#81
DJ Howerton
Returning to Rutgers for 2026
Kernersville, N.C. → Grimsley
via scarletknights.com ↗DJ Howerton
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
Career Arc
HS
Recruit
★★★
CFB
College
—
NFL
NFL Draft
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Splits & context
Supporting Cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Greg Schiano
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Rutgers
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Tight end · Rutgers
Returning around him
- 44% of 2024 offensive production back (Moderate turnover)
- 1 Rutgers player drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: +0 net (15 in / 15 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Rutgers · Last season: 5-7 · Talent rank #53 · 2026 recruiting class #36
Background
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Darryl Brown at Grimsley ... played tight end and defensive end during scholastic career ... helped the Whirlies to a 13-0 record and NCHSAA semifinal appearance as a senior ... Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas selection at tight end ... hauled in seven touchdowns as a ju...
Stats from CFBD · ESPN · fan discourse. Every figure computed from source tables — not invented. Methodology