After starting classes Monday, the team's newest Scarlet Knight, freshman linebacker Marcus Witherspoon, practiced with the team for the first time Tuesday. Wearing No. 58 with Rutgers, Witherspoon did not have a full practice. He mostly just worked on strength and conditioning, but said he was happy where he is now.
"Everything happens for a reason," Witherspoon said after his first practice. "I'm just happy to be here."
Witherspoon ended up on the Banks after academic disputes with Michigan and new head coach Rich Rodriguez. After earning an A in an online class from Brigham Young, Witherspoon was told he would never play at Michigan and ended up leaving the program for Rutgers, but said that he holds no hard feelings toward Michigan.
"Like I said, everything happens for a reason," Witherspoon said. "I've moved on. I'm ready to play for Rutgers and do whatever I can to help the team."
After spending just three days at Rutgers, the 225-pound linebacker said he is already becoming friends with the rest of the linebackers and learning a lot.
"They're all pretty cool," Witherspoon said. "I love hanging with the guys, and they all welcomed me in with open arms."
With running back Kordell Young's knee still in question for Saturday, freshman running back Jourdan Brooks is seeing his role in the running game continuing to evolve. Brooks began primarily as a fullback before shifting to a reserve running back role, but after a strong preseason showing and an impressive debut in the loss to North Carolina, Brooks may play a large role in the game this weekend.
In his first game, Brooks got seven carries and totaled 42 yards.
"I was really nervous going in, but coach called my number, told me to go in there and stay loose," Brooks said. "I feel that I did well. I just tried every time I got the ball to make sure I got positive yards for the offense."
The latest on Young's injury is that it has nothing to do with his surgically repaired knee, but it is bothering him enough to keep his status uncertain for the game.
After preparing for most of his Rutgers career to play either linebacker or defensive tackle, true freshman Eric LeGrand will make another position change, from defensive tackle to defensive end.
Due to the loss of senior defensive end Gary Watts after a torn ACL, LeGrand will shift to defensive end to replace him on the depth chart.
"Eric was going to play either way but with the injury to Gary Watts, we felt he was athletic enough to move out [to defensive end]," Schiano said. "He definitely is a hard worker, and he's talented."
LeGrand said it is challenging to change positions, but is happy with the situation because he can learn about defense from so many different perspectives.
"It all worked out well. I'm learning a lot with great coaches out here and everything's just working out," LeGrand said. "I miss [playing linebacker], but it's fun down there too and I'd do anything for the team."
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