Head Coach Greg Schiano’s murky situation at linebacker is becoming murkier by the moment.
Former linebacker Drew Singleton had his appeal to the NCAA for eligibility reinstatement denied, according to Schiano.
Schiano pleaded Singleton’s case for appeal at Big Ten Media Days two weeks ago, and Schiano sounded fairly confident Rutgers fans would see him suit up this fall.
However, this will not be the case.
What the Denied Appeal of Chris Singleton Means for Rutgers
Linebacker already appeared to be arguably the weakest position group on the team, so this is a giant blow to the young corp.
The Scarlet Knights are down to just two returning linebackers with any sort of starting experience, and neither started more than three games last year.
Drew Singleton Will Not Provide Band-Aid
Moses Walker, New York’s #1 overall recruit for 2022, tore his ACL in spring. Walker is expected to miss the entire 2022 season.
Anthony Johnson is another blue chip true freshman, and he possibly help, but he’s not nearly enough.
Singleton would have not only provided a stopgap on the field, he would be helping to usher along the younger guys like Johnson.
Who Can Lead This Unit Without Drew Singleton Returning?
Sophomore Tyreem Powell (20 tackles in ’21) becomes the defacto leader of this unit with Drew Singleton seemingly out of the picture.
Junior middle linebacker Deion Jennings has started games as far back as the 2019 season, but made just five tackles in 13 games last fall. Jennings is thought to be fully recovered from a shoulder injury that slowed him down and eventually required surgery.
Expect to see some unfamiliar faces at linebacker this season in Piscataway.
For More Great Big Ten Coverage
Follow me on Twitter at @FreeRattillac