Rutgers Football: Can Antwan Raymond lead Scarlet Knights rush attack?

As the commitments continue to roll in for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, it has become clear that the Big Ten school’s young core will be the ones to try to lead the team to greatness. With star running back Kyle Monangai’s departure to the Chicago Bears, Rutgers will now look to a young half-back, full of promise and with a drive to win, as the 2025 season approaches. The spark needed in the backfield could come in the form of Antwan Raymond, a now second-year running back looking to make his mark for Rutgers this season.

Rutgers Football: Who is Antwan Raymond?

Originating from Quebec, Raymond began his high school football career in Canada before making his way to Clearwater Academy International in Clearwater, Florida. At Clearwater, Raymond finished his junior season with an impressive 1,884 yards and 22 touchdowns on 233 carries. His impressive showing led him to be the 26th-ranked running back in the nation and a four-star recruit.

Unfortunately, Clearwater Academy announced its closure at the end of Raymond’s first season in Florida. Yet, as a top recruit, Rutgers allowed Raymond to reclassify and join the 2024 recruiting class ahead of the previous season.

Before his commitment to Rutgers, the 5-foot-11 running back also attended unofficial visits at UCF, Florida State, Syracuse, West Virginia, and Miami.

Learning from the best 

In his true freshman season, Raymond had the unique opportunity. The running back was able to learn from now-NFL RB Kyle Monangai, who was taken in the seventh round in the 2025 NFL draft. Monangai was a two-time All-Big Ten selection, All American, and is second on the Rutgers all-time rushing list. He was also undoubtedly the star of the Scarlet Knight’s disappointing campaign last season.

Backing up Monangai, Raymond did not see the field much last season. However, he still made a splash when he did, setting the Rutgers all-time true freshman rushing touchdown record (8) and led all Big Ten freshman in rushing yards.

“I think definitely I had a pretty good season,” Raymond said following Rutgers’ most recent campaign. “I was playing (behind) someone that helped me a lot throughout the season … ow it’s time to move on from that. We’re going into the 2025 season so I’m taking it day by day focusing on how I can be great this season. I had a good year last season. Now it’s time to move on.”

Monangai ended up sitting for the Rate Bowl to round out the season and Raymond took full advantage, rushing for 113 yards with three touchdowns.

Is the future now?

Antwan Raymond and the Rutgers offense now look ahead to 2025 with quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis likely at the helm. And, with the newfound support of multiple offensive line recruits it should make a difference for Raymond and Kaliakmanis. Three-star recruits N-Kye Wynn, Chris Vigna, and Ja’Elyne Matthews, among others, will be in the support role for the Scarlet Knights offense this season.

Former Florida Atlantic running back CJ Campbell Jr. has also been added via the transfer portal. However, it seems that the split in playing time may likely land in Raymond’s favor based on his familiarity in scheme and his utilization last year.

This summer, Raymond cited that he made many important improvements to his game. This was specifically with regard to pass production, as Monangai did before him.

Last season, Raymond recorded three receptions in his limited playing time for an average of 14.7 yards. However, as his role grows within a Rutgers program that has become accustomed to passing to running backs on a regular basis, that number will continue to rise as he earns more time.

His consistency and gritty playstyle will undoubtedly earn him well-deserved snaps, and the Rutgers offense will certainly benefit because of it. Already with 457 yards and eight touchdowns in a season that he played as a backup, Raymond’s future, especially at the starter position, is bright.