Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano Hosts Third 2026 Spring Practice Press Conference

TL;DR

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano held a brief press conference discussing spring practice, highlighting the performance of young running backs and EDGE rushers. He emphasized the importance of finding roles for players in the new defensive scheme.

Key points

Greg Schiano held a press conference about spring practice.
He praised young running backs and their coaching staff.
Schiano is excited about the EDGE rushers' potential.
The STUD position is a mix of safety and corner-type players.
He discussed player development for AJ Surace and Antwan Radymond.

Mentioned in this story

Greg SchianoKirk CiarroccaDamiere Shaw

Rutgers Scarlet KnightsAJ SuraceAntwan RadymondDavoun Fuse

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 22: Head coach Greg Schiano of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights looks over his notes while standing on the sideline during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) | Getty Images Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano took to the podium on Saturday to address the media and answer questions about spring camp and other matters of interest during the spring practice session. His press conference was even shorter this time than the last few times, lasting just five minutes. One of the first questions that Schiano was asked during the press conference was if one of the position groups had surprised him so far this season. In response, he said that he likes the way the young running backs are running, but that was not a surprise to him either. He then praised offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca and running backs coach Damiere Shaw for the system they have and for how they have helped the young runners learn very quickly. In a question about the EDGE rushers, Schiano mentioned that they have good experience at the position, but also that he is really excited about the players coming up. “I think we have a really good mix of experienced players, as you said, and then some young guys that are going to be, I think, could be all-star players, really good players. Now, they have to get a little bigger, yes. They have to get stronger, yes, but they have some unique abilities.” The final question of the presser had to do with what the STUD position is and what players they are looking to put there. “The stud’s not a lot different than what the STAR was, or the nickel was. That’s all. It’s just a different game. Yeah, we have some safety-type bodies that play there, some corner-type bodies that play there. It’s a good mix. I think when you look at the guys that are playing the position, you know, Jesse’s playing the position, and DK Gilley‘s playing the position. Some athletic guys are lining up there and doing a good job. Davoun Fuse is playing. Those are really good athletes, and we’ll find ways. We are going to find roles for every player that can help us win, and whether that’s different packages, whether that’s third down, whether that’s early downs, that’s our job, right? If you have a good player, you never want to have a good player, a guy who can be productive standing next to you. So you’ve got to find a way to use him, and that’s really our goal, especially with a new defensive staff.” He also took the time to answer questions about what he has seen from AJ Surace’s development over the years, and if he has seen anything different in Antwan Radymond’s approach to the off-season. To view the entire press conference, click the link here:

Q&A

What did Greg Schiano say about the young running backs during the press conference?

Greg Schiano praised the young running backs for their performance, noting that their development was not a surprise due to the effective coaching from offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca and running backs coach Damiere Shaw.

How does Greg Schiano view the EDGE rushers for the upcoming season?

Schiano expressed excitement about the mix of experienced EDGE rushers and promising young players, mentioning their potential to become all-star athletes with further development.

What is the STUD position in Rutgers' defense according to Greg Schiano?

The STUD position is similar to the previous STAR or nickel positions, featuring a mix of safety and corner-type players, with Schiano emphasizing the need to utilize all players effectively.

What insights did Greg Schiano provide about AJ Surace and Antwan Radymond's development?

Schiano discussed AJ Surace's growth over the years and noted changes in Antwan Radymond's approach during the off-season, although specific details were not elaborated.