Rutgers Football: 5 Scarlet Knights named Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten
Rutgers Football: 5 Scarlet Knights named Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten
The release of the Phil Steele season preview is always a big summer milestone.
On Monday, the outlet named five Scarlet Knights as Preseason All-Big Ten elections.
The Big Ten’s leading rusher leads the way. Kyle Monangai rushed for 1,262 yards, including three games with 150+ yards, in 2023. He was 12th in the nation with 242 carries, which was also sixth most in program history for Rutgers. After scoring eight touchdowns, Monangai was named Second Team All-Big Ten and could be looking to make that jump to First Team this year.
Mohamed Toure returned to action last season after a knee injury in 2022. He was second on the team with 93 tackles, including 9.5 for loss, with 4.5 sacks. Toure was a semifinalist for the Comeback Player of the Year award and named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten. The return of Toure gives Rutgers its leader back in the middle of the field.
The story of Hollin Pierce is an incredible one and he is gaining recognition for his hard work. Pierce is expected to be the anchor at left tackle once again after starting 13 games there last season. This is part of a 37-game streak where Pierce has started along the offensive line. The line took a major step forward for Rutgers last season a it opened up holes for Monangai and allowed just 1.08 sacks per game, the fewest in the conference.
Flip Dixon transferred to Rutgers last season and started all 13 games. He made 76 tackles and was named on the All-ECAC Defense. Like Toure and Pierce, Dixon was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten.
Finally, Robert Longerbeam rounds out the list of five. He finished with 10 pass breakups and one interception last season. He was fourth in the Big Ten with 0.85 passes defended per game. He was another Honorable Mention election after finishing with 43 tackles.
The Scarlet Knights return talent all over the field on both sides of the ball and this just scratches the surface.