No one expected Chris Ash to work recruiting miracles when he took over as Rutgers' coach in December. An abbreviated 2016 recruiting cycle that had its share of ups and downs left Rutgers with the 74th ranked class nationally, according to 247Sports.
Expectations will change with the 2017 class, as Ash and his staff will have a full year to build relationships with top recruits. Rutgers hasn't finished higher than 50th in the national recruiting rankings since 2012, which makes a stronger showing in 2017 critical.
"It's huge. A new coaching staff always wants to get off on a good start," said Adam Friedman, the Mid-Atlantic recruiting analyst for Rivals.