Rutgers Football Makes a Big Recruiting Splash with Addition of 4-Star WR Korey Duff Jr.
Rutgers University has just secured its biggest catch of the 2024 football recruiting class with the addition of four-star wide receiver Korey Duff Jr. from St. Anthony’s in Melville, New York. Considered to be the most high-profile pass catcher in the region, Duff announced his commitment to Rutgers on Instagram, surrounded by his family and friends.
Duff, a junior in high school standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 205 pounds, spoke highly of the relationship he has built with Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano. What I liked about the trip is the relationship that’s continuing to be built between Coach Schiano and myself, Duff said. We had a good talk about life away from football and I feel it’s important to have those conversations.
This commitment comes after numerous visits to the Rutgers campus over the past two years, including witnessing the electric atmosphere during the team’s season-opener against the Iowa Hawkeyes last fall. Duff was captivated by the packed stadium and the impressive light show. He was also impressed by the recruitment efforts of Schiano, wide receivers coach Dave Brock, and offensive line assistant coach Scott Vallone.
Interestingly, Schiano’s courtship of Duff began after the wide receiver broke his hand two Junes ago during a seven-on-seven passing camp hosted by Rutgers. Schiano showed his dedication by accompanying Duff to the hospital, which eventually led to a strong bond between the two.
Duff, who is ranked as the top player from New York City on Rivals.com, had received interest from 21 other schools, including North Carolina and Texas A&M. However, his multiple visits to Rutgers and the connection he felt with the coaching staff ultimately tipped the scales in favor of the Scarlet Knights.
Rutgers’ 2024 recruiting class is already turning heads, with Duff being the second player from New York to join the team. The class currently ranks 29th in the country according to 247Sports and 21st according to Rivals.com. Duff’s addition adds depth to the class’s pass-catching options, with two tight ends and two wide receivers already committed.
Moving forward, Duff will be under the guidance of newly appointed offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, who is expected to bring a new identity to Rutgers’ offense. With players like Duff, his former teammate Ian Strong, and freshman wide receiver Dylan Braithwaite, the Scarlet Knights will likely have the ability to create mismatches against opponents with smaller or slower defenders.
Rutgers’ recruiting success is a testament to the strides the program has made under Schiano’s leadership. The team’s membership in the Big Ten Conference has also provided a recruiting advantage, allowing them to attract top talent from nearby states.
In conclusion, Rutgers’ football program has secured a major commitment in the form of Korey Duff Jr. The addition of the four-star wide receiver highlights the program’s growing reputation and the success of Coach Schiano and his staff in recruiting top talent. With Duff joining the fold, Rutgers’ 2024 class is shaping up to be an exciting one, and fans can look forward to seeing the Scarlet Knights on the rise in the coming years.
