Rutgers head coach Chris Ash has hired AJ Blazek as his offensive line coach, the program announced earlier this week.
Blazek spent the past three seasons in a similar capacity at Western Illinois, helping the Leathernecks produce a 1,000-yard rusher and an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference offensive lineman each season. This fall, Western Illinois reached the FCS playoffs while averaging nearly 400 yards per game and allowing the eighth-fewest tackles for loss in the subdivision.
“I am excited to welcome AJ to Rutgers football,” Ash said in a statement. “AJ has played in this league and knows what it takes to be successful as a player and teammate. I have known AJ for the past 15 years and watched as his career has taken off.”
Blazek will have his work cut out for him at Rutgers. He’ll be tasked with revamping the foundation of an offense that finished 84th in total offense, 66th in rushing and 62nd in sacks allowed this fall.
The Scarlet Knights have produced only one 1,000-yard rusher since Ray Rice left campus following the 2007 season.