There are a number of quarterbacks Rutgers is targeting within the recruiting class of 2018, some of which have taken priority over the rest of the field. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) quarterback Artur Sitkowski — formerly of Old Bridge (N.J.) — is one such recruit as Rutgers has prioritized him early in the 2018 cycle.
“Rutgers is recruiting the heck out of me,” Sitkowski told NJ.com Monday night. “I talked to coach (Jerry) Kill yesterday, I talked to coach Ash yesterday. So I’m still in great contact with those guys. Rutgers is a top school in my recruitment and its awesome.”
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Rutgers has shown its affinity for Sitkowski for a long time now, as head coach Chris Ash was spotted on the sidelines of Old Bridge’s bout against South Brunswick on Sept. 9 of last year.
Sitkowski could potentially serve as a pied piper in helping recruit players around him, similar to the way Tom Savage was utilized by Greg Schiano’s Rutgers regime.
Hence, the effort to land the four-star has intensified. And new offensive coordinator Jerry Kill has taken the lead in his courtship.
“He just says I’m a game changer and if they get me I’ll be able to recruit. I’m the No. 1 guy they want to get,” Sitkowski said. “I’m a big-time guy and how great of a story it would be for a guy from Old Bridge to come back to his hometown and play for his hometown team. And he just wants to coach me up.”
Kill broke down to Sitkowski — now a 6-4, 220-pound senior — how he’d be utilized if he chooses to don scarlet.
“He said in this day and age of college football in order to win games you have to throw the football. He said they’ll have the weapons on the outside to throw the football,” he said. “Even though I’m athletic enough to be able to run the ball, he doesn’t want to run the ball with me much because I’ll be able to throw and get out of the pocket when I need to and get positive yards.”
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According to Sitkowski, Ash echoed those sentiments and jokingly boasted about the five Rutgers players to make it to football’s biggest stage when the two spoke on Super Bowl Sunday.
Although Sitkowski had previously released a top four — including Florida, Miami, North Carolina and South Carolina — he no longer claims favorites, but did mention Miami, Florida, LSU, Rutgers and Minnesota as a few schools standing out.
With one high school season left to play, it feels like Sitkowski has been around for years as he received his first offer from Rutgers the summer after starting three games as a freshman. And he’s visited multiple schools since then.
Just last summer, he migrated to South Carolina, North Carolina, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida, Miami and Rutgers. He also competed at multiple camps including The N.J. Opening Regional, Rivals-N.J., the Rivals Quarterback Challenge and the Rivals Quarterback Challenge finals.
In 2015, Sitkowski accumulated 1,436 yards on 95-of-185 passing (51.4%), to go along with 16 TDs and four INTs. He also rushed for 179 yards and two additional scores.
However, in 2016, he threw nine interceptions to six touchdowns, accompanied by 1,216 yards on 104-of 209 passing. And he also rushed for 215 yards and eight TDs on 77 carries. But it became clear that in order to take the next step as a big-time quarterback, Sitkowski would need to function in more of a pro-set environment, and compete against national competition.
Hence, he transferred to IMG.
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“I came down here to be the best quarterback I possibly can be and be great. Exceed and be better than what others think of you. I want to be the best possible version of myself,” he said. “So the things I’m working on are just getting stronger mentally, getting bigger, getting faster, getting more athletic, footwork. Overall, becoming a better athlete and a better quarterback. You name it, we are doing it here at IMG. Overall, actually, I’m getting better at something every single day.”
Despite some of the on-field advantages of switching schools, Sitkowski still has an affinity or his former team.
“Playing for Old Bridge high school was one of the best times of my life,” he said. “I love the Old Bridge high school community, Old Bridge Township. I have a heart for Old Bridge and I’ll always be an Old Bridge kid.”
Sitkowski anticipates a collegiate decision could come within the next few months, but only after another handful of visits.
“I’m going to take a couple more visits, head back home to Rutgers, visit them a couple more times. Head to Minnesota, head to LSU, go to Miami. So I’m going to take my time with the process.”
Sitkowski will visit Florida State on February 18, Miami on February 25, and plans to visit Rutgers “a couple times” in between March 18 and April 4 as he will be on spring break.
“I’m excited to get back home,” he said.
However, will those feelings translate into his collegiate decision?
“I’ll go anywhere to play football,” he said. “The dream is to play for the home state and play for Rutgers. I’ve got to do what’s best for me. I’m going to put myself in the best position I possibly can. And if going back home is the No. 1 decision for me to make, then I’m gonna go back home. And if it’s somewhere else, I’m gonna go somewhere else. I’ve just got to embrace the process and go from there.”
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Todderick Hunt may be reached at thunt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TodderickHunt. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.
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