Connect with us

College

Rutgers’ Kemoko Dragon Must Run Wild Against Penn State

Kemoko Turay (Photo by Juan Martinez - Double G Media)

Kemoko Turay (Photo by Juan Martinez – Double G Media)

 

7.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, and three blocked kicks. That type of stat line will earn plenty of praise and hype. When those stats come from a freshman playing in the Big Ten, the hype will skyrocket.

Last season, Rutgers saw freshman defensive end Kemoko Turay burst on the scene. His athleticism is one few possess. Rutgers fans saw the hype of Turay rise, quickly. Turay has been seen on NFL Draft boards, as high as a first round selection. He was selected as the No. 8  most freakish athlete in college football by NFL.com.

Turay earned Freshman All-America honors after last season. He put those stats together as a part time player, a third down specialist.

Now, as a sophomore, Rutgers is counting on Turay to become a more well-rounded defensive star.

Turay recorded his first sack of the season in the opening win over Norfolk State. He received his first career start against Washington State last week and recorded three tackles, three quarterback hurries, and a pass break up. The Scarlet Knights need more.

If Rutgers can head to Beaver Stadium and pull off the upset over Penn State, the defense will need to lead the way. With star defensive lineman, Darius Hamilton, still sidelined with an injury, other players including Turay will need to step up. Rutgers was able to produce just very limited pressure on Washington State’s QB last week, allowing him plenty of time to throw and plays to develop.

This Saturday, Rutgers will face a quarterback in Christian Hackenberg that many believe is an NFL talent. If given time to throw, Hackenberg will beat them, as he would most teams. Two weeks ago, Temple defeated the Nittany Lions by consistently pressuring Hackenberg. The Owls recorded 10 sacks.

Rutgers must find a way to pressure the Nittany Lions, taking advantage of what many believe is a suspect offensive line. Applying constant pressure will keep Hackenberg from getting comfortable in the pocket and take pressure off the young Rutgers secondary.

Pressure is the key to Rutgers defense keeping the team in the game and giving the Scarlet Knights a chance at the upset. Applying pressure starts with none other than the Kemoko Dragon. Yes, in more of a full time role, Turay needs to also help stop the run, but Rutgers coaching staff should tell their young “freak” to go get the quarterback whenever possible.

 

 

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in College