Like his team, Rutgers’ Ito off to a solid start
BY MIKE McDONALD
Staff Writer

RUTGERS ATHLETICS Jeremy Ito has been among the bright spots for the Rutgers University football team so far, as the freshman kicker has been steady through three games and shown tremendous potential.

Although some people were surprised that a freshman got the nod as the starting place-kicker for the Rutgers University football team, one person was not.

“I knew that if I kicked the way I could, I would be the guy,” said Jeremy Ito, who has played well early on for the Scarlet Knights, helping them to a 2-1 mark.

Through those three games, Ito has shown the potential that undoubtedly led head coach Greg Schiano to name him as the starter, and has also shown the ability to come through in the clutch — which is eventually what makes or breaks a place-kicker.

But the freshman is not satisfied with his performance thus far.

“Even though I helped us win against Michigan State, I was not happy with only making four of seven field goals. I want to be more accurate,” said Ito, who set a new school record with his seven attempts.

In the next game against New Hampshire, Ito made one of two field goals, which again disappointed him. However, he quickly rebounded and kicked well in the win over Kent State this past weekend, making his only two field goal attempts in the game two chip shots, one from 24 yards out and the other a 22-yarder.

While they were short-yardage attempts, they both came in the fourth quarter when the Knights were in danger of dropping a second consecutive game they were expected to win.

While Ito is off to a solid start this season, he hopes to improve steadily — a microcosm of the entire Rutgers team.

“My personal goal is to have a good solid year. But more importantly, I want our team to do well. It is wins that matter in the end,” he said.

Ito, who began playing organized football prior to his sophomore year in high school, where he also averaged 40.3 yards per punt, is looking forward to helping RU develop into a legitimate Big East power in any way he can. Although punting duties are not on his résumé for Rutgers, it’s never bad to have another player on your roster who can punt the ball over 40 yards consistently.

So far on the year, Ito has made seven of 11 field goals, including kicks from 48, 47, and 42 yards. He also attempted a 56-yarder, but was unsuccessful. His successful kick from 48 yards ties the school record, and he has converted all seven of his extra point attempts.

As he looks ahead, the Rutgers freshman is excited about both his own and his team’s potential.

“With experience I will only get better,” he said.

Based on what he has shown early on, it’s a safe bet that he will end his career at Rutgers with a few more school records. And if Rutgers is able to become the conference power Schiano envisions, Ito will likely be one of the main forces behind the Knights’ emergence.