Rutgers University’s starting quarterback in 2023 will be Owensboro’s Gavin Wimsatt. Head Coach Greg Schiano announced last week the former Red Devil would assume the role after proving himself at the end of last season.
Wimsatt appeared in eight games for the Scarlet Knights last year – six of those as QB1. It was all systems go once he earned the honor, with Wimsatt proving himself countless times in the Big Ten.
Last year, Rutgers rotate three players in the position. Schiano said he and offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca “knew where we were headed” this summer, and it was the right time to name Wimsatt the starter.
“It was just a good time to do it before camp started,” Schiano said. “If he hadn’t earned it, it wouldn’t be done. But there are some benefits to knowing which way you are going to go and doing it before camp. Those questions are all off the table, and it is not a distraction. We are just moving forward. I’m excited.”
Wimsatt arrived at Rutgers in 2021 by enrolling early after ending his high school career just two games into his senior season. He threw for 504 yards and five touchdowns in those two games at OHS.
As a redshirt freshman, despite being new to the system and comparatively young, Wimsatt completed nine passes for 45 yards and added 68 yards on the ground. During the 2022 campaign, Wimsatt completed 65 passes, tallying 757 yards and five touchdowns.
“He is a very gifted athlete to start with. He has a strong arm, mobility, and athleticism,” Schiano said. “I think what he has really done the most to improve this offseason, this spring and this summer is really understand what we are trying to get accomplished and the why of what we are doing.”
Schiano said Wimsatt’s increased understanding of the offense will help him in many elements of the game.
“I think that helps you get rid of the ball more quickly. It helps you understand the protection schemes better. And probably an overlooked part of the quarterback game, it helps you to handle the run game,” Schiano said. “So, in all those areas, he has to do that as a quarterback in our system. And I think he’s improving.”
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