Rutgers will have more alum in the Superbowl than any other school
Sanuuuuuuuuu!!!
Not Alabama, not Ohio State, not Michigan, not Nebraska, not Notre Dame, but Rutgers will have the most players represented in Super Bowl 51.
Four former Rutgers stars will step on the field at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on February 5, as Duron Harmon, Devin McCourty, and Logan Ryan of the New England Patriots will take on the lone Mohamed Sanu of the Atlanta Falcons.
Before these former (and current) teammates face-off, let’s review some of their time with Scarlet Knights.
New England Patriots
Duron Harmon (2009-2012)– Harmon was drafted as a defensive back in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. One of the biggest highlights of his Rutgers career was his five interceptions in 2011, including one Harmon returned for a touchdown.
Logan Ryan (2010-2012)– Ryan was drafted as a defensive back in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. No, that is not a typo, Ryan and Harmon were drafted in the same round, in the same year, and by the same team. One of Ryan’s biggest attributes as a Scarlet Knight was his ability to finish plays, racking up over 100 solo tackles in his final two years with the team.
Ryan has carried that success over to the NFL too, as he led the Patriots with 92 tackles in 2016.
Devin McCourty (2006-2009)– McCourty will go down as one of Rutgers’ best players to make it to the NFL. Earning a starting defensive back role as freshman, McCourty finished his career with over 238 tackles, six interceptions and two touchdowns. Just as he was an iron man, playing in 46 total games with Rutgers, McCourty has barely missed any time to injury as a pro and earned his third Pro Bowl bid in 2017.
Atlanta Falcons
Mohammad Sanu (2009-2011)– Just as Rutgers fans used to scream Sanu, drawing out the “U” in his name, the former Scarlet Knights’ wide receiver is hearing it again in Atlanta. Sanu finished his Rutgers career with a bang in 2011, making 115 receptions, good enough for the fourth most in all of the NCAA that season. Sanu finished his first season in Atlanta with a career-high 59 receptions this year.
Facing Off
Although these former Scarlet Knights come from the same program, what makes this match-up so special is how each of these players will see plenty of each other throughout the game. Whether it be McCourty conducting Ryan and Harmon in the Patriots’ secondary or Sanu meeting the trio down field in hopes to spoil their day, Rutgers fans should be in for a treat.
Despite having rough 2016 campaign, Rutgers football should see themselves as winners this February.