Rutgers football at Rate Bowl: Observations from first practice in Arizona

Posted by author December 23, 2024 Football

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Under sunny Arizona skies and with the temperature hovering around 70 degrees, a far cry from the freezing temperatures the Rutgers football team escaped from on Sunday, the Scarlet Knights held their first practice here Monday as they continue to prepare to play Kansas State in Thursday’s Rate Bowl.

A big question surrounding Rutgers the past couple weeks has focused on who will suit up for the game – several of the team’s NFL-bound stars have the option to sit the game out to avoid the risk of potential injuries that could hamper their draft stock.

That group includes running back Kyle Monangai, linebacker Tyreem Powell and cornerback Robert Longerbeam, among others.

Both Monangai and Powell said last week they were still deciding whether or not they were going to play in the Rate Bowl.

Monday’s practice at Indian School Park offered clarity – some, at least.

Here are some observations from the 15-minute window open to reporters:

Monangai was indeed out with the team, but he was in a t-shirt and shorts and during the window open for observation was not actively going through drills. The running back did spend time helping out with instruction with his teammates, assisting running backs coach Damiere Shaw.

Powell was fully dressed and participating in drills, as was defensive end Aaron Lewis, cornerback Robert Longerbeam, defensive tackle Kyonte Hamilton, defensive tackle Malcolm Ray, defensive tackle Troy Rainey, safety Shaquan Loyal and safety Flip Dixon.

Cornerback Eric Rogers and offensive lineman Tyler Needham were not on the field.

Left tackle Hollin Pierce was dressed and participating, as was wide receiver Dymere Miller, who did say last week that he planned to play in the game.

It should be noted that who participated in practice does not necessarily mean they’re definitely going to play in Thursday’s game.

Coach Greg Schiano does not address specific questions player availabilities, instead leaving that to the availability report that comes out two hours prior to kickoff.