Rutgers’ fall camp is giving the Scarlet Knights a first look at a few names worth tracking, and three players have already started to separate themselves from the pack.
One of the more intriguing early storylines centers on sophomore quarterback Ashenfelder, who still has plenty to prove but has flashed enough to get attention. He is athletic, he played baseball in high school, and he has the size and arm strength to push the ball downfield.
In high school, he threw for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. He may not be locked into the starting job, but there is clearly something to work with, especially if Rutgers needs him to step in for an injured quarterback.
The bigger question is whether the right system will be in place for him to flourish.
There is also a veteran presence making noise on defense in senior linebacker Morris. His resume from Rice University speaks for itself: he was capable of piling up sacks, knocking down passes, and consistently disrupting plays.
He was named all-conference and received an honorable mention from the coaches in 2025, and that experience is showing up in camp. Morris has been noticeable since arriving at Rutgers, and his presence is pushing the rest of the defense to raise its level.
He came to Rutgers with a goal and a vision, and there is a real chance he could earn a starting role.
Then there is freshman Carter, one of the most anticipated newcomers in the class. He brings a rare two-way background, having played both wide receiver and defensive back, which is why he has drawn so much buzz. Carter could be the kind of freshman who turns into a full-time starter before long, and his ability as a receiver gives Rutgers another player who wants the ball in his hands and wants to make his team proud.
Training camp is still young, but these three have already put themselves on the radar as Rutgers sorts out its depth chart for the season ahead.
In Other News...
Rutgers QB Battle Just Hit A Crucial Point In Camp
Rutgers quarterback competition took another step Saturday, but it did not come with a clear answer. After the Scarlet Knights first training camp scrimmage, Greg Schiano said the battle between AJ Surace and Dylan Lonergan is still undecided, even though both quarterbacks have shown well enough to keep the race moving into the next phase of camp. The staff also got a better look at a group of young receivers and new additions who have been trying to make an early impression, including defensive lineman Sekou Kromah.
The next stretch is all about sorting through what actually mattered on the field. Schiano said the coaches will go back through the tape and spend time in meetings before determining whether one quarterback has created real separation, and Rutgers will keep pushing through camp with that decision still ahead. For now, the battle remains open, which is exactly the kind of pressure point that can shape the tone of a preseason in Piscataway. [Read more 🡒]