Feeding off of Mike’s recruiting post from last week, I’ll be taking a look at some recent commits for Rutgers on the defensive side of the ball. Coach Ash and company have put letters into the hands of several talented recruits from all over the country. The balance of keeping elite New Jersey talent in-state while tapping into out of state pipelines will be an interesting storyline to see in Ash’s second full recruiting cycle.

Now for the potential future Scarlet Knights:

Tyler Bentley - C/O 2018 Defensive Tackle - 6-3, 295 - Lakota West HS (Ohio)

Based on his offers from schools such as Louisville, Tennesee, and Wisconsin, Bentley appears to be one of the more high-profile out-of-state targets. Bentley’s large frame would be a great fit for Rutgers, especially after a 2017 class that featured no true defensive tackles.

Josh Walker - C/O 2018 Defensive Tackle - 6-2, 285 - IMG Academy (Florida)

Another defensive tackle on the list, Walker fits the need of the 2018 recruiting class and plays for arguably the biggest powerhouse in all of high school football. While at times it looks like he gets washed up in the trenches, (albeit while facing double teams as a nose tackle) Walker has great instincts and a relentless motor.

Nick Fulwider - C/O 2018 Defensive End - 6-7, 230 - Sandy Creek HS (Georgia)

The first thing that jumps out at you is Fulwider’s elite size. While he’s had tremendous success at the high school level, Fulwider could be a bit of a project once he gets to college, wherever he decides to go. Still, with a frame like that, the potential of a dominant pass rusher is most certainly there.

Nihym Anderson - C/O 2018 Linebacker - 6-2, 225 - Vineland Senior South HS (NJ)

One of the local products on the list, Nihym Anderson could be the next great South Jersey high school product to end up On The Banks. Playing strongside linebacker in a three linebacker defense, Anderson is an absolute terror for opposing quarterbacks. Anderson is a great balance of size and speed with a skill set that should easily translate to the next level.

Nasir Peoples - C/O 2018 Safety - 6-0, 185 - Archbishop Wood HS (Pennsylvania)

The Rutgers connection is automatically there with Peoples as Nasir is the cousin of former Rutgers running back Desmon Peoples. The future Rutgers hopeful makes his home on the other side of the ball as a hard-hitting, ball-hawking safety. If Rutgers were to gain People’s commitment, it would mean flipping him from Virginia Tech, where he’s been committed to since February 22nd.

Kevin Brennan - C/O 2018 Safety - 5-11, 190 - Don Bosco Prep (NJ)

A staple on one of the state’s best defenses for the past three seasons, Brennan’s recruitment has been heating up with with each passing month. The rangy safety has nothing left to prove at the high school level and has all of the tools necessary to be a success at the Power-5 level. Perhaps Brennan could be the first Rutgers commit in the Mike Teal era at Don Bosco?

Jarrett Paul - C/O 2018 Cornerback - 6-1, 190 - Paramus HS (NJ)

D-1 looks have been more frequent for Jarrett Paul after the 2016 season, his first season playing high school football in New Jersey. The tall, physical defensive back did not allow a touchdown all season long and is in store for a promising senior campaign. Keeping Paul in the Garden state could be a priority for Coach Ash and company. Here is an interview our own Andy Egan had with Paul after he visited the program during the 2015 season.

Although we’re in a bit of a dry season for football recruiting, make sure to keep up with On The Banks for all the latest offers and news.