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Rutgers class of 2014 FB commit, Jacob Kraut

(Photo provided by 247Sports.com, used with permission)

Jacob Kraut, the 5-11, 240-pound fullback from Duncan U. Fletcher (Neptune Beach, Fla.), has committed to the Scarlet Knights, becoming the 17th commitment to Rutgers' incoming class of 2014. Kraut arrived on campus, Wednesday, part of a two-day visit, in which he got to experience what Rutgers life is like.

"I went and did kind of like a mini-tour today and then I'll be back tomorrow morning and spend all day with the staff doing all the academic stuff," said Kraut. "It all stood out to me. I liked it all a whole lot. I saw the Hale Center, the weight room and a few other things."

And after taking the full tour of campus and Rutgers athletic facilities, Thursday, as well as spending time with current Rutgers fullback, Michael Burton, Kraut became well aware that Rutgers was the place for him.

In addition to Rutgers, Kraut held offers from Auburn, Maryland, Middle Tennessee, Florida International, Western Kentucky, Troy, UAB, Delaware and Georgia Southern. However, he admits, the Scarlet Knights had been his favorite since a couple months back when they first offered him a scholarship.

Kraut, ranked the No. 1 fullback in the country by Rivals.com, has the ability to become a dominant run blocker both inside and off the edge at the collegiate level. He maintains good balance and power, providing a high level of productivity from a position which that is not expected from.

The aggressive plow also plays with good straight-line speed, one-step lateral quickness and he is a hands catcher highly effective on screens as well as short and intermediate routes. But most of all, he plays with the leverage, toughness and the physicality needed from the fullback position in the pro-style offense.

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