Rutgers football team receives multiple Big Ten honors
The Rutgers football team capped off its regular season with a 41-14 rout of Michigan State for the Scarlet Knights' (7-5, 4-5) fourth Big Ten Conference win. With a winning record and a second straight bowl-eligible season, a few Rutgers athletes received honors for their standout performances on the field.
RB: Kyle Monangai
Award: First Team All-Big Ten Honors
It comes as no surprise that senior running back Kyle Monangai finished the season with First-Team All-Big Ten honors after a season that cemented him in the Knights record book. Monangai rushed for 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns, adding to his career total of 3,221 rushing yards.
Through four seasons on the Banks, Monangai climbed his way up to the second spot on the all-time Rutgers rushing yards leaderboard. With no eligibility remaining, Monangai will declare for the NFL draft after this season and prove why he deserves to play on Sundays with some of the best athletes in his sport.
OL: Hollin Pierce
Award: Second Team All-Big Ten Honors
Another name that has the opportunity to show up on draft boards is senior offensive lineman Hollin Pierce. In a season filled with injury and uncertainty, Pierce was one constant that the offense could rely on.
Pierce played in all 12 games this season for the Knights and led an offensive line that allowed only one sack during its final three games. This is the first time a Rutgers offensive lineman has earned a spot on any All-Big Ten team.
LB: Dariel Djabome
Award: Third Team All-Big Ten Honors
It is hard to discuss the success of the Knights' defense without mentioning the play of junior linebacker Dariel Djabome. After a lackluster first two years with the program, Djabome showcased his explosivity by collecting 102 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Djabome led Rutgers in tackles by an impressive margin, collecting 32 more tackles than anyone else on the team. With a breakout season behind him, many fans are looking forward to what the future holds for Djabome and the Knights' defense.
RB: Antwan Raymond
Award: Big Ten Freshman of the Week
In the past few years, Rutgers has been known for producing running back talent, whether it's Monangai or Chiefs star Isiah Pacheco. Freshman running back Antwan Raymond is primed to be the next name on that list. This season, Raymond has rushed for more than 70 yards three times and has five rushing touchdowns.
Last week against the Spartans (5-7, 3-6), Raymond had arguably the best game of his young career, tallying 73 rushing yards and two touchdowns to cap off the season with a blowout win. Raymond has made the most of his limited opportunities in his first year and has the talent to fill the void that losing Monangai will leave behind.
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