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Two Rutgers stars confirm they have no plans to enter NCAA transfer portal
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There’s been plenty of turmoil in Piscataway this season. Chris Ash was fired midway through the year, running back Raheem Blackshear and quarterback Artur Sitkowski entered the NCAA transfer portal and the Scarlet Knights went a second-straight year without a win in B1G play.
But, if there is some good news to take away from the 2019 season for Rutgers, it’s that at least two star players are committed to staying with the program.
After a 27-6 loss to Penn State on Saturday, running back Isaih Pacheco was asked about the NCAA transfer portal. He says he has no intentions of leaving Piscataway.
“Whoever is in the portal is in the portal,” Pacheco told NJ.com. “I don’t have anything to do with what’s going on here. Hey, if they’re in it, they’re in it. But all I know is I’ve got my brother’s back, he’s got my back, we’re going to keep rolling and try to turn this thing around and get ready for the offseason.
“I bleed Rutgers. I love Rutgers. This is just what I do. There was never any doubt. I’m not going anywhere. I’ve got it tatted on me, Jersey. I’m a Jersey guy. I’m not going anywhere. I’m a Scarlet Knight forever.”
Pacheco rushed for 729 yards this season, including 102 yards in the season finale against Penn State. He also accounted for seven touchdowns on the ground.
Linebacker Tyshon Fogg uttered a similar sentiment following the game.
“I’m Rutgers forever, man,” Fogg said. “At the end of the day, I came here and I’m going to finish what I started. My commitment is always strong. I’m staying here, doing my thing.”
Fogg finished the year with 103 tackles and four tackles for loss.
A dozen players from Rutgers have entered the transfer portal since Ash’s termination. But Pacheco and Fogg will not add to the list, though there could be more to come.
Rutgers finished the 2019 season 2-10 with an 0-9 mark in B1G play.
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