A New Chapter in the Garden State
Dylan Lonergan, who spent two seasons under Nick Saban at Alabama, has drawn a direct comparison between the intensity of the Crimson Tide’s program and the current culture at Rutgers under head coach Greg Schiano. He notes that both environments demand relentless effort and a focus on player development, shaping him into a more disciplined competitor.
After leaving Alabama, Lonergan transferred to Boston College, where he posted 2,025 passing yards and 12 touchdowns in his final season before entering the transfer portal again. He now joins Rutgers, where he is competing for the starting quarterback spot alongside AJ Surace, a player who has been in the system longer and brings additional experience to the room.
Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca has introduced a distinct approach, emphasizing clear verbalization of plays and encouraging Lonergan to adopt a beginner’s mindset. Daily film study and note‑taking have become central to his routine as he works to master the new system and translate it into game performance.
Boston College appears on Rutgers’ upcoming schedule, and Lonergan acknowledges the matchup has been on his radar. However, he stresses that his focus remains on incremental improvement each day, treating the game as just another step in his development rather than a narrative‑driven showdown.