The Big Ten features several big-time quarterbacks you know.
Rutgers’ Hayden Rettig is the one you might have forgot about. Rettig, a former 4-star quarterback out of Cathedral High School in Los Angeles.
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Rettig opened eyes with a senior season in which he finished with 3,424 passing yards and 40 TDs, and he committed to LSU.
After one year, however, Rettig transferred to Rutgers. He sat out 2014, and now he’s locked in a heated battle for the starting job.
Here are a few things to know about Rettig.
It’s a familiar name
Rettig is the younger brother of Chase Rettig, who played quarterback for Boston College from 2010-13. Chase Rettig totaled 52 TDs and 39 interceptions for the Eagles.
He’ll have to win the job
Hayden Rettig is battling with Chris Laviano to replace Gary Nova at quarterback. Laviano, a redshirt freshman, finished 8 of 10 for 140 yards and two TDs in Rutgers’ spring game on April 24. Rettig finished 4 of 7 for 34 yards. Laviano might have the lead, but Rutgers coach Kyle Flood said this battle will be resolved in the summer.
“I think as we get into training camp we’ll probably have about 10 days in training camp where we can let that play out,” Flood said on the Big Ten spring teleconference.
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New OC has a familiar name, too
Rutgers promoted Ben McDaniels to offensive coordinator this offseason. He’s the younger brother of New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. That’s a quarterback-friendly environment to work with.
“I’m pleased with the job Coach McDaniels has done instilling the offense in just about its entirety and showing us how they can handle it,” Flood said.
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There’s potential for big games
Nova passed for 404 yards and three TDs against Michigan and 347 yards and four TDs against Maryland in 2014.
Whoever wins the starting job at Rutgers will have the benefit of throwing to one of the Big Ten’s best receivers in Leonte Carroo, who finished with 1,086 yards and 10 TDs last season.
He’ll see all those big-time quarterbacks
Rutgers finished 8-5 last season, including 3-5 in its first season in the Big Ten. If Rettig wins the starting job, then he will have several opportunities to prove his worth against those other Big Ten quarterbacks.
Michigan State, Ohio State and Nebraska all visit High Point Solutions Stadium, and the Scarlet Knights have road games at Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin.
