PISCATAWAY – Jon Bateky wishes there was a designation between true freshman and redshirt freshman to describe his experience level.
“Sometimes I almost feel like I’m part of both classes, ahead of and behind me,” said Bateky, a Rutgers defensive lineman. “I’ve learned from the class ahead of me and I can teach the freshmen some stuff they need because I’ve had a little more experience than them.”
Bateky is one of three true freshmen, along with cornerback Blessuan Austin and linebacker Deonte Roberts, who enrolled in January, getting a jumpstart on their college careers in order to be better prepared for immediate playing time in the fall.