New Position and Outlook for Rutgers Lineman
By DAVE CALDWELL
Published: August 25, 2008
PISCATAWAY, N.J. ? As a highly recruited tackle for the local high school football team, Anthony Davis once would have considered going elsewhere to play in college. That was before Rutgers emerged as a solid program right in his backyard.
First, however, there was the matter of his size. Although bigger would seem to be better for college offensive linemen, Coach Greg Schiano said Davis was too large. He was carrying about 370 pounds on his 6-foot-6 frame ? about 55 pounds heavier than Schiano suggested he should be.
Davis, who had played at Piscataway High School, was talented enough as a freshman to crack the Scarlet Knights? lineup as a right guard. But he was put on a workout regimen, and on a diet of grilled and steamed food. He now weighs 316 pounds.
?You couldn?t change your body the way he has over the last year without working really hard at it,? said Kyle Flood, Rutgers?s offensive line coach.
Not only is Davis lighter, but he is also said to be stronger and quicker. He is no longer a right guard, either. Davis has been moved to left tackle, where he will try to prevent opponents from hitting quarterback Mike Teel from the blind side.
?He?s learning, and it is a new position for him,? Teel said. ?But he?s talented enough that a lot of times, he can make up for mistakes that he might make. Plus, he?s a guy who likes a challenge. I think he?s looking forward to the opportunity.?