Scarlet Knights land commitment No. 6

Earlier today, Piscataway, N.J. linebacker Marvin Booker made the short trip to the Hale Center. Following the visit to Rutgers, the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder committed to the Scarlet Knights and head coach Greg Schiano.

"I committed this morning," he said. "I talked to coach Schiano and he was excited, the whole staff was pretty much excited.

"Before going, I had talked to AD (Anthony Davis) and he said I should go to the Hale Center. I had gotten the offer from Rutgers yesterday, but when I first went up there I didn't commit. I talked to my parents and coaches and they said they were behind me 100%. That's when I decided to commit because it's the right fit for me."

What made Booker select Rutgers over offers from New Hampshire, Temple and interest from other schools?

"I have been around campus for awhile," he said. "Ever since I was six, I wanted to play football. I remember dancing in the stands when they were losing and had to give tickets away. I used to go up there with my mom.

"Now to be part of the program coach Schiano is building and have a chance to win a national championship. I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking to make an impact on them."

Other factors played into his decision too.

"My father and mother both graduated from there," he said. "That fact wasn't that big for me, but it was more personal. My mom let me choose, but I think I found the right fit.

"It's just a great program and I love the staff. They made me feel like family and welcomed me with open arms. They respect you and coach you up. It's the same thing with the players. I know Kenny Britt and others like AD. They respect you too. In fact, Anthony is like my brother. It'll be good to work alongside him."

As for playing time, Booker isn't too concerned about that yet.

"They want me to play the R position at linebacker," he said. "Right now though I'm focused on my team, we've got some unfinished business to take care of. After this season I'll probably just train and compete and if I work hard enough I'll possibly earn that spot. I don't want to be guaranteed anything."