Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
It was announced today by Rutgers that sophomore wide receiver Dontae Owens has been dismissed from the football program.
Rutgers announces the dismissal of sophomore wide receiver Dontae Owens from the football program, a first in Chris Ash’s short tenure.
— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) September 8, 2016
Owens played in just two games last season and was not anywhere near the two deep on recent depth charts. As reported by Bobby Deren of Rivals here, there was no reason given for Owens’ dismissal. It’s unlikely the removal of Owens will cause any distraction to the team. If anything, it will only reinforce the strong culture and accountability that Ash has developed within the program since his arrival last December.
In terms of depth at the position, Ash and Rutgers received great news last week, when former 4-star receiver Ahmir Mitchell announced he was transferring from Michigan back to his home state school. Mitchell will sit out this season and be eligible starting in the 2017 season. He will have three years of eligibility remaining, with no redshirt available due to Big Ten transfer rules.
Rutgers resumes action on Saturday at noon in their home opener against Howard.