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After running back Paul James sustained an ACL injury in late September last season, Rutgers found themselves searching for an answer on offense. Head coach Kyle Flood and veteran quarterback Gary Nova found it relatively quickly: wide receiver Leonte Carroo.
In the opening game against Washington State last season, Carroo had a monster performance, reeling in six catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. However, it was the only 100-yard game he had before James’ injury. He had five after, the biggest coming against Tulane, where he had seven catches for 140 yards and three scores. He didn’t have a great showing in the Quick Lane Bowl against North Carolina (two catches for 43 yards), but by that time, Rutgers had found itself a solid rushing attack with freshman tandem Robert Martin and Josh Hicks. Carroo had served his role down the stretch of the season, totaling 1,086 yards on 55 catches and 10 touchdowns, all team highs.
Carroo is one of many Big Ten receivers poised to have a fantastic season, but his experience and skill set will set him apart from most. He is only 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, but he has strong hands with the ability to catch passes in traffic. He isn’t the fastest receiver on the field, but he is one of the best route-runners in the conference. That creates enough separation from defensive backs for him to do damage downfield. This will only help whoever is taking snaps for Rutgers this fall.
In its 21-year history, the Biletnikoff Award has never been given to a Rutgers receiver. The Big Ten only has a few candidates to vie for it this season, and Carroo is one of them. If he can be consistent down the stretch of this season, he could write his name in the record books of Rutgers football.
Brooks Hooley is a Junior Big Ten Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @brookshooley.
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