QB unclear for Scarlet Knights
PISCATAWAY — A total of 137 combined starts on offense are certain to return for Rutgers in the same capacity next season. Another 28 — second most of any player on that side of the ball — remain unclear.
They belong to senior Gary Nova. He, head coach Kyle Flood says, is among four other quarterbacks — none with any career appearances — vying to start Rutgers’ inaugural Big Ten season.
“It’s not an ideal situation, that’s for sure,” Flood said Monday during his prespring practice press conference.
Nova corners the market on experience at the position. He has thrown for more than 6,400 yards in three seasons, tossing 64 career touchdowns and 39 interceptions — six more than his total number of appearances.
Nova hasn’t been available to the media since he was benched in late November.
Rutgers’ quarterbacks will all share reps during the team’s first three spring practices. The Scarlet Knights’ staff will likely cut snaps from there.
Flood said he isn’t sure he will name a starting quarterback during the spring.
“I don’t think it’s something we have to do as a program,” he said.
His other options bring questions. Mike Bimonte hasn’t seen the field in two seasons. Neither has Blake Rankin, and Chris Laviano is a redshirt freshman. Walk-on Devin Ray has worked only scout team.
Whoever wins the job will come with Ralph Friedgen’s blessing. The former Maryland head coach has been out of coaching since 2010, but his $500,000 salary as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach says very clearly that his input carries weight.
With at least eight returning starters on offense in an important year for Flood, Friedgen’s hiring brings urgency.
“When we sit down and have those conversations, every depth chart decision and move is ultimately my decision,” Flood said. “But I think when you’re fortunate enough to hire somebody with (Friedgen’s) experience, it’s only natural that you would weigh his opinions very heavily.”
Barring transfer, Rutgers will bring six scholarship quarterbacks into the fall. One, Minnesota transfer Philip Nelson, will sit out the 2014 season. Another is a true freshman.
Nova appears the logical fit since much rides on a strong start in the Big Ten — for Rutgers and Flood. But poor decisionmaking has plagued the promising glimpses Nova offers.
He completed less than 50 percent of his passes three times in his final four starts a year ago. He finished with 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 10 starts.
“For Gary and all those quarterbacks, the guy ultimately that becomes our starting quarterback has to protect the football,” Flood said. “It’s hard to win games when you turn the ball over like we did last year.”
Cornerback Ian Thomas, who left the team last year to pursue what Flood says was a career in baseball, has felt welcomed by the team. “Now he’s got an opportunity to fit in back on the field,” Flood said. “That, to me, is the final part of that.” ... Running backs Paul James and Savon Huggins (shoulders) are limited and out, respectively, this spring. ... Steve Longa, the team’s leading tackler in 2013, will move to weakside linebacker. Kevin Snyder will inherit the middle. ... Max Issaka and Sheldon Royster have left the program.
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