2024 Rutgers Football Position Preview: Linebackers (2024)

**This was written prior to the news of Mohamed Toure tearing his ACL. He is out for the season. Absolutely heartbreaking news, but it speaks to the part of the article regarding unit’s biggest concern.**

Butkis. Bednarik. Nitschke. These were the names opposing running backs feared going up against on Sundays during the 60s and 70s. As time moved on, QBs dreaded playing against the like us: Taylor, Thomas, Lewis, and Brooks. Once a position defined by physicality, grit, and violence has evolved overtime as the game has progressed. Now, linebackers need to be able to defend against the run and pass (both in man and zone coverage), get after the quarterback, and lead the entire defense while they are on the field. The Big Ten routinely boasts some of the top linebacker groups in the entire country. This year, Rutgers has the depth and experience to be included among the best. Let’s break it down...

Position Coach: Joe Harasymiak (DC/Linebackers)

Key Newcomers: Sam Robinson, Sam Pilof, MJ Johnson

Key Returners: Mohamed Toure, Tyreem Powell, Moses Walker, Abram Wright, Dariel Djabome, Jamier Wright-Collins

Key Losses: Deion Jennings

Biggest Strength: Experience and Depth

Rutgers is returning six players with Big Ten and bowl game experience. With Deion Jennings now fighting for a spot on the Baltimore Ravens, the Rutgers defense will need to find a way to replace the back to back leader in tackles. The injury to Tyreem Powell during the second half of last season forced Moses Walker and Dariel Djabome to step up and fill the void. Both of them were thrown into the fire the following week (after a BYE) to face #1 Ohio State at home. Despite being one of the toughest opponents any team could face, the young guys played well. There was a short throw to Treveyon Henderson that ended up going for a 50+ yard gain because Djabome took a bad angle to the ball; However, putting that play aside, I think Walker and Djabome played well and gained invaluable experience.

Jamier Wright-Collins has played both running back and linebacker during his time on the banks and, although few, has shown flashes. There’s no question he’s one of the best athletes on the team. Abram Wright had his biggest moment of his career during the Pinstripe Bowl, in which he intercepted a pass and set up the Rutgers offense on a short field to go up 14-0. All four of these guys will be expected to make contribution this season and I am excited to see them player (as I expect) in the first two games.

Now, what about Mohamed Toure and Tyreem Powell? Both are absolute monsters and will definitely have the opportunity to play on Sundays. Toure has played both defensive end and linebacker during his tenure. His ability to get after the QB might be his biggest strength and because of that, I believe we will see him play more as a pass rusher this year. Tyreem Powell is a unicorn standing at 6’5” and 250lbs. I am not sure AI could generate a player more intimating than that! Powell is versatile. He can play as a run stuffer or drop back in coverage. He also can get after the QB. There’s truly not much he CAN’T do. However, Powell and Toure both share the biggest concern for the linebacker group...

Biggest Concern: Risk of Reinjury

Losing any player to injury can hurt a team. Losing star defenders can REALLY hurt a team. Unfortunately for Rutgers, two of the defenses most important players are a risk for re-injury. Before the start of the 2022 season, Mohamed Toure torn his ACL and missed the entire season. During the middle of the 2023 season, Tyreem Powell had a season ending hand injury. While participating in a winter training program, he torn his achilles. None of these injuries are good and they all come with the risk of reinjuring.

Toure was dealing with an injury early in training camp, but has since returned and is participating in practice. It appears he should be ready and good to go for the start of the season (fml why did I write this. I hate myself for writing this). During Big Ten Media day, Schiano spoke words of encouragement when it came to Powell’s injury recovery. All signs point towards him being on track to return to the field this season; the question is, when will that be? I don’t expect him to play in the season opener that is just a week away, especially since it will be a short week.

Staying healthy is paramount for any football team. Luckily, Rutgers does have the depth to help support the linebacker group. They also have an X-factor...

X Factor: Joe Harasymiak

After the conclusion of last season, every time you checked Twitter/X or Instagram it seemed like you would see yet another defensive player announcing their return to the Banks for one final season. However, I believe the best piece that is returning for the defense is Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach, Joe Harasymiak. Coach Schiano has re-instituted a culture that the players AND coaches are bought into heading into the 2024 season. He has spoken in great lengths about how giving defense control to Harasymiak has allowed him to focus on his job as Head Coach (recruiting, NIL, Special Teams). Rutgers had one of the toughest schedules in the Big Ten last season. That is NOT the case for 2024, and I think that bodes well for an experience group of linebackers who are coached by the defensive coordinator!

Schiano talks a lot about how the University and Athletics department are vertically aligned. Similar to that, the defense must be aligned across the defensive line, linebackers, and secondary. Linebackers play an important role in making sure everyone is where they need to be on each play. Altogether, with the mixture of experience and depth, a DC who coaches the LBs, AND an offense that is expected to help keep the defense off the field it is tough not to get excited about this defense, specially the linebackers.

Other Position Groups

• Offensive Line
• Tight Ends
• Wide Receivers
• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Defensive Line
• Cornerbacks
• Safeties - Aug. 26
• Specialists - Aug. 27