Lewis Toler could not have arrived at a better time for the Rutgers Football team.
A graduate transfer from Western Michigan, Toler will be immediately available to compete for a spot in the Scarlet Knights secondary that has more questions than answers.
It is no surprise the void affected his decision to play is final year in Piscataway.
“You do a lot of research in that aspect,” Toler said. “It’s a huge step transferring, so you want to make sure that everything is right. You want it to be a great opportunity for you so you can put yourself in the best position that you possibly can.”
The Knights lost three starters from last year’s secondary to the NFL draft, as Marcus Cooper, Duron Harmon and Logan Ryan were all selected. Brandon Jones signed as an undrafted free agent, and Mason Robinson also departed.
So with starting spots up for grabs, Toler is in good line to fill one of those holes.
One of the reasons why is his relationship with defensive coordinator Dave Cohen. Cohen served in the same capacity at Western Michigan from 2009-11.
“It’s really comfortable,” said Toler of the relationship. “I’ve played with him for two years, so I have a good relationship with coach Cohen and I really like his style of play.”
Head coach Kyle Flood sees the relationship as an aid for the New Castle, DE native with his transition.
“I do think there is a familiarity with the way Dave Cohen coaches which will allow him to progress a little bit quicker than maybe someone who didn’t have that familiarity,” Flood said.
Toler is familiar with is playing time though. In three seasons with the Broncos, Toler started 27 of 28 games.
Junior strong safety Lorenzo Waters has no qualms with Toler’s experience.
“When you talk to him, you can tell he understands the system and he understands football,” Waters said. “It’s not like he’s out there trying to break down every little detail about the coverage and technique. … He catches on a lot quicker than the average first year player.”
Though Toler said Flood did not promise him a starting position when he recruited him to play for Rutgers, his arrival from Western Michigan only comes with heightened expectations.
In his last year of collegiate football, he can only embrace it.
“You do have to come out here and produce immediately,” Toler said. “But I don’t feel really feel any pressure because it’s football and you just want to be out there having a good time with the guys and making plays while you’re doing it.”
Junior wide receiver Brandon Coleman left practice about an hour in as the coaching staff continues to ease him into preseason workouts.
Coleman underwent minor knee surgury after last season and sat out spring practice.
“I think the limited things Brandon [Coleman] did I was very happy with,” Flood said. “We’re going to continue to make sure we’re doing what’s right to make sure he is ready to go for the first game.”
Coleman recorded 43 receptions last season for 738 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Flood said both senior punter Nick Marsh and freshman punter Aiden Murray performed well in their first practice.
Rutgers ranked last in the Big East conference last season with 37.2 yards per punt and failed to produce a replacement for former punter Justin Doerner during spring practices.
Marsh, a graduate transfer from Utah, handled kickoff duties for the Utes and was the back up punter. Marsh figures to be the favorite to take over punting duties.
“I thought both of our punters hit it well, but I hope they will be a little more consistent as they go through training camp,” Flood said. “But for the first day with new teammates and new surroundings, both of them I felt like they did a good job.”
There were no notable injuries after the first day of camp, but Flood revealed sophomore tight end Tyler Kroft suffered a high ankle sprain before practice that will keep him sidelined for the next couple of days.
Kroft, listed as the No. 2 tight end behind senior Paul Carrezola, hauled in three receptions last season, including a touchdown Oct. 13 against Syracuse.
– Bradly Derechailo, Associate Sports Editor
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