After missing the final five games of the 2023 season, Rutgers linebacker Tyreem Powell suffered a setback in the offseason, tearing his Achilles while training. Prior to the injury however, Powell was on a tear. The Vineland South product logged a team-high 53 tackles with two sacks and two pass breakups before his injury last season.
Powell suffered a wrist injury in his final game that required surgery – 31-14 win over Indiana. Powell also underwent surgery to repair his Achilles. Head coach Greg Schiano expects that Powell should be ready to play on August 31 in the season opener against Howard.
Who is Tyreem Powell?
The Vineland, New Jersey, native has recorded 144 total tackles throughout his 33 games played (22 games as a starter) for the Scarlet Knights. In three seasons (2021-2023), Powell logged eight tackles for loss, five sacks, one force fumble, one interception, and eight pass breakups. The junior linebacker was on pace to break his career high in tackles leading up to his injury in 2023. Powell was named to the 2023 Butkus Award Watch List as one of the most impactful linebackers in the country.
Powell started his 2023 season off strong, recording double-digit tackles against Temple and Virginia Tech. The Vineland South prospect recorded his first career double-digit tackle performance against Temple. He logged ten total tackles and a forced fumble in a 36-7 victory against the Owls. Also, Powell had a stellar performance against Virginia Tech last season, recording 11 total tackles and one quarterback hit. With Powell only playing in eight games in 2023, the Rutgers linebacker finished No. 53 within the Big Ten for total tackles.
As a freshman in 2021, Powell received the Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award after the conclusion of spring practices. The Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award is named in memory of former Scarlet Knight defensive tackle Doug Smith and awarded to the defensive player who through determination, dedication, and hard work has shown the most improvement during the offseason and spring practices. Powell was a three-star recruit in 2020 and was ranked the No. 11 prospect in New Jersey according to 247Sports.
Tyreem Powell to have a major impact on Rutgers defense
Expectations are high on Powell after being named Preseason All-Big Ten (third team) by Lindy’s Sports in June. Also, he was picked to the Shrine Bowl 1000 watch list in July to potentially showcase his talent in front of NFL Scouts. The three-year player had anchored Rutgers’ defense since his sophomore season, but injuries have caused Powell to miss some time.
Powell ultimately decided to return to Rutgers for his final season before testing the waters at the next level. Rutgers’ middle defense is a major strength for the Scarlet Knights and is a unit that ranks the best in the nation. With Powell’s return, Rutgers can fill the missing hole at linebacker after Deion Jennings’s departure.
Jennings led the team in tackles last season and is no longer with the team after exhausting his eligibility. Schiano expects Powell, Mohamed Toure, and Moses Walker to fill Jennings’s role as the leading tackler. With three strong returners, Rutgers’ linebacking group remains in good hands.
Powell was playing at a high-level last season and was certainly in the mix for an All-Big Ten selection. Arguably, he was the top and most consistent player on a strong Rutgers defense in 2023.
Although the season is still approaching, it is not hard to envision Powell being one of the best players at his position in the Big Ten Conference. He has been a productive player in the past and will lean on his veteran experience to anchor the Rutgers’ defense. As long as Powell builds on his success from last year, Rutgers will repeat bowl appearances in 2024.
Mike Cavallo
A sportswriter for The League Winners covering all Rutgers athletics. Follow my social media page for all coverage of Rutgers sports. X (Twitter): @M_Cavs55