Doug Blue-Eli has been offered by Rutgers football out of the transfer portal. The defensive tackle certainly has some Big Ten size along with a very high ceiling…and he is from New Jersey.
Blue-Eli entered the transfer portal this week with two seasons of eligibility remaining following two seasons at USF. He announced that he will be at Rutgers for a visit on Wednesday.
He is a 6-foot-2, 315-pound defensive tackle who grew up in Plainsboro, N.J.
Over the past two seasons at USF, Blue-Eli had 37 combined tackles. This past season, he did well against notable opposition in losses against Miami (two total tackles), at Tulane (three total tackles) and against Memphis (three total tackles).
Prior to his time at USF, Blue-Eli spent one season at Texas Christian University. He joined TCU as part of their 2022 class.
Rutgers has a need along the defensive line interior and has had success at developing the position out of the transfer portal.
Two years ago, Isiah Iton joined Rutgers out of the transfer portal and used his one season in the Big Ten as a stepping stone to signing with the NFL and the Tennessee Titans.
This past season, Malcolm Ray transferred from Florida State to Rutgers and had a solid season that will likely also land him in the NFL. Ray finished the regular season with 21 total tackles and a sack in helping Rutgers to a 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten) record and a berth in the Rate Bowl.
Another success story at defensive tackle for Rutgers is Michael Dwumfour, who joined Rutgers in 2020 out of the transfer portal from Michigan. Dwumfour performed at a high level during his line season on the banks, signing as an undrafted free agent in the NFL following his time at Rutgers.
Dwumfour is currently with the Cleveland Browns and has 13 total tackles on the season.
As for Blue-Eli, he has some interesting tools for a program like Rutgers. He has good size and is solid in his gap assignments. Blue-Eli drives well from his hips and can force offensive linemen into the backfield.
Because of his size and strength, he also takes on multiple blockers which can free up edge rushers and blitzers to get into the pocket. In a Power Four strength and conditioning program, Blue-Eli could potentially develop and elevate his game further.
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