Schiano, slew of RU players earn All-Conference nods

Although the Rutgers University football team and their head coach Greg Schiano have been recognized all over the state for their remarkable play this year, they finally have received the recognition they deserve from another source.

Schiano was named the Big East Football Coach of the Year, while four Rutgers players were named to either the first and second teams of the All Big East.

Besides leading Rutgers to a 10-2 record this season, Schiano also had Rutgers playing at its highest potential inside the Big East. Rutgers finished with a 5-2 mark, tied for second in league standings.

"I consider it a great honor to be recognized by my peers as the Big East Coach of the Year," said Schiano.

The five players taking first-team all-conference honors is the most in any season for Rutgers. In addition, nine players made second team all-league.

The first-team all-conference selections had a New Jersey feel to it as three of the five are from the Garden State. They were sophomore running back Ray Rice, junior offensive tackle Jeremy Zuttah, of Edison, senior tight end Clark Harris of Manahawkin, junior defensive tackle Eric Foster, and senior punter Joe Radigan of Hoboken.

The second-team all-conference honorees were senior fullback Brian Leonard, senior guard Cameron Stephenson, junior offensive tackle Pedro Sosa of Union City, junior kicker Jeremy Ito, senior defensive tackle Ramel Meekins of Westwood, sophomore defensive end Jamaal Westerman, senior linebacker Devraun Thompson of Piscataway, junior strong safety Ron Girault and sophomore free safety Courtney Greene.