by John Otterstedt
ScarletNation.com
01-29-2007

Talk about momentum. In a year that has seen Rutgers reel in 7 of its state's top 25 recruits – nearly half of those that it offered – the Scarlet Knights are also doing well in neighboring Maryland. Greg Schiano picked up his second top 10 commitment from the state today when Jourdon Brooks notified him of his intent to sign in February.

"When I called and told Coach Schiano, he was so happy that he passed the phone around so that I could talk to all of the assistants," said Brooks.

The decision came a week after his official visit to the school.

'Basically I sat down with my family and thought it over - location, academics, the people there, how I fit into the offense, early playing time, and basically everything possible – and I decided it was the right fit," said Brooks.

The #7 prospect in Maryland chose Rutgers over offers from Tennessee, Illinois, UConn, Syracuse, Oklahoma and others.

"I am a good fit for the offense that Brian Leonard just left, which might mean some early playing time as well," said Brooks. "I also connected with the coaching staff, and I have a friend from a rival school going there."

The friend is safety Joe Lefeged, the #9 prospect in Maryland.

"He (Lefeged) said that I cold play early and that Rutgers is a great academic school, and that it would be good for us to go there since it is a rising football school and always has been a great academic school," said Brooks.

On a day that saw Brian Leonard strut his stuff in front of NFL scouts during the Senior Bowl, Rutgers fans welcomed a player who hopes to be the school's next RB/FB standout.

"With Brian Leonard, he got the ball so many different ways - running and catching - and that attracted me because I can play both running back and full back, and they said they would do the same thing with me."

Brooks is the 18th player rated 3 stars or higher to commit to Rutgers this year.