Rutgers’ Prospects Shine on National Stage
The 2027 Shriners Children’s East‑West Bowl 1000 Watch List, which spotlights the players most likely to make an impact in the NFL next season, has named ten athletes from Rutgers University. The recognition underscores the Scarlet Knights’ growing presence in the national conversation about future professional talent.
Among those selected are Kwabena Asamoah, J’Dan Burnett, Malachi Davis, KJ Duff, Dylan Lonergan, Ty Morris, Tyler Needham, Rondo Porter, Antwan Raymond and Kaj Sanders. Their inclusion reflects a blend of experience and upside, with several having navigated transfers that brought new energy to the program.
Three of the defensive linemen — Burnett, Davis and Porter — arrived in New Jersey after stints elsewhere. Burnett, who transferred from Tulsa, posted 9.5 tackles‑for‑loss and 6.5 sacks in his previous season. Davis, a move from Toledo, earned third‑team All‑MAC honors after recording 9.5 tackles‑for‑loss and 5.5 sacks. Porter, formerly at Appalachian State, contributed 43 tackles, five of which were for loss, and two sacks.
Linebacker Ty Morris, a transfer from Rice, brings a robust résumé: 88 tackles, 9.5 for loss, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. His aggressive style is expected to bolster the front seven.
On the offensive side, Tyler Needham has logged 32 career appearances, establishing himself as a reliable piece of the offensive line rotation. Meanwhile, quarterback Dylan Lonergan, who transferred from Boston College, is competing for the starting role after completing 190 of 284 passes for 2,025 yards and 12 touchdowns in his prior season.
Veteran defensive end Antwan Raymond and lineman Kaj Sanders also feature prominently on the watch list. Raymond, a frequent presence on preseason lists, is expected to anchor the defensive front, while Sanders aims to rebound under a new coaching staff after a season that yielded 37 tackles and a single pass defended.
What This Means for the Program
The concentration of talent on the watch list signals that Rutgers is transitioning from a rebuilding phase to a competitive stance within the Big Ten. By highlighting both established performers and promising newcomers, the list suggests that the Scarlet Knights could generate more NFL prospects in the coming years, a narrative that resonates with recruits and fans alike.