Rutgers Football: Athan Kaliakmanis Leads Scarlet Knights into New Season

A New Era Begins in Piscataway

After a disappointing 5-8 campaign in 2022, Rutgers football enters a new era in 2023 under first-year head coach Greg Schiano. At the helm of the Scarlet Knights' offense will be redshirt sophomore quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis.

Kaliakmanis' Impressive Resume

A four-star recruit out of Antioch Community High School in Illinois, Kaliakmanis was ranked as the No. 7 pro-style quarterback in the nation by 247Sports in the 2022 recruiting class.

He had a record-breaking high school career, throwing for 9,883 yards and 113 touchdowns. As a senior, he led his team to an undefeated season and a state championship.

High Expectations for Kaliakmanis

Kaliakmanis takes over as the starting quarterback for Rutgers after serving as a backup to Gavin Wimsatt in 2022. Despite limited playing time, he showed flashes of his potential, completing 12 of 21 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown.

The Scarlet Knights are counting on Kaliakmanis to lead their offense to new heights in 2023. With his strong arm, athleticism, and leadership qualities, he has the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten.

Challenges Ahead

However, Kaliakmanis will face some challenges in his first season as a starter. The Scarlet Knights have a relatively inexperienced offensive line, and they will need to find more playmakers at wide receiver.

Additionally, Rutgers plays in a tough Big Ten East division, which includes powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.

Reasons for Optimism

Despite the challenges, there are reasons for optimism surrounding Kaliakmanis and the Scarlet Knights.

• Kaliakmanis has a strong supporting cast, including running back Kyle Monangai and tight end Johnny Langan.
• The Scarlet Knights have a favorable schedule in 2023, with home games against Boston College, Wagner, and Indiana.

If Kaliakmanis can live up to his potential and lead Rutgers to a successful season in 2023, it will be a major step forward for the program under Schiano.

Conclusion

Athan Kaliakmanis is a talented quarterback with the potential to lead Rutgers football to greater heights. Despite the challenges ahead, there are reasons for optimism surrounding the Scarlet Knights in 2023. With Kaliakmanis at the helm, the Scarlet Knights are poised to make some noise in the Big Ten East.