Dan Duggan | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

5 Rutgers players with the most to gain in spring practice

New Rutgers coach Chris Ash has emphasized that every position is open. The competition for starting jobs will heat up when spring practice opens on March 24.

While every player will enter the spring on equal footing, some have more to prove than others. Here’s a look at five players with the most to gain during spring practice:

(Hit the share button above to send this to a fellow Rutgers fan)

Don't Edit

John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

QB Giovanni Rescigno

The quarterback competition will be the center of attention again. Chris Laviano and Hayden Rettig figure to be the top candidates again, but Rescigno could become a factor. The redshirt sophomore is the best runner of any of the quarterbacks on the roster and Rutgers’ new power spread offense operates best with a dual-threat QB.

Don't Edit

YouTube

WR Carlton Agudosi

Star receiver Leonte Carroo is gone to the NFL, which finally opens up the door for Agudosi to earn consistent playing time. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound redshirt senior produced in limited opportunities last season, but his role was restricted by former coach Kyle Flood. Agudosi could step up to help fill the deep-threat void left by Carroo.

Don't Edit

Duane Burleson | AP Photo

OL Marcus Applefied/OL Zack Heeman

It’s impossible to separate these redshirt sophomore offensive linemen. Even if the four returning starting offensive linemen retain their jobs – no guarantee – there’s an opening at left tackle. Applefield and Heeman (pictured) are the top candidates to fill that vital position.

Don't Edit

YouTube

DE Kemoko Turay

A preseason shoulder injury stunted Turay’s development last year and he underwent surgery in mid-January. Turay needs to get stronger, add more variety to his pass-rushing repertoire and become more disciplined against the run. Even if he is limited in spring practice, every moment is critical for the 6-foot-6, 240-pounder as he tries to realize his incredible athletic potential.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

LB/S Najee Clayton

With all three starting linebackers from last season NFL-bound, Ash is starting from scratch. One intriguing option: Moving Clayton up a level from safety. There was always a possibility that the 6-foot-2 Clayton, who appears bigger than his program weight of 205 pounds, could be moved to linebacker. If he continues to bulk up, Clayton could be a fit at outside linebacker in Ash’s 4-3 defense.