Schiano: "It’s great to have them down here.”

PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Although the weather forecasted rain, approximately 250 coaches attended Rutgers’ football coaching clinic on Friday afternoon. They represented programs spanning the gamut from in-state towns and cities to metropolitan areas, such as New York and Philadelphia.

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano appreciated the afternoon delight.

“I think it’s great,” Schiano said, “anytime you can promote the game of football, and to do it in our state… It’s our eighth year here. It’s great to have them down here.”

The Scarlet Knights’ offense also worked on goal-line and red-zone situations, areas that bothered them last season.

They only manufactured two touchdowns on six goal-line tries in losses to Cincinnati and Connecticut in 2007. Overall, Rutgers settled for the conservative 3-point attempt in five consecutive possessions inside the 20 against the Huskies, falling 38-19 to them last year.

However, Rutgers rebounded for a solid 8-5 campaign, winning their second straight bowl game.

With last season nearly a forgotten memory, Schiano focused on Saturday’s upcoming scrimmage.

“Yeah, should be a pretty good scrimmage,” Schiano said. “We continue to put more and more situations in. Tomorrow, we have just about every situation in.”

The Wyckoff, N.J. native strives for efforts on both sides of the field.

“I just like to see them try to do what we ask them to do, as hard as they can,” Schiano said. “I don’t worry much about the result right now, as I do the effort and the process.”

Rather than demand perfection, Schiano presents a realistic approach to his troops, considering the disconnected spring practice schedule.

“Spring practice is a little bit disjointed when you go a day and you’re off a day,” Schiano said. “But as long as they try to do what we’re asking, they’ve been good that way. They’ve given very good effort.”

Several players have departed or graduated, leaving gaps on both sides of the field. However, as competition remains intense, Schiano admits that if he has not yet determined starters, it’s unlikely to happen before the summer.

“If it hasn’t happened by now, it probably won’t,” Schiano said.

Yet, he remains fervent about their progress thus far.

“I’m not exactly grading productivity as I am processing how they do it,” Schiano said. “We want to see guys, who love football, do all the things right, (including) taking care of their bodies, getting in the training room. I think our guys have done a great job of that this spring.”

Certain athletes earn important roles in spring through hard work and determination. Fifth-year senior tight end Kevin Brock has sparkled in Schiano’s eyes.

“He’s (Brock) had a very good spring so far,” Schiano said. “He has a chance to be as good as we’ve had around here, if he can keep progressing.”

Countdown: Rutgers also continued to use the 40-second clock in practice. Schiano discussed the differences after practice.

“We do it in the scrimmages,” Schiano said. “It’s hard to do it in a practice setting because you bring the ball back to the spot no matter what happens. When we go scrimmage on Saturdays, we’ve been using the 40. Without a doubt, it’s a learning process. The fact that we’re doing it will help us in the long-run.”

Just like the coaching staff must learn the new system, the league must educate its officials on the adjustment, according to Schiano.

“It’s new for the officials too,” Schiano said. “Some of the procedural things were a little different, so I’m not sure what exactly is right. It’s not imperative right now. I don’t understand it either. When it gets ratified, and I believe it will, then I’ll make sure I know exactly what it is.”

In Case You Missed It: When asked about special teams, Schiano responded, “I know enough to be dangerous, the basics, but I keep learning,” drawing laughter from the handful of reporters at practice.

Play of the Day: Defensive tackle George Johnson earned a beautiful interception, deflecting QB Mike Teel’s throw into his own hands.