSU on the ropes. Our D is pitching a shut out and just intercepted a pass. There’s nothing wrong with the play call in the hope you catch PSU not expecting it and get the home run, but taking any kind of a change there in giving PSU life was just plain stupid. There’s no other way to describe it. Again - it’s not Fridge. The play call is fine. You trust your veteran’s discretion. In that instance, our veteran let arrogance guide him. He wanted to be a hero and redeem what hadn’t been a great game from him to that point. And it just got worse from there.

And no - I’m not saying Nova sucked. But on that day he definitely did.

 

[knightfan7]

Actually, Kent State weren’t what I would call unforced. His first two were plays by a DE that were plays 95% of players never touch, much less Int. Two others, Nova was under very heavy pressure…

On at least 1 , no one blocked down on the DE allowing him to step in front of the swing pass and a clear path for a TD.

 

[yesrutgers01]

On at least 1 , no one blocked down on the DE allowing him to step in front of the swing pass and a clear path for a TD.

The other thing many miss about that game and why Nova wasn’t pulled. Every time he screwed up and a coach may say, ok, he gets one last series and I’ll pull him after that. Well, every one of those “give him one more series” ended up being strong by Nova. And then, bamm, a couple series later stews up again, and then the same cycle happens. He was such a perfect example of Good Nove Bad Nova in that game

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

Did I say any of that? I was responding specifically to what A person stated.

And the person you were responding to was responding to me.. so, yeah, you said.. as in IMPLIED.. that by extension re: the context of the conversation.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

The other thing many miss about that game and why Nova wasn’t pulled. Every time he screwed up and a coach may say, ok, he gets one last series and I’ll pull him after that. Well, every one of those “give him one more series” ended up being strong by Nova. And then, bamm, a couple series later stews up again, and then the same cycle happens. He was such a perfect example of Good Nove Bad Nova in that game

It didn’t exactly go down like this. When you say he’d screw up “a couple series later” - there were actually only 2 series in that game where the offense had any luck moving the ball. He only threw one pass in the TD drive and credit Fridge there (and Gary for executing) in surprising the D with a string of QB run plays. In terms of Nova’s arm, he was only effective on one series the entire game - the one right before halftime where we scored the FG.

What made the pick I referred to more frustrating was Gary had the earlier success running the ball on the TD drive. When you have a 10 point lead mid 3rd quarter in a game like this, common sense screamed to hold onto the damn ball tuck it and take off when coverage was there on the play call. Plain and simple - I don’t care if your a future NFL star QB, you don’t attempt that throw in that situation. Period.

Look - we didn’t exactly have the greatest options for back ups to throw out there cold turkey so I don’t necessarily blame the coaching decision. Just to summarize where we were though at the 9 minute mark of Q3 Nova had just thrown his 3rd interception of the game - the second of the game on a first down play (the other one, gave PSU the ball on the RU 29 and our awesome D held them and we blocked the FG). The other pick was on a second down play.

So now think of the context of where we were in this game. We have a 10 point lead. Nova had thrown 2 first half picks - neither on 3rd down. Our only TD was achieved entirely on the ground except for one play. Again - it’s only the 3rd quarter so nobody other than Schiano ball is going to keep it ONLY on the ground, but you have to believe Fridge / Flood left it to Gary calling pass plays with the caveat that nothing should be thrown into traffic. If it’s not there - either throw it away or take off and try to stay in bounds to eat clocks. That throw was maddening. But then we stuck with Gary for 2 more punt series.

And then once again - still with a 10-6 lead (now with 9 minutes to go in the game) - we throw another first pick on first down to start the series. So to sum it up - yeah, one of the early throws was tipped. Maybe this one too, but it doesn’t matter. When your protecting a lead, those are not chances you take.

 

[yesrutgers01]

It didn’t exactly go down like this. When you say he’d screw up “a couple series later” - there were actually only 2 series in that game where the offense had any luck moving the ball. He only threw one pass in the TD drive and credit Fridge there (and Gary for executing) in surprising the D with a string of QB run plays. In terms of Nova’s arm, he was only effective on one series the entire game - the one right before halftime where we scored the FG.

What made the pick I referred to more frustrating was Gary had the earlier success running the ball on the TD drive. When you have a 10 point lead mid 3rd quarter in a game like this, common sense screamed to hold onto the damn ball tuck it and take off when coverage was there on the play call. Plain and simple - I don’t care if your a future NFL star QB, you don’t attempt that throw in that situation. Period.

Look - we didn’t exactly have the greatest options for back ups to throw out there cold turkey so I don’t necessarily blame the coaching decision. Just to summarize where we were though at the 9 minute mark of Q3 Nova had just thrown his 3rd interception of the game - the second of the game on a first down play (the other one, gave PSU the ball on the RU 29 and our awesome D held them and we blocked the FG). The other pick was on a second down play.

So now think of the context of where we were in this game. We have a 10 point lead. Nova had thrown 2 first half picks - neither on 3rd down. Our only TD was achieved entirely on the ground except for one play. Again - it’s only the 3rd quarter so nobody other than Schiano ball is going to keep it ONLY on the ground, but you have to believe Fridge / Flood left it to Gary calling pass plays with the caveat that nothing should be thrown into traffic. If it’s not there - either throw it away or take off and try to stay in bounds to eat clocks. That throw was maddening. But then we stuck with Gary for 2 more punt series.

And then once again - still with a 10-6 lead (now with 9 minutes to go in the game) - we throw another first pick on first down to start the series. So to sum it up - yeah, one of the early throws was tipped. Maybe this one too, but it doesn’t matter. When your protecting a lead, those are not chances you take.

I was referring to the Kent State game

 

[rudad02]

I always felt Nova was a capable game manager who, unfortunately, at times let his ego get the best of him and went rogue. Oddly - I think the extra zip in his arm that he had, compared to say a guy like Vedral, hurt his game. Vedral was a proud and true game manager until the end. He stuck to the script and knew his limitations, for better or worse. His long ball, as said, wasn’t as good as Nova’s, but then, he also didn’t have a Caroo type to throw them to. But his longer throws didn’t have the same zip. But Vedral was also better with his legs in my opinion. And an all around smarter player.

I compare the two, because I think Vedral kind of gets the shaft and the injury is not accounted for by many of our fans in terms of how his career at Rutgers unfolded as much as it should be. Meanwhile, Nova is viewed by some as a RU QB legend of sorts.

Good post.

 

[ashokan]

"I always felt Nova was a capable game manager who, unfortunately, at times let his ego get the best of him and went rogue."

It can be very hard to play and practice a certain way for years in HS and then try to break conditioning.
Nova had a strong arm - in HS he could blaze a ball into triple coverage..
College DBs were not only faster but they saw a lot of video and breakdowns - they saw the "tells."

In HS I used to hit blocking bags with my extended forearms folded across each other like a battering device.
When I started to play rugby I instinctively hit people the same way, and it brought penalties and pissed-off opponents.
It was very hard to stop doing that because it had become Pavlovian and not deliberate mentally.
Nova would see a WR with DBs 2 or 3 yards away and it looked doable when it wasn't.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

"I always felt Nova was a capable game manager who, unfortunately, at times let his ego get the best of him and went rogue."

It can be very hard to play and practice a certain way for years in HS and then try to break conditioning.
Nova had a strong arm - in HS he could blaze a ball into triple coverage..
College DBs were not only faster but they saw a lot of video and breakdowns - they saw the "tells."

In HS I used to hit blocking bags with my extended forearms folded across each other like a battering device.
When I started to play rugby I instinctively hit people the same way, and it brought penalties and pissed-off opponents.
It was very hard to stop doing that because it had become Pavlovian and not deliberate mentally.
Nova would see a WR with DBs 2 or 3 yards away and it looked doable when it wasn't.

Yes for sure. And that’s consistent with the broader point I was making. The most “talented” QB doesn’t always give you the best chance to win. That’s why I believe Vedral was one of the smartest QBs to play for Rutgers. Not necessarily the most skilled but he knew what he was good at and didn’t try to do what he wasn’t. If you pair a kid like that with a good surrounding cast, good things usually happen. Vedral didn’t have that while he was healthy. So it’s hard to say how good he could’ve been.

 

[yesrutgers01]

"I always felt Nova was a capable game manager who, unfortunately, at times let his ego get the best of him and went rogue."

It can be very hard to play and practice a certain way for years in HS and then try to break conditioning.
Nova had a strong arm - in HS he could blaze a ball into triple coverage..
College DBs were not only faster but they saw a lot of video and breakdowns - they saw the "tells."

In HS I used to hit blocking bags with my extended forearms folded across each other like a battering device.
When I started to play rugby I instinctively hit people the same way, and it brought penalties and pissed-off opponents.
It was very hard to stop doing that because it had become Pavlovian and not deliberate mentally.
Nova would see a WR with DBs 2 or 3 yards away and it looked doable when it wasn't.

This is usually what makes a player at the next level or not. Can they forget everything they thought they knew.
Same thing going from a top college program to the pro’s.
There was a lot behind the scenes with Nova that messed his game up.
He was under strict instructions to never cross the LOS with the ball in his hand. They were so afraid of him getting injured.
But this also led to him trying to make throws when he should have just tucked and run. Also why you saw him make so many stupid plays at the LOS.
Fridge came in and told him to forget everything and play the damn game. It is why his senior year, he looked like a different QB

 

[vkj91]

And the person you were responding to was responding to me.. so, yeah, you said.. as in IMPLIED.. that by extension re: the context of the conversation.

um no, thhe person i responded to was ashokan and then chimed in....

 

[yesrutgers01]

um no, thhe person i responded to was ashokan and then chimed in....

We all make that mistake…

 

[Knight Shift]

The more accurate statement is that Snyder hasn't made the Lions (or anybody else's) 90 man off-season roster yet. Practice squads aren't set until after the final preseason cuts.

But yeah, getting a tryout is nice, but unless it results in a contract it's really no big deal.

EDIT: Per Wikipedia, on May 18 Cole Snyder was signed by the Edmonton Elks of the CFL. Whether he will make their final roster is unknown. If he does, I am confident that we will all be duly notified.

You asked for it, and here ya go. Cole Snyder CFL update #1.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

You asked for it, and here ya go. Cole Snyder CFL update #1.

Just curious. Do you really believe we made a big mistake in letting him go? More specifically, do you think 2022 or 2023 would’ve gone a lot differently with him as QB?

His best team went 7-6 his first year at Buffalo. They tanked to 3-9 the following year and he was 5-7 last season. I’m just wondering why you think he would’ve had more success at Rutgers during that time.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

um no, thhe person i responded to was ashokan and then chimed in....

all you have to do is click on the name at teh top of the quoted message to see it in context... so, I can show you the ashokan message you replied to and then the message he was replying to as well. Below, ashokan had replied to my post that is shown. It is fairly easy to check context. Though it would be nice if a quoted message also showed somehting like "replying to xxx" in a header. As you see below, the multiquote has the messages I said to quote, but each of them have no reference to what they were replying to. You have to click on the names of the posters to see the context.

but the talent on rosters was different, the playcalling was different, I showed you all how we became run heavy.. we all complained about the predictability.. run run pass. Yeah, Nova has a couple good season but there was a reason people complained about not having open QB competition and asked why we keep handing Nova the job. Nova's lowlights and WTF moments are unsurpassed.

Bringing it back to Wimsatt-Simon for a moment.. anyone remember this from that game? 0-10 near end of half.. GS using clock to score and leave them no time.. but Wimsatt has other ideas... in 2nd half




then this is play where Wimsatt gets rocked... and it should have ben targeting



Simon should have been given the rest of that game.

He's only RU QB I saw get booed off the field (vs USF)

He had a strong arm - in HS he could burn a pass into coverage - in college he often underestimated closing speed of DBs.
If RU was behind near end of a tight game you could feel the dagger coming - the power chuck into tight coverage. It got to where I would turn-off the TV . It was like watching Favre throwing the late INTs in his late career.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

Just curious. Do you really believe we made a big mistake in letting him go? More specifically, do you think 2022 or 2023 would’ve gone a lot differently with him as QB?

His best team went 7-6 his first year at Buffalo. They tanked to 3-9 the following year and he was 5-7 last season. I’m just wondering why you think he would’ve had more success at Rutgers during that time.

He would have had more success at Rutgers than Wimsatt did... just a guess, of course. I think we would have been better off with a real passing threat to go with a great running game. Again, unprovable. But there is a real reason top programs and NFL teams want dual-threat QBs... so I see why we tried Wimsatt.

 

[DJ Spanky]

But this also led to him trying to make throws when he should have just tucked and run. Also why you saw him make so many stupid plays at the LOS.

Ugh! Saw him being penalized for illegal forward passes into his junior year.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Ugh! Saw him being penalized for illegal forward passes into his junior year.

this is what I am talking about. illegal forward pass, bad decisions, forcing throws- all because he was not allowed to be natural. Straight out could not cross the LOS with the ball in his hands. Until Fridge said "Just play" that last year, Nova was running with the ball when a play broke down and was just allowed to play.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

He would have had more success at Rutgers than Wimsatt did... just a guess, of course. I think we would have been better off with a real passing threat to go with a great running game. Again, unprovable. But there is a real reason top programs and NFL teams want dual-threat QBs... so I see why we tried Wimsatt.

Okay maybe - but look, at that time, it’s not even certain he would’ve beaten out Evan Simon. Just because he’s turned into a better player now, does not mean that’s what he was when he left Rutgers. In that 2023 year, Cole led Buffalo to a 3-9 season. It’s not like he exactly was excelling somewhere else while we struggled with Wimsatt.

Think about the history. I know Cole was a true frosh in 2019, but the fact that he only got 3 snaps on a team where every QB quit except Langhan is notable. I know we didn’t have a stable coaching staff then - but still. He was clearly not ready to step up to starter in 2020 as Vedral came in and beat him out, retaining the starting role in 2021. After 3 years on the bench not playing, he moved on. I just don’t see how we mishandled him in any way. Most QBs aren’t going to stick around anywhere after 3 years of riding the bench - and he deserved to be on the bench in 2020 and 2021. Vedral earned the starting role and Cole doesn’t even beat out Evan Simon who comes in after him for the QB 2 spot. Schiano is a family man - I’m just saying, I don’t see how he could’ve handled it better to try and convince Cole to hang around for a 4th season on the bench. Vedral was the projected starter. Wimsatt was the prize recruit just brought in a year early from HS. What could / should he have said to keep Cole at Rutgers?

 

[Shelby65]

Better to have Vedral than Sitkowski.

It’s also better to drink milk 3 weeks past spoil date than 6 weeks past. But both are gross and will make you sick, same as those QBs.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

It’s also better to drink milk 3 weeks past spoil date than 6 weeks past. But both are gross and will make you sick, same as those QBs.

We win 9+ games with Vedral in 2014. He was a perfectly fine QB with a halfway decent OL while healthy.

 

[yesrutgers01]

We win 9+ games with Vedral in 2014. He was a perfectly fine QB with a halfway decent OL while healthy.

You think Vedral is throwing for 281 ds for a 41/38 win at Washington State, 404 for a 26/24 win against Michigan, 347 for a 41/38 win at Maryland?

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

You think Vedral is throwing for 281 ds for a 41/38 win at Washington State, 404 for a 26/24 win against Michigan, 347 for a 41/38 win at Maryland?

Yes - with that surrounding cast, I do. Not because of his arm but rather, his ball placement would’ve resulted in large chunks of yards after. If you think not, your really not accounting for how bad our OL was from 2020-2021. A competent OL makes a world of difference. A stud like Caroo helps too, but it’s not even as much that. AC would’ve been more productive with a better OL too.

By the way, Laviano completed 80% of his passes against a much better Wazzu team the following year. He raked in 386 yards and 55 points against a bowl eligible Indiana team on the road (compared to a bad Michigan team at home). And picked up similar numbers against Maryland 4 TDs and 344 yards. Lav was no super star.

Again - case in point. Having a competent OL matters.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

Okay maybe - but look, at that time, it’s not even certain he would’ve beaten out Evan Simon. Just because he’s turned into a better player now, does not mean that’s what he was when he left Rutgers. In that 2023 year, Cole led Buffalo to a 3-9 season. It’s not like he exactly was excelling somewhere else while we struggled with Wimsatt.

Think about the history. I know Cole was a true frosh in 2019, but the fact that he only got 3 snaps on a team where every QB quit except Langhan is notable. I know we didn’t have a stable coaching staff then - but still. He was clearly not ready to step up to starter in 2020 as Vedral came in and beat him out, retaining the starting role in 2021. After 3 years on the bench not playing, he moved on. I just don’t see how we mishandled him in any way. Most QBs aren’t going to stick around anywhere after 3 years of riding the bench - and he deserved to be on the bench in 2020 and 2021. Vedral earned the starting role and Cole doesn’t even beat out Evan Simon who comes in after him for the QB 2 spot. Schiano is a family man - I’m just saying, I don’t see how he could’ve handled it better to try and convince Cole to hang around for a 4th season on the bench. Vedral was the projected starter. Wimsatt was the prize recruit just brought in a year early from HS. What could / should he have said to keep Cole at Rutgers?

Fair point re: competition vs Snyder. Neither got a fair shot because they were thought to be pocket passers and OC wanted to build what he was handed at Oklahoma State. I was one of the many who thought he had background to do that.. but more and more it seemed he was just an assistant with the OC title at OKState running the HC's offense... just like Drew Mehringer (who Ash brought in to be OC never even having had the title at Houston, running that HC's offense.

In either case, if we were a pro-set offense at that time whoever protected the ball the best would be Schiano's choice. To me, that first year for true-frosh Sitkowski earned him the 18-INT rep but he protected the ball fairly well after that. No, he didn't win.. but we had so many problems he really wasn't to blame. Sitkowski was not bad at Illinois.. but they found someone better. That comes with the job.

 

[Jerseylegends]

Yes - with that surrounding cast, I do. Not because of his arm but rather, his ball placement would’ve resulted in large chunks of yards after. If you think not, your really not accounting for how bad our OL was from 2020-2021. A competent OL makes a world of difference. A stud like Caroo helps too, but it’s not even as much that. AC would’ve been more productive with a better OL too.

By the way, Laviano completed 80% of his passes against a much better Wazzu team the following year. He raked in 386 yards and 55 points against a bowl eligible Indiana team on the road (compared to a bad Michigan team at home). And picked up similar numbers against Maryland 4 TDs and 344 yards. Lav was no super star.

Again - case in point. Having a competent OL matters.

My boy laviano was good too, probably the second best QB at Rutgers since teel. Just too inconsistent but he had some tools that a QB like vedral didn't have. Was it chas dodd that he would get pulled for? Dodd was a gritty player but lacked size, think vedral would have been similar if he got to play more just with more running stats..

 

[Jerseylegends]

Fwiw Cole Snyder looked horrible the one time I saw him get in the game for Rutgers idk

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

Yes - with that surrounding cast, I do. Not because of his arm but rather, his ball placement would’ve resulted in large chunks of yards after. If you think not, your really not accounting for how bad our OL was from 2020-2021. A competent OL makes a world of difference. A stud like Caroo helps too, but it’s not even as much that. AC would’ve been more productive with a better OL too.

By the way, Laviano completed 80% of his passes against a much better Wazzu team the following year. He raked in 386 yards and 55 points against a bowl eligible Indiana team on the road (compared to a bad Michigan team at home). And picked up similar numbers against Maryland 4 TDs and 344 yards. Lav was no super star.

Again - case in point. Having a competent OL matters.

also.. completely different offensive scheme and system... an RPO guy shouldn't be throwing for those numbers.. but a proper RPO threat should result in a successful running game.. if the passing threat is real.. and no one felt threatened enough by Rutgers passing game. I think our whole offensive unit was ill-served by the offensive system, coaching and playcalling in those lean years. While it is easy to say we needed better players.. look what switching coaches and OC has done recently. New OL coach.. suddenly that poor OL could block. Get a new QB in there.. suddenly the play calls seem better (though, clearly with some gaffs).. protection seemed better. Wimsatt was incapable of taking what the defensive look was giving him.. most of the time.

 

[-RUFAN4LIFE-]

Fair point re: competition vs Snyder. Neither got a fair shot because they were thought to be pocket passers and OC wanted to build what he was handed at Oklahoma State. I was one of the many who thought he had background to do that.. but more and more it seemed he was just an assistant with the OC title at OKState running the HC's offense... just like Drew Mehringer (who Ash brought in to be OC never even having had the title at Houston, running that HC's offense.

In either case, if we were a pro-set offense at that time whoever protected the ball the best would be Schiano's choice. To me, that first year for true-frosh Sitkowski earned him the 18-INT rep but he protected the ball fairly well after that. No, he didn't win.. but we had so many problems he really wasn't to blame. Sitkowski was not bad at Illinois.. but they found someone better. That comes with the job.

They got their shots, they just weren't good enough.

 

[Knight Shift]

This thread 3 pages ago:

 

[Waldo73]

Ajani seen the writing on wall. Surace had a good spring game.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Yes - with that surrounding cast, I do. Not because of his arm but rather, his ball placement would’ve resulted in large chunks of yards after. If you think not, your really not accounting for how bad our OL was from 2020-2021. A competent OL makes a world of difference. A stud like Caroo helps too, but it’s not even as much that. AC would’ve been more productive with a better OL too.

By the way, Laviano completed 80% of his passes against a much better Wazzu team the following year. He raked in 386 yards and 55 points against a bowl eligible Indiana team on the road (compared to a bad Michigan team at home). And picked up similar numbers against Maryland 4 TDs and 344 yards. Lav was no super star.

Again - case in point. Having a competent OL matters.

I really like and appreciate NV - but please stop...He would not have been better than Nova in 2014. I don't remember the OL in 20/21 but he did have an NFL WR and a top NFL RB and a future NFL RB backing him up.
A great comparison would be Dodd vs Savage.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

I really like and appreciate NV - but please stop...He would not have been better than Nova in 2014. I don't remember the OL in 20/21 but he did have an NFL WR and a top NFL RB and a future NFL RB backing him up.
A great comparison would be Dodd vs Savage.

The 2021 OL, subsequent to the loss of Reggie Sutton and O’Neal’s injuries was worse than any OL at Rutgers I can recall and not by a small margin. On both run and pass protection. And we lost AC too. Also don’t forget that the comparison should really be to Nova in 2013 since Vedral technically would’ve had the same opportunity to make year over year strides in 2022 if he hadn’t gotten hurt in what ultimately ended up being a career ending injury.

 

[Knight Shift]

 

[tico brown]

You think Vedral is throwing for 281 ds for a 41/38 win at Washington State, 404 for a 26/24 win against Michigan, 347 for a 41/38 win at Maryland?

Vedral would at least be in the CFB HOF if he did that as a 16 YO.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Some of you are badly missing the point.

The first several pages of this thread contain a collection of posts making it seem like letting Ajani, our 3rd string QB, walk out the door is some kind of colossal mistake consistent with other poor retention decisions made by the staff at the QB position. The purpose of discussion of Vedral, Gavin, Nova etc. was intended to refute such narrative. Nothing more.

Sure, sometimes 3rd string guys make progress and develop into decent players a few years after moving on from a program. That’s not representative of the above situation though nor are there examples of this happening under Schiano 2.0 era. Every season they were at RU, both Athan and Vedral earned the right to be the starter over any other name that you want to throw out who remained with the program or chose to depart before said season started. Vedral hurt his hand or would’ve been the clear starter in 2022 again. The only time we’ve had anything close to a QB1 controversy was in 2023, and it became very clear in 2024 that we didn’t miss out on some magic bullet by not giving Evan Simon a chance (based on his play at Temple). There’s no such thing as a QB2 controversy. It’s not even worth discussion. Back up QBs don’t usually play.