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Chris Ash explains how freshman Artur Sitkowski won starting QB job at Rutgers
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Finding consistency at the quarterback position has been an issue for Chris Ash in his first two seasons at Rutgers. But the head coach is hoping that will come in 2018.
Last week, Ash named true freshman Artur Sitkowski the starting quarterback for the Scarlet Knights, making him the first true frosh to see a snap since Gary Nova in 2011.
Monday, Ash met with the media in his first weekly press conference of the year, and Sitkowski was a major topic of conversation. But Ash explained how the newcomer earned the starting job so quickly.
“First and foremost, he’s a talented individual,” Ash said, according to NJ.com. “He’s got a lot of skill sets. He can make a lot of throws. But above and beyond that, he’s a leader. People follow him. He’s been able to galvanize the offense around him, not only for this training camp but in the summer and in the spring. We think he’s got a very high ceiling and, we’re excited to let him get out there and take the keys to the offense and see what it produces. … He’s ready for this opportunity and we’re ready to give it to him.”
Sitkowski was a 3-star prospect out of high school and attended IMG Academy last year.
Starting a true freshman at football’s most important position can be a risky decision, but Ash made it clear that Sitkowski is the guy and there won’t be any quick triggers on the youngster. He also explained that, though the expectation is high, it’s still very manageable for the freshman.
“We’re not asking Art to go win games. We’re asking him to protect the football and get the ball in the hands of other players that can make plays and put points on the board.”
Sitkowski will take his first snap as the Rutgers starter on Saturday when the Scarlet Knights host Texas State.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB