Rutgers football player Janarion Grant has announced that he will be returning to the school in 2017. He missed most of 2016 with an ankle injury.
Janarion Grant Returns to Rutgers
“Fifth year, here I come! I’m excited about what I have been able to accomplish so far, but I look forward to getting out there and competing with my teammates again,” Grant posted on his Instagram account. “I thank Coach Ash and the staff as well as my family for their support through this process. Let’s make this season special. Go Knights!”
Grant played just four games in 2016. He was injured while returning a kickoff during the game against Iowa on Sept. 24. During those four games, he averaged 163.75 all-purpose yards (20 receptions, 16 rushing attempts). He also scored six total touchdowns (one punt return, one kick return, one passing and three rushing.)
Grant proved to be a big loss for the Scarlet Knights. When the program’s all-time leading kick returner was injured, the team was 2-1. They finished the 2016 season with a 2-10 record.
Believe it or not, Grant returning to school could make Rutgers a competitive team in the Big Ten. Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin were the teams to beat in the Big Ten last season. All of these teams are losing some key players.
Michigan will no longer have Jabrill Peppers or tight end Jake Butt. Penn State’s defense probably won’t repeat what they did in 2016. Wisconsin probably won’t return to the Big Ten title game.
The real threat will be Ohio State. The only reason for that is because of their dominant defense and quarterback J.T. Barrett.
Along with being the school’s all-time leading kick returner, he is also one of the best all-time. He is currently tied for first with eight combined kickoff and punt return touchdowns.
The Scarlet Knights open their 2017-18 season against Washington, who made the College Football Playoff last season.
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