PISCATAWAY -- After starting all 12 games at nose tackle in the most productive campaign of his career last fall, Sebastian Joseph figured he had the inside track at a starting spot along the Rutgers defensive line this season.

But following Rutgers' fifth practice of spring camp last Saturday, Joseph was given a strong endorsement in the form on an honors program implemented by head coach Chris Ash this year.

Entering spring camp, each player on the Rutgers football team had a black stripe on their helmet. Once a Rutgers coach removes it, it's a signal that he is game ready.

NJ Advance Media's Dan Duggan contributed to this report.

Keith Sargeant may be reached at ksargeant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KSargeantNJ. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.