Meet the Nine Scarlet Knights Heading to the Shrine Bowl 1000: A Celebration of Rutgers Football Talent!

<PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Exciting news for Rutgers football fans! The Shrine Bowl 1000 just dropped, showcasing the top 1,000 college football players eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft. Rutgers has nine standout players featured on this list. This is a sneak peek for scouts as they gear up for the 2026 Draft.

The Scarlet Knights’ stars include:

• RB CJ Campbell Jr.
• LB Dariel Djabome
• OL Bryan Felter
• QB Athan Kaliakmanis
• DB Bo Mascoe
• DL Eric O’Neill
• WR DT Sheffield
• DL Bradley Weaver
• OL Gus Zilinskas

This offseason, Rutgers saw nine players sign with NFL teams. Among them, Robert Longerbeam (Ravens), Kyonte Hamilton (Texans), and Kyle Monangai (Bears) were all drafted.

Rutgers will kick off its 2025 season on Thursday, August 28, against Ohio at SHI Stadium. It’s worth noting that the team is coming off its second winning season in a row, enjoying its highest points-per-game average since joining the Big Ten.

CJ Campbell Jr. joins Rutgers after a solid season at FAU, where he rushed for 844 yards and caught 40 passes, leading to a total of 1,310 all-purpose yards. This makes him a key player to watch this season.

Dariel Djabome stepped up as a starter last season, achieving All-Big Ten Third Team honors. He was remarkable, ranking fifth in the Big Ten with 8.1 tackles per game, a significant improvement from previous seasons that saw players struggle to hit those numbers.

Bryan Felter, in his sixth season, has been crucial for the offensive line. He’s been part of a unit that excelled in blocking, allowing only 1.08 sacks per game last year. He’s also recognized for his academic achievements, being a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

Athan Kaliakmanis made his mark as the first Rutgers passer to throw for over 2,000 yards in a season since 2015. He became a captain and led his team to average nearly 29 points per game.

Bo Mascoe, another player to keep an eye on, recorded 50 tackles last season and made impactful plays, including an interception against Michigan State.

Eric O’Neill transitions to Rutgers after a stellar run at James Madison, where he was a dominant force in tackles and sacks, making him a vital part of the team’s plans.

DT Sheffield had a remarkable season with North Texas and will bring that experience to Rutgers. His ability to both catch passes and return kicks will add depth to the roster.

Bradley Weaver arrives with a strong defensive background, and his accolades, including Defensive Player of the Game in a championship, set high expectations.

Gus Zilinskas has shown consistency, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and contributing significantly to the team’s overall success, including an impressive performance in rushing.

This upcoming season presents a chance for Rutgers to build on its recent success. As fans gear up for the first games at SHI Stadium, the excitement is palpable. With a roster filled with talent, there’s optimism for a bright season ahead.

For more insights and updates on the team, check out Rutgers Football on Twitter and Instagram. It’s a great way to stay connected and follow their journey this season.

Source: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

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