New Rutgers coach Chris Ash has brought many ideas with him from Ohio State, where he was the defensive coordinator for the previous two years. Rutgers players encountered one of the more unpleasant Ohio State traditions on Friday morning when they were put through the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" workout.

The "massacre" is considered the most grueling workout of the year at Ohio State and it appears that it lived up to its reputation at Rutgers. Players arrived at the Hale Center at 6 a.m. and were greeted by Valentine's cards "signed" by pieces of equipment in the weight room. The high-intensity workout featured a DJ.

A cleveland.com article detailing the "massacre" workouts at Ohio State provides insight into what the Rutgers players went through this morning. The workout was led by Rutgers strength coach Kenny Parker, who spent the past four year as an assistant strength coach at Ohio State.

Knights got better this morning. pic.twitter.com/nH5XjLC5Py — Chris Ash (@CoachChrisAsh) February 19, 2016

Rutgers players took to social media to express their exhaustion after the workout. But the encouraging sign is they seem to be embracing the grind of the conditioning program that Parker promised would be "the hardest thing they'll go through."

Running back Robert Martin:

Definitely by far the hardest lift of my life. Netflix and COD for the rest of the day. ✌🏾️ — RMIII (@RobMartin_7) February 19, 2016

Wide receiver Andre Patton:

Wide receiver Rashad Blunt:

St. Vincent Valentine Massacre is exactly what it sounds like #humblingseason — Rashad Jamal Blunt (@Roshambo_1) February 19, 2016

Safety Saquan Hampton:

Massacred....💘👻🏋🏾 — Saquan Hampton (@TDC_9) February 19, 2016

Safety Kiy Hester:

Linebacker Deonte Roberts:

The Lift of My Life..... — Deonte Roberts (@Kingroberts_) February 19, 2016

Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.