4-Star Rene Chooses Rutgers over Ohio State

Episcopal (Alexandria, VA.) cornerback/safety Patrice Rene announced his collegiate intentions via Twitter on Saturday pledging to the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers.

httpss://twitter.com/PatriceRene6/status/630044545477177344

The four-star prospect, who is originally from Canada, chose Rutgers over runner-up Ohio State and over 20 other offers from across the country. Rene becomes the 19th member of the 2016 recruiting class. He is the first four-star prospect for this year’s recruiting cycle.

“Rene is one of the biggest commitments of the Kyle Flood era,” ScarletNation analyst Bobby Deren told APP.com. “He automatically becomes the top player in Rutgers’ 2016 recruiting class as one of the most talented defensive back recruits in the country.

“He is the complete package and an absolutely huge get for Rutgers. He has the elite size, speed and athleticism to excel at safety or cornerback.”

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound defensive back is rated by 247Sports.com as the 223rd player in the country, the No. 21 cornerback, and the 5th best prospect out of Virginia. With the commitment, according to the 247Sports Composite, the class now sits at No. 42 in the country.

Rene joins fellow defensive backs already committed in the class in Damon Hayes and Phil Campbell III.

Patrice Rene (247Sports.com)

In an age where athletes visit other schools, back off their pledge, and flip to another institution, and given that signing day isn’t until February, one could worry if he would change his mind on Rutgers. However, he isn’t changing his mind according to Scout.com.

”My commitment is solid,” Rene said. “I’m not someone who just changes his mind. Once I’m committed to a school, I’m committed to that school and that school only. I’m actually going back to visit on Aug. 23.”

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Another interesting point with Rene to Rutgers is the lure and recruitment of a couple 2017 prospects who are all from Canada.

Rene is mentored by Victor Tedondo, founder and director of Gridiron Academy in Ottawa. In an article and interview with Todderick Hunt, Tedondo said four-star defensive lineman Luiji Vilain as well as four-star defensive back Jonathan Sutherland, who plays at Episcopal with Rene, could end up “on the banks” as well.

Rutgers has tapped into Canada in the past most notably nabbing Jamaal Westerman, who had a solid career as a Scarlet Knights, spent some time in the NFL, and currently plays in the CFL which Double G Sports have highlighted in the recent past.