By Ryan Dunleavy | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Clocks officially change later this month, but Giovanni Rescigno is turning back time this week.

Rescigno took the lion's share of snaps with Rutgers first-team offense during Tuesday's practice, one day after coach Chris Ash declared an open quarterback competition.

Kyle Bolin has started the first five games of the season, with true freshman Johnathan Lewis spelling Bolin for one snap against Nebraska and Eastern Michigan and for longer spurts against Morgan State and Ohio State.

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John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

"Coach (Jerry) Kill talks to us and lets us know what's going on," Rescigno said of how he found out the starting job was up for grabs again. "Competition is going to make all of us better. The ultimate goal is for the team to have success. That's what we all want."

Tuesday's practice marked a significant increase in Rescigno's reps from his usual workload since losing a preseason training camp battle. It could be an indication that he has a leg up to start.

"Physical reps are different than mental reps," Rescigno said. "Just to get back in the feel of things and get more reps and see what the defense is doing has been good."

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Rescigno played in mop-up duty of the Morgan State and Ohio State blowouts, but is gaining traction as Rutgers nears a virtual must-win game to halt its 16-game Big Ten losing streak. He is 2-of-2 passing for 23 yards and has five carries for 26 yards.

"I think just playing in a game in general you already have that mindset," Rescigno said. "It's like, 'We're up or we're down right now so I'm going to play different than if it was the first quarter of a game. You have to have that mindset to be ready to go and execute this play the best you can whether it's the first quarter or the fourth quarter. If you are in a tight game in a fourth quarter, it's kind of different."

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Big Ten Network

One year ago, Rescigno came off the bench against Illinois and provided enough of a spark to become the starter for the final five games of last season.

"There were ups and downs to it, my first college game," Rescigno said. "Having that experience was definitely cool and eye-opening and something I worked hard for. At the same time, there were a lot of things I learned from it."

One of the biggest lessons Rescigno had to learn was how to play quarterback without his mobility. The dual-threat injured his hamstring in his first career start and was less of a runner.

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Kill has been calling more read-option plays for quarterbacks and simplifying the playbook as the season has progressed.

Bolin came up just inches short on a fourth-and-6 read option against Ohio State. Lewis has been an effective runner but defenses are selling out until he proves he can be an effective passer.

"I did that in high school and it's something I'm super comfortable with," Rescigno said. "It's always been what I've been good at. Unfortunately, last year I got hurt. But I think that is one of the strong suits of my game."

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John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Play of the day

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Suddenly a key part of an injury-depleted secondary, cornerback/safety Zane Campbell broke up a pass on dual jump ball with Everett Wormley thrown by Johnathan Lewis.

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John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Injury update

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Safety Saquan Hampton, who is out for an undetermined length of time, did not practice.

Defensive end Jimmy Hogan was back in the rotation for an undermanned defensive line. He has been injured and sidelined since the season-opener.

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Chris Faytok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Jawuan Harris' slow start

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One day after his position switch was announced, former wide receiver Jawuan Harris got some reps with the first-team defense along with K.J. Gray when starter Kiy Hester needed a breather.

Harris only had one catch in four games after making a team-high 39 last season. He was suspended for the season-opener.

"I don't know if there is one thing you can pinpoint," wide receivers coach Jafar Williams said. "He just got off to a slow start. When that happens and you have the kind of competition that we do in our room, that sets you back. But I think he'll go over there and thrive and help our team."

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Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Help on the way at WR?

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One thought behind Rutgers moving Harris and Rashad Blunt to defensive back is that it clears space for Ahmir Mitchell to return to the receiving corps. But Mitchell, who has been out since tearing his ACL during spring camp, was not participating in Tuesday's practice and does not appear close to rejoining the lineup.

Mitchell, a Michigan transfer and former four-star recruit, has yet to make his collegiate debut.

"I'm worried about the guys we have out here right now," Williams said. "If he is out here, I'll get him ready to play."

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Grant-ed a fresh start

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After missing the last two games due to concussion-like symptoms, top playmaker Janarion Grant has been cleared to play against Illinois.

"He's such a dynamic player," Williams said. "He loves being around the ball. Having his experience to be out there and show our guys how to practice."

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Grant has 12 catches for 113 yards and one of just two touchdowns scored by the wide receivers.

"It was too long," Grant said of his absence. "I'm not trying to have any injuries that keep me back from playing the sport that I love. I'm back now and I'm ready to work."

Grant missed the final eight games of last season with a broken ankle.

"It feels crazy," Grant said. "I've just got to stay healthy. I feel great. I'm ready to go for this Saturday."

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Center of attention

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With center Jonah Jackson sidelined for 2-5 weeks, Mike Maietti is solidified as a starter. Maietti started the previous two games -- including one at Nebraska -- with Jackson sliding over to right guard.

"I feel good," Maietti. "I know a lot of the guys on the line feel good with me. It helps a lot being next to two older guys. It was good to get out there and get on the road in the Big Ten."

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With the quarterback competition, Maietti is making sure to get reps snapping with all three options to build a comfort level.

"We get work with all of them all the time," Maietti said. "If I struggle, Coach (A.J.) Blazek just helps me a lot. Like coach says, 'You just do it a million times to make it a habit.'"

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Ryan Dunleavy can be reached at rdunleavy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rydunleavy.