Rutgers added its eighth commitment of the 2021 class when West Side (Newark, N.J.) linebacker Khayri Banton pledged to Greg Schiano on Thursday. Banton becomes the sixth player to commit to Rutgers in March.

“I based my decision on the family vibe I got from the schools and coaches. And even being on the phone with coaches, I felt real comfortable and got that family vibe," he told NJ Advance Media. "Coach Schiano, coach Hoffmann, coach Fraser, coach Fran (Brown), coach Smith, are really great coaches and men in general, and I was able to relate to each individual in a unique way.”

A 6-3, 220-pound four-star recruit, Banton becomes Rutgers’ highest-ranked commitment, surpassing Camden’s Alijah Clark. But with jubilation come expectations, and Banton sounds ready to compete.

“Coach Schiano said I can really be that guy to change Rutgers around on the defensive side of the ball, and as soon as possible,” he said. “But I’m going to work to be that No. 1 guy at the linebacker position.”

Banton has been offered by Power 5 schools Miami, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Boston College, and Purdue. Rutgers solidified its lead during Banton’s visit on March 3.

“What really stood out to me to me was whole the vibe of the place, it matched with family and being home,” said Banton, who was accompanied by his mother, Georgia, cousin, Omaine, and Damaso Munoz, who served as host. “They were truly genuine.”

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Throughout the trip, Banton bonded with defensive backs coach Fran Brown, defensive coordinator Robb Smith, and linebackers coach Bob Fraser -- whom he’ll interact with most. He also spent time with an old friend.

“Darius (Gooden) is one of my boys,” Banton said of his former teammate, now a Rutgers DB. “He took me underneath his wing before leaving to Rutgers.”

Banton is the third player Rutgers has lifted from Essex County this year, joining East Orange running back Al-Shadee Salaam and teammate Shaquan Loyal, who plays defensive back.

“It feels good for the county, I’m happy for them all. But It wasn’t that I was waiting for anyone else to do it first,” he said. “After sitting down with my loved ones and coaches I realized it was time.”

West Side coach Marion Bell now has two players committed to this class.

“He’s relentless,” Bell said of Banton. “What stands out the most about Khayri is his work ethic. He kills the weight room. It feels great to see the kids get an opportunity to play D1(A) football."

Banton made 60 tackles, 15 for a loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and four recoveries (including a whopping three scoop-and-scores) for the 9-2 Roughriders in 2019.

He is twitchy and explosive but his versatility may be his greatest gift, as he can play anywhere from linebacker to safety.

Running backs coach Augie Hoffmann also played a role in Banton’s recruitment.

Rutgers’ class is now ranked No. 12 in the country and No. 5 in the Big Ten, according to 247Sports.com. Six of Rutgers’ eight commitments hail from New Jersey.

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Todderick Hunt may be reached at thunt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TodderickHunt. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.