Mike Teel – 6’4” 225 - rsSR
- Oakland, NJ
Rutgers will be led by veteran quarterback Mike Teel next
season. Mike is an extremely confident individual who has risen above the
criticism he endured while working his way through “on the job training”.
He was awarded the starting position very early in his career and his growth has
seen him progress from game manager to field general. As he gained experience,
one could see his improved composure, vision and presence at the position.
Statistically he has improved significantly from year to year. Mike
is on the verge of stardom and is the best kept secret at Rutgers.
RU Career:
2004
– redshirt year used running the scout team
2005
– 9 games played, 51-101, 50.5%, 683 yds, 2tds, 10
ints
2006
– 13 games played, 164-296, 55.4%, 2,135 yds,
12tds, 13 ints
2007
– 12 games played, 187-324, 57.7%, 2,844 yds,
17tds, 12 ints (while injured)
Prior to Rutgers:
2002-2003 Two
time 1st team NJ All State
48th
best quarterback nationally by “The Insiders.com”
23rd
best player from NJ in his class by “Rivals.com”
Although he will be playing behind a partially rebuilt
offensive line, he’ll have a dynamic group of wide receivers, emerging
tight ends and a potentially electric running game at his command. Mike
could explode onto the scene next season, much in the manner of Matt Ryan of
Boston College.
Jabu Lovelace – 6’2 212 - rsJR -
Tenafly, NJ
Jabu gained some valuable experience on the playing field
during 2007, as he was called upon to relieve a banged up Mike Teel. He
is a gifted athlete with a rocket arm, quick release and has exciting skills running
with the football. Reviewing his statistics, Jabu is still a very young college
quarterback and will have the spring and summer to prepare himself for the
upcoming season.
2005
– redshirt year used running scout team
2006
- 3 games played, 1-1, 9yds, 0 tds, 0 ints,
/ 9 carries, 15 yds, 0 tds
2007
– 10 games played, 7-23, 30.4%, 69yds, 0 tds,
0 ints / 82 carries, 380 yds, 4.6 ypc, 4 tds
Prior to Rutgers:
2004
All State 2nd team DB
MSG
Heisman All Star
#27
best dual threat QB nationally by “Rivals.com”
#28
best player from New Jersey in his class by “Scout.com”
Jabu is a brilliant young man with all the tools to become
an excellent college quarterback. He needs the additional time of another
year in the system. Working with the bevy of talented receivers and
running backs during the off season will provide the opportunity to improve his
passing touch. Being a year older, his poise, confidence, field vision
and judgment should improve greatly. Fans tended to be impatient with
Jabu last year, but his personal experience and patience should pay off well as
he matures over the next two years.
Dominic Natale – 6’2” 215 - rsSO Warren,
NJ
An enigma. Dominic could well be a hidden gem for this
Rutgers team. He was considered one of the finest quarterback prospects
in the nation following his career at the Hun School in 2004. Originally he
signed a letter of intent to play for Michigan State, but received permission
to transfer home to Rutgers following his first year of eligibility.
Dominic has yet to receive any playing time since his return.
2005
– Spent his first year at MSU (playing time/stats unknown)
2006
– Due to NCAA rules forced to sit out his first year at Rutgers
2007
– Injured during spring practice… surgery to his arm
performed and he did not see any action
Prior to Rutgers:
2004
All State selection
All
Northeast selection by “Super Prep”
All
East selection by “Prepstar”
#9
best pro style quarterback nationally by “Rivals.com”
With two years in the program sitting and rehabbing, Dominic
should know the playbook inside and out. I’ve never seen him
practice, but I’ve been told that he has been impressive while gaining
the attention of the coaching staff and players alike. He will have an entire
year to polish up the rust that comes with time off from the game. He may
have the ability to move quickly up the depth chart.
Chris Paul-Etienne 6’3” 208 rsSO
Edison HS, Miami Fl
Another incredibly athletic youngster with a cannon for an arm
and a ton of speed on the run. Little is known by me regarding his
progress as a player. I saw Chris line up for one play as a tailback late
in the season throwing an incomplete option pass.
2006
– redshirt year used to run the scout team
2007
– first year of eligibility and only 2 major injuries away from being the
full time starter
Prior to Rutgers:
#8
overall player from talent rich Dade County Florida
Top
10 quarterback from the State of Florida
All
southeast selection by “PrepStar”
Threw
a TD pass to RU WR Tim Brown in a high school all star game
Chris has a ton of raw talent and excited the Florida
natives on the Rutgers roster when he signed his letter of intent. He’s
a fearsome, gutsy performer on the practice field and simply needs more time to
develop. Chris is another multi dimensional athlete that could contribute
to Rutgers as a RB, WR, CB or Safety.
Stephen Shimko - 6’5” 210 –
recruit Ewing, NJ
Stephen has a quick and accurate release, with decent
footwork despite his size. He is known to be a quality mid range passer with a
nice touch on the ball. Reportedly a smart player who reads through his
progressions well, he shows poise and leadership on the field. He
impressed the Rutgers coaches at a Randolph High School combine. Stephen was
also pursued by BC, UConn, NC State and Syracuse. He must red shirt his
first year.
Prior to Rutgers:
2005
– As a HS sophomore he threw for 1,160 yds, 13 tds and 10 ints.
2006
– As a junior he threw for 1,400 yds, 18 tds and 8 ints. Received 2nd
team all county/area honors
DC Jefferson - 6’6” 240 – recruit
Winter Haven, Fl
DC certainly has created a ton of excitement with his verbal
commitment to become a Scarlet Knight. Heavily pursued by Auburn and
Tennessee while verbally committing to LSU for a period of time, DC is apparently
the real deal. Jefferson is an outstanding athlete who owns a 33”
vertical leap, and a long ball arm. He also averaged 18ppg and 10
rebounds pg as a high school basketball junior. It’s been reported
that he does have some issues with the mechanics of his throwing and his footwork
and will benefit from college coaching. He must red shirt his first year.
Prior to Rutgers:
2006
– As a junior he passed for 1,200+ yards with 11 tds.
#19
best quarterback nationally by “Scout.com”
Rutgers will have six quarterbacks (plus any walk on
candidates) in the system next season. Veteran Mike Teel is by far the best
quarterback on the team. He is a team leader, a tireless worker, and
always looks for ways to improve his game. Stay healthy and he will
experience a breakout year that will talked about by the media. He could
be a legitimate Heisman contender.
With Teel being a known commodity, the true battle will be
for the #2 spot on the depth chart. Jabu Lovelace, Dominic Natale and
Chris Paul-Etienne will have ample opportunity to strut their stuff on the
practice field leading up to the 2008 kick off. Due to his field experience
alone, Jabu must be given the edge at this time, but the backup job is wide
open and each candidate will be judged on a go forward basis.
Stephen Shimko and DC Jefferson will redshirt and share time
running the scout team.
NEXT UP: LINEBACKERS