Schiano's exit leaves Rutgers recruits in quandary

With prominent local recruits in "shock," Thursday's news that Greg Schiano has resigned from Rutgers University to become head coach of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers raises concerns about the future of the Scarlet Knights' program.

In 11 seasons as the football coach at New Jersey's state university, the energetic, personable Schiano turned Rutgers from a soft spot on a lot of schedules into a nationally respected team that has been to six bowl games in the last seven years and was 9-4 with a bowl victory last season.

But Schiano's decision to leave Rutgers seemed to catch prominent local recruits off guard and raised questions whether the Scarlet Knights' program will remain a prime destination for top local players at a time of upheaval in the Big East Conference.

The news was stunning for two top Rutgers local recruits, Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) running back Desmon Peoples and lineman Brandon Arcidiacono. Both were key members of the school's PIAA Class AAA state championship team. Peoples was the Inquirer's Southeastern Pennsylvania player of the year, rushing for 1,241 yards and 23 touchdowns. Arcidiacono was a first-team all Southeastern Pa. lineman.

"They were both as little shocked and upset," Archbishop Wood coach Steve Devlin said. "He [Schiano] has always been about 'family.' The kids are very comfortable with him. We just thought he was going to be there."

Devlin said he would "sit down with the families, talk about it, and take it from there."

It was also unsettling for Timber Creek (Erial, N.J.) linebacker Quanzell Lambert, perhaps Rutgers' top recruit in the class of 2012. He has not de-committed from the Scarlet Knights but was "shocked" by Schiano's departure, according to Timber Creek coach Rob Hinson.

"He's going to give it a little time before making any decisions," Hinson said of Lambert, who is scheduled to sign with Rutgers on Wednesday, which is the NCAA's National Signing Day for football recruits. Lambert was a first team all-South Jersey linebacker.

Bob Lichtenfels, East regional recruiting manager for Scout.com, said Schiano's departure could have a big effect on the Scarlet Knights' recruiting.

"The school was arguably having its best recruiting class ever," Lichtenfels said. "Now, it could be turned upside down."