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Now that’s how to start a college football career.
Long Island native and true freshman Ian Strong made a fantastic touchdown grab for Rutgers in his first career game as the Scarlet Knights took on Northwestern on Sunday at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, N.J.
Strong, who led St. Anthony’s to a New York CHSFL AAA championship last year, leaped over a defender and dragged his toes in the corner of the end zone for his team’s first touchdown of the season. It was an 11-yard pass from quarterback Gavin Wimsatt.
Wimsatt said he wasn’t surprised by the incredible catch, stating, “He’s made plays like that during training camp,” during the postgame interview.
The impressive play secured the top spot on SportsCenter’s “Top Ten” plays. Watch it below.
Strong, who stands at 6-foot-3, added another reception on the day, finishing the contest with two catches for 24 yards and a touchdown. Rutgers went on to win the game 24-7.
Hailing from Middle Island, Strong was an elite athlete on Long Island. In his senior year, he excelled on both sides of the ball, recording 30 catches for 797 yards and 10 touchdowns, along with 80 tackles, three interceptions, and a sack.
As he graduated from high school, he held a three-star recruit status and ultimately chose to stay close to home, playing for Greg Schiano’s Scarlet Knights.
