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♫

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Well.

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PCTV & Eye on Piscataway is taking its annual road trip down to SHI

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Stadium, and I want to say it's

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nice to see coach Schiano here again.

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I think this is about 15 years we've been doing this interview

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maybe a little longer, a little longer.

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I know, I know, it's long enough that we both now have gray hair.

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There you go.

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So it's been a while, but this is the start of training camp.

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Is coming in for the 2026 Scarlet Knight season.

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And we just want to go over a little bit of preview.

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Words of wisdom.

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So what the fans of both Piscataway and the general central new Jersey area

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want to know about Rutgers football.

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So, coach, you've had some changes.

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Have there many changes within the coaching staff, so to speak?

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How do you want to start offense defense?

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Big, big changes defensively we've kind of revamped everything.

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We weren't very good last year on defense and it really affected

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the outcome of several games, and I just felt like we had to make a change.

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It was time and took a little while to find the guy,

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but he's the right guy in Travis Johannsen.

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So where where does Coach Johanson come from and what's his historical?

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And we got assume that everybody

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that's looking at this show are not, are novices of football.

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We want to make them fans of Rutgers University football.

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So where did he how long, where was he coaching prior to you picking him up?

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Well, Travis was born and raised in Minneapolis,

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but he coached in South Dakota, so he was

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he was the defense coordinator there for a number of years.

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And then most recently last year, was the head coach

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at the University of South Dakota, took his team to the playoffs.

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So so is that like a Division two school?

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Well, it's it's a FCS.

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Okay. Yeah.

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So what used to be called one AA.

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And you know, to take the team to the playoffs was quite a feat.

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And I was really excited when he agreed to come.

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So how they teach their players out there I'm just thinking because South

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Dakota has a lot of bison, do they use them as pushing the bison around?

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I'll tell you what,

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he's a really good football coach and we're fortunate to have him.

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So what type of philosophy were you looking for in a defensive coach?

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Because I know a lot of times

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you would handle someone in the past, handle some of the play calling.

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I mean, to me it's all about fundamentals.

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It's about what you believe in

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and you have to find someone that has similar beliefs, right?

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It's got to be like in any business, it's got to be a fit.

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But then the ability for Travis and the defensive staff to

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connect with the players and I'm sure not a lot different than what you do

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if you don't have connection, it's hard to get things done.

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And when you do have connection, man it's exponential.

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So that's that's what I'm excited about.

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Just watching for the last 6 or 7 months the job that he and his staff

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have been doing.

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So he did as defensive coordinator.

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Now. Now, were there any other assistants that came in that are new defense?

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Several actually.

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Yeah.

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So some guys from Big Ten schools, some guys from other conferences.

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But I think a really good mix and you never know right,

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until you put them all together.

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But there's a chemistry there. There's a vibe there that I like

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and I think the players have really taken to them.

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That's the most important thing.

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Okay, so it's really interesting as a layperson looking at football,

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when you go to search for assistant coaches

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and they and with the mixes of how different conferences play their

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strategy and football, how does that work when you personally have to

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obviously review and interview every individual coach?

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It's different, right?

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Earlier in my career, I had a lot of people

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my age that were guys that we could bring to Rutgers.

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Now, most of the guys that are,

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you know, my generation are either coaching in the NFL

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or their head coaches themselves somewhere.

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So it's gotten more to be more of a challenge when you have to make.

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So I really believe in growing your own coaches.

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Sometimes you need to go outside of the program

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like we did with Travis, and it's been really helpful.

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You know, when there's change, there's growth,

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and there's been a huge growth this spring.

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It's a little refreshing.

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So now on the offensive side, your offensive coordinator

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who's been with you I believe, for four years.

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Correct.

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What can we expect even though you've lost

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a very seasoned QB,

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that what can we expect from the coaching staff side on the offense?

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Yeah, you know, the coaching staff has remained

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pretty much consistent on offense.

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We made a change at offensive line.

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Coach Jim Turner's joined us.

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Really a seasoned NFL and college coach, but I really like where we are.

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Kirk has done an incredible job of building our offense

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and that's what he does. He builds it over time, right.

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Incremental improvement.

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We've gotten better and better,

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and I think we have some really fine players on the offensive side of the ball,

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three of them in particular that we were able to retain Coby Asamoah, K.J.

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Duff and Antoine Raymond.

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And we're going to get into both of those later in the interview.

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But what?

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So now we just spoke very briefly about your your coaching staff.

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What what are your impressions of the team so far

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even though they haven't hit the training camp yet?

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I like our team.

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I do, I like I like what we've done.

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I think we've fixed some of the issues we had defensively.

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They continue to have to do that in training camp and into the season.

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But I like the chemistry, I like the cohesion of the team

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and that's what it's about.

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You know, we're sitting in our team room, right?

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We have 130 guys on the roster.

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You know when they come together, that's exponential growth.

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You know individually they add up to this.

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But when you put them together, you know, that's where it really gets exciting.

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And I like the group we have.

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Well, speaking of that, the commentators and the folks

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that do progression projections when it comes to football

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said, this is probably

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one of the toughest schedules that Rutgers had in a long time.

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It seems like the way the schedule is at home,

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you're going to be taking on the entire state of Michigan.

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But how does that you know, when you look at the paper

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like a draw, and these schedules are all put together years in advance,

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and you never know what teams statured or how good the potential going to be.

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I mean, as a head coach, you're saying, oh my God,

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how can this how could this schedule possibly fall on my head like this?

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I love it.

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I think that, you know, we for years, you know,

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I wanted to, longed to be in the Big Ten conference.

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And finally we're there.

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And what an opportunity to play at the, I believe, the best conference

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in all of college football.

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And that's proven to be true in the last few years especially.

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Right.

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So historically,

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what a what a great conference we're in and the schedule.

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I love it.

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You know you play again.

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You want to be the best.

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You got to play against the best.

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So you have you know obviously

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starting out I believe University of Massachusetts.

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And then you have Boston College, which by the way is the 25th

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anniversary of 9/11.

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So it's could probably be a very emotional game

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because when it's happening and then you head into I believe USC.

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Yeah, coming.

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Which is coming to Piscataway, which is great.

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I mean, who would ever thought that USC would be coming to Piscataway?

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I did have a chance last year

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or two years ago to go out to the USC game out there.

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But I think some of the teams that are coming in

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are really going to put a spotlight on the stadium here.

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And obviously your team in the northeast.

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Yeah, there's no doubt.

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And that's the great part of playing in this league.

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Right. As you play big, big time college football games.

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And the nice thing for us is

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some of those games come here to our home stadium in our hometown.

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Yeah.

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And then you also have the reigning national champ coming in Indiana.

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And then I think you have both Michigan and Michigan State,

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and then University of Nebraska, I believe is at home, which is good.

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I'm trying to convince the mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska,

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to come out for the game, bring them out, so we'll get her out there.

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So anyway, let's talk a little bit about some of the players.

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The quarterback competition obviously is to

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a lot of people are very much including yourself interested in that.

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How do you think that is it going to be an open forum to see

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who's going to be capable between the two players?

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You know, it is.

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And they're really both very, very competent players.

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Like one of the things that people say, well, you haven't named a starter.

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And the reason is they both did well and I had.

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So you're saying when they both did well, you're talking about spring training.

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That's right.

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And you know, had it been the other way where neither had done

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well, I'd be very concerned.

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I'm actually really excited to see the competition pick up here in training camp.

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And at some point we'll make a decision.

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And the good thing, at least for a year, is we're going to

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we're going to have one who's the starter and we're going to have another guy

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who's a quality, quality football player that's back.

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So are they two different type of style quarterbacks, or are they going to

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just be in the mold of what the offensive coordinator wants to see as a QB?

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No. They're similar.

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I mean, they have some differences, but they're similar athletically.

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They're similar with their abilities.

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That's why I think it's such a close battle. Right.

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And they're both really super kids.

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I mean, young men that you'd want leading your team.

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So when you go to make the choice, I'm assuming it'll be happening

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early on, possibly in the middle

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towards the end of the 30 day period before your first home game.

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Yeah.

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Somewhere in the middle to the back part of training camp we'll make a decision.

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I don't know if we'll necessarily announce it

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or not publicly, but I think you need to do that.

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You need your team to know who's going to be leading, leading the offense.

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So the reason why you want to know, hopefully sooner than later,

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is because you want the offensive line to get used to that QB

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they're calling and things like that.

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Yeah, and the receivers and the running backs, a whole offensive team.

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And it's just, you know,

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when you have the right guy at quarterback,

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he really leads the whole team, not just the offense.

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I know you're a very spoiled when you're a seasoned

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veteran quarterback Kelly Marcus, that was there for two years

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who really and I actually very much enjoyed him when he was out there.

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He was a very proficient quarterback and his statistics proved that.

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Yeah, he was he was a fine player.

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I just my only wishes we had him for a couple more years.

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But you don't look back.

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You look forward.

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He's down in Washington with the commanders now.

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And I know he's going to do. A good.

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We wish him the best of luck.

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And you know his brother Dino still plays on the team.

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So that's that's a neat connection.

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We're going to take a little break here and show some other segments that happened

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throughout the month.

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We're at 1665 Stelton Rd

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at the newest business here in Piscataway.

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And I'm going to turn the mic over to the chief spokesperson

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of the newest business.

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And please tell all the residents of Piscataway & Central New Jersey

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and name of your business.

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Sure our restaurant name is Kati Roll.

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We are so excited here because in Piscataway

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we never have this kind of food before.

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So we are like very new to here and we wanted to see more people coming.

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And we are grateful that I'm also lucky to have,

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because I'm resident of Piscataway and wanted to pass on

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to another person who is another

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business owner, Neil's daughter.

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Yeah. There you go. Hi.

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First of all, thank you so much for giving us this opportunity.

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We're very excited to have this business in Piscataway.

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We've had a lot of people telling us, you know, we always have to come down

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to Edison to eat, but we brought all the food right to you.

246
00:12:56,834 --> 00:12:59,266
Street food. There is live bonnie booty there.

247
00:12:59,266 --> 00:13:03,767
There's every place from India we have the food from.

248
00:13:03,767 --> 00:13:05,166
So you don't have to travel.

249
00:13:05,166 --> 00:13:07,000
We have right here in Edison.

250
00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:13,133
I mean, Piscataway. Edison people can come here and we have a lot of options.

251
00:13:13,133 --> 00:13:15,066
And thank you so much for the mayor.

252
00:13:15,066 --> 00:13:18,667
Well, part of Edison used to be part of Piscataway.

253
00:13:18,700 --> 00:13:20,066
Okay. So you're okay.

254
00:13:20,066 --> 00:13:23,100
But more importantly is you won't have to get on a plane ride

255
00:13:23,133 --> 00:13:25,033
to go over to India to get the food.

256
00:13:25,033 --> 00:13:29,500
You can come right here to Stelton Road, and you'll get Northwest Cuisine

257
00:13:29,533 --> 00:13:34,333
of India and also southern cuisine right there, and everything else in between.

258
00:13:34,367 --> 00:13:35,634
So I want to.

259
00:13:35,634 --> 00:13:37,634
I'm going to ask now, what's your name?

260
00:13:37,634 --> 00:13:41,133
Vihan. Vihan is going to help me with the scissors here.

261
00:13:41,033 --> 00:13:43,266
So Vihan. Okay. Ready?

262
00:13:43,266 --> 00:13:49,000
And Vihan says he's going to be the the new mayor next year in 2026 at MLK.

263
00:13:50,133 --> 00:13:51,333
At JA biztown.

264
00:13:51,333 --> 00:13:52,467
Okay, there you go.

265
00:13:52,467 --> 00:13:55,300
So you're going to help me and we're going to count to ready.

266
00:13:55,300 --> 00:13:56,834
Come on. Help me.

267
00:13:56,834 --> 00:13:59,467
Three. Two. One.

268
00:13:59,467 --> 00:14:01,133
Yeah.

269
00:14:01,133 --> 00:14:04,533
Well, that's your first official act as a mayor.

270
00:14:04,567 --> 00:14:06,100
Okay, well.

271
00:14:06,100 --> 00:14:09,100
Thank you. Don't forget 1665 Stelton Road.

272
00:14:09,133 --> 00:14:13,133
If you want to whet your tongue and eat something very delicious,

273
00:14:13,133 --> 00:14:14,133
this is the place to come.

274
00:14:20,734 --> 00:14:50,033
♫ Star Spangled Banner ♫

275
00:14:51,300 --> 00:14:53,767
[Applause and Cheer]

276
00:14:56,066 --> 00:15:50,266
♫

277
00:16:15,734 --> 00:16:32,467
♫

278
00:16:37,033 --> 00:16:40,900
One of the biggest concerns that we have as public officials,

279
00:16:40,934 --> 00:16:43,734
not just here in Piscataway, but across the United States,

280
00:16:43,734 --> 00:16:48,834
you always hear that word food desert when it comes to food desert, where

281
00:16:48,834 --> 00:16:53,367
there's lack of grocery, lack of options for people to shop and get healthy food.

282
00:16:53,433 --> 00:16:58,433
Well, today we now have an oasis called Patel Brothers here.

283
00:16:58,467 --> 00:17:01,166
Yes. Let's hear it up.

284
00:17:03,500 --> 00:17:04,367
If you walk through

285
00:17:04,367 --> 00:17:07,467
this store right now, you see nothing but great produce.

286
00:17:07,500 --> 00:17:08,734
So much so, Mr.

287
00:17:08,734 --> 00:17:12,767
Patel said whoever's the first shopper is going to get 25% off.

288
00:17:13,033 --> 00:17:14,533
Yeah, 100%.

289
00:17:14,533 --> 00:17:17,567
Please don't. Don't have a heart attack.

290
00:17:17,567 --> 00:17:22,300
But I want to thank the community for reinvesting back in Piscataway Township.

291
00:17:22,300 --> 00:17:23,900
I know it's been a big concern.

292
00:17:23,900 --> 00:17:28,066
And Michele Lombardi and myself regards to getting a grocery store

293
00:17:28,066 --> 00:17:29,467
back here in town.

294
00:17:29,467 --> 00:17:34,000
And but the good news is this is meeting a niche market here

295
00:17:34,100 --> 00:17:37,433
for a lot of people in this community, Piscataway Township.

296
00:17:37,433 --> 00:17:40,166
And I want to thank you once again for doing that.

297
00:17:40,166 --> 00:17:42,667
So would you like to say a few words? Yes.

298
00:17:42,667 --> 00:17:44,033
Thank you very much for coming.

299
00:17:44,033 --> 00:17:46,834
Nice and early on this hot, sunny day morning.

300
00:17:46,834 --> 00:17:50,533
This is our 60th location in the US.

301
00:17:50,834 --> 00:17:53,333
It's our ninth one in the state of new Jersey.

302
00:17:53,333 --> 00:17:56,133
We're very, very excited about this opportunity.

303
00:17:56,133 --> 00:17:58,700
And we'd like to thank the mayor's office for coming here,

304
00:17:58,700 --> 00:18:01,433
for cutting the ribbon for our new location.

305
00:18:01,433 --> 00:18:05,100
And after we cut the ribbon, we have a small performance behind us

306
00:18:05,100 --> 00:18:08,100
right there to show off our not show off, to showcase our culture.

307
00:18:09,100 --> 00:18:12,433
And one thing I know, it's been a very big concern of Councilwoman

308
00:18:12,433 --> 00:18:14,233
Michele Lombardi here about

309
00:18:15,166 --> 00:18:17,266
health, health and wellness here in town.

310
00:18:17,266 --> 00:18:18,567
Michele, would you like to say something?

311
00:18:18,567 --> 00:18:23,567
No, this I took a little look around inside and the produce looks amazing.

312
00:18:23,567 --> 00:18:28,166
The store is fresh, new and beautiful, and it's definitely something

313
00:18:28,166 --> 00:18:29,734
that we needed here in Piscataway.

314
00:18:29,734 --> 00:18:32,233
Now, you don't have to go out of Piscataway

315
00:18:32,233 --> 00:18:34,133
Now, that's.

316
00:18:34,133 --> 00:18:35,166
Beautiful store.

317
00:18:35,166 --> 00:18:36,066
And I got to tell you

318
00:18:36,066 --> 00:18:39,100
that the produce has given my garden a run for the money right now,

319
00:18:40,467 --> 00:18:43,000
so maybe I might have to take some cues from you.

320
00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:43,667
Well. Thank you.

321
00:18:43,667 --> 00:18:45,433
And why don't you want to come on up here, Mr. Patel.

322
00:18:45,433 --> 00:18:48,433
Help assist.

323
00:19:00,233 --> 00:19:59,567
♫

324
00:20:02,500 --> 00:20:05,367
Well, the state of new Jersey has some new laws

325
00:20:05,367 --> 00:20:08,367
that are in effect now regarding e-bikes.

326
00:20:08,634 --> 00:20:11,133
And I think there's a lot of e-bikes throughout Piscataway

327
00:20:11,133 --> 00:20:14,300
Township to be on the show here today.

328
00:20:14,467 --> 00:20:18,834
We actually have Sergeant Bill Kloos from the Piscataway traffic Division

329
00:20:18,834 --> 00:20:21,834
to talk very briefly about some of the changes in law

330
00:20:21,867 --> 00:20:25,133
that residents may not know or do know about,

331
00:20:25,133 --> 00:20:27,634
but we want to make sure everybody's in compliance.

332
00:20:27,634 --> 00:20:31,934
So, Sergeant, what are the big changes that have taken place

333
00:20:31,934 --> 00:20:33,834
in the state of new Jersey pertaining to e-bikes?

334
00:20:33,834 --> 00:20:35,266
I know the township

335
00:20:35,266 --> 00:20:39,033
did an ordinance going back earlier in the year regards to that.

336
00:20:39,033 --> 00:20:43,033
And now the state of New Jersey has a superseding law regards that.

337
00:20:43,033 --> 00:20:47,367
So any towns that had prior e-bike laws are now going to have

338
00:20:47,367 --> 00:20:50,734
to make them applicable, as with the state of New Jersey Had.

339
00:20:50,834 --> 00:20:52,700
But give us some of the highlights.

340
00:20:52,700 --> 00:20:55,700
What people need to be aware of about pertaining to e-bikes.

341
00:20:55,700 --> 00:20:58,734
And I believe there's all different classifications of the e-bikes.

342
00:20:58,734 --> 00:21:03,867
So hopefully you're going to be the the guru so to speak, on the bike laws.

343
00:21:03,867 --> 00:21:06,533
So if anybody has any questions, they can feel free to pick up the phone

344
00:21:06,533 --> 00:21:10,533
and call to non-emergency number of the Piscataway Police Department.

345
00:21:10,533 --> 00:21:12,533
So go ahead Sergeant. Take it away. All right.

346
00:21:12,533 --> 00:21:14,367
So first of all, thank you for having us here

347
00:21:16,066 --> 00:21:17,033
with the new law.

348
00:21:17,033 --> 00:21:17,734
New Jersey

349
00:21:17,734 --> 00:21:22,700
has new Jersey has classified e-bikes into multiple different classes now.

350
00:21:22,700 --> 00:21:25,367
So there's the first.

351
00:21:25,367 --> 00:21:25,900
The first

352
00:21:25,900 --> 00:21:29,700
the first class you could look at is what they call a low speed electric scooter.

353
00:21:29,700 --> 00:21:33,033
And in a low speed electric scooter is exactly what it sounds like

354
00:21:33,634 --> 00:21:35,667
the maximum speed it can't.

355
00:21:35,667 --> 00:21:38,100
It must stay below 19mph.

356
00:21:38,100 --> 00:21:41,000
And with a low speed electric scooter,

357
00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:44,033
anybody can ride those low speed electric scooters.

358
00:21:44,066 --> 00:21:47,133
They're treated essentially the same as bicycles in the state of new Jersey.

359
00:21:47,133 --> 00:21:50,100
Just like your six year old could get on a bicycle.

360
00:21:50,133 --> 00:21:51,500
with trainers.

361
00:21:51,500 --> 00:21:54,100
Exactly as long as they're riding safe.

362
00:21:54,100 --> 00:21:57,000
A six year old could get on an electric a low speed electric scooter

363
00:21:57,000 --> 00:21:57,767
in new Jersey.

364
00:21:57,767 --> 00:22:01,834
As long as it's as long as it stays less than 19mph.

365
00:22:02,233 --> 00:22:06,867
Now, when you now with the low speed electric scooters,

366
00:22:07,033 --> 00:22:10,700
if you're under the age of 17, you must wear a helmet just like any

367
00:22:10,734 --> 00:22:11,900
kind of bicycle.

368
00:22:11,900 --> 00:22:14,900
And I just want to interject here with the sergeant.

369
00:22:15,066 --> 00:22:18,667
To the parents out there, we do have periodically

370
00:22:18,667 --> 00:22:23,000
and I'm going to make a pitch for we do have a debt assessment.

371
00:22:23,066 --> 00:22:26,367
The councilman do has a road tour of the bikes,

372
00:22:26,367 --> 00:22:29,567
and there will be some bike helmets to be given out.

373
00:22:30,033 --> 00:22:34,333
You need to make sure your child and even adults should lead by example.

374
00:22:34,333 --> 00:22:36,100
Should have helmets on. Absolutely.

375
00:22:36,100 --> 00:22:36,367
Yeah.

376
00:22:36,367 --> 00:22:39,867
More more injuries happen through head injuries from bicycle accidents.

377
00:22:39,867 --> 00:22:42,734
So go ahead. Sorry. Absolutely. The helmets only going to protect you.

378
00:22:42,734 --> 00:22:44,133
Yeah. So yeah.

379
00:22:44,133 --> 00:22:47,133
So so with those with the low speed electric scooters,

380
00:22:47,433 --> 00:22:51,100
as long as you're wearing, if you're less than 17, the helmet is required.

381
00:22:51,100 --> 00:22:53,333
Everybody really should wear a helmet for your own safety.

382
00:22:53,333 --> 00:22:55,567
But if it's less than 17, it's required.

383
00:22:55,567 --> 00:22:57,500
And the thing with those low speed electric scooters

384
00:22:57,500 --> 00:22:59,834
is, I'm sure, mayor, and I'm sure you and I'm sure

385
00:22:59,834 --> 00:23:03,634
a lot of people in the community, you see these electric scooters riding.

386
00:23:03,934 --> 00:23:06,734
They'll weave in and out of traffic and all kinds of stuff like that, maybe

387
00:23:06,734 --> 00:23:08,000
go up on the sidewalk.

388
00:23:08,000 --> 00:23:10,000
Well, these electric scooters, must

389
00:23:10,000 --> 00:23:12,033
they have the same duties and rights as vehicles.

390
00:23:12,033 --> 00:23:13,166
So they have to

391
00:23:13,166 --> 00:23:16,767
they have to abide by all the same motor vehicle regulations as you do.

392
00:23:16,767 --> 00:23:18,000
And I do know the.

393
00:23:18,000 --> 00:23:20,934
One that looks like a surfboard with a stick coming up.

394
00:23:20,934 --> 00:23:25,500
You know, they have to be applicable to all the normal traffic regulations.

395
00:23:25,500 --> 00:23:26,000
Correct.

396
00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:29,367
If you if you're driving your car and you have to flip on your turn signal,

397
00:23:29,567 --> 00:23:33,100
they have to either use their turn signal or put their hand out to motion the turn

398
00:23:33,133 --> 00:23:34,867
just like you would in a car.

399
00:23:34,867 --> 00:23:37,867
So I think that's a very important thing to understand,

400
00:23:38,133 --> 00:23:41,166
especially for parents that might be buying their children

401
00:23:41,233 --> 00:23:46,066
these scooters and making sure children understand the laws behind that so.

402
00:23:46,133 --> 00:23:49,433
And I think this is important because school is going to be coming

403
00:23:49,433 --> 00:23:53,300
back in in September, and folks need to know if they're planning

404
00:23:53,333 --> 00:23:57,567
to buy something for their child to go to used to go to school.

405
00:23:57,567 --> 00:23:59,066
That is very important.

406
00:23:59,066 --> 00:24:00,100
Absolutely.

407
00:24:00,100 --> 00:24:04,100
And then even more so, if you're looking to buy something,

408
00:24:04,100 --> 00:24:06,567
the next class up would be even more important

409
00:24:06,567 --> 00:24:08,333
to understand the classification behind this,

410
00:24:08,333 --> 00:24:11,767
because the next class up is an electric low speed bicycle.

411
00:24:11,767 --> 00:24:14,667
That's the next class up of these e-bikes.

412
00:24:14,667 --> 00:24:17,734
The electric low speed bicycle is is

413
00:24:18,634 --> 00:24:20,934
is what it sounds like an electric low speed bicycle.

414
00:24:20,934 --> 00:24:22,700
It has it has a motor.

415
00:24:22,700 --> 00:24:25,467
But the motor only helps when you're pedaling.

416
00:24:25,467 --> 00:24:27,066
So it has to.

417
00:24:27,066 --> 00:24:29,867
So again, you have to be pedaling for the motor to help you.

418
00:24:29,867 --> 00:24:33,834
And these low speed electric bicycles can only go up to 20mph.

419
00:24:34,066 --> 00:24:36,066
These these low speed electric bicycles.

420
00:24:36,066 --> 00:24:38,133
This is where a big change has happened in the

421
00:24:38,133 --> 00:24:42,100
in the legislature in new Jersey, because these now require registration

422
00:24:42,100 --> 00:24:46,000
and a driver's license or a permit or an e-bike permit.

423
00:24:46,333 --> 00:24:47,900
That's a that's a very big change.

424
00:24:47,900 --> 00:24:50,066
So what. Is what is the age of that.

425
00:24:50,066 --> 00:24:51,233
Is there a different age. Right.

426
00:24:51,233 --> 00:24:53,367
That for a permit whatever.

427
00:24:53,367 --> 00:24:56,066
Or is it just like a regular driving a car. Nope.

428
00:24:56,066 --> 00:24:58,767
So that's a it's a great question because there is an age.

429
00:24:58,767 --> 00:25:02,500
So now these low speed electric bikes, you have to be

430
00:25:02,500 --> 00:25:06,066
a minimum of 15 years old to ride one of these at all times.

431
00:25:06,066 --> 00:25:09,066
So if you're if you're a parent and you have a.

432
00:25:09,667 --> 00:25:12,133
Parents out there, you're looking at a sophomore.

433
00:25:12,133 --> 00:25:14,433
Yeah, essentially 15 years old.

434
00:25:14,433 --> 00:25:15,333
And if you have

435
00:25:15,333 --> 00:25:19,033
if you have if parents out there, if you have a child that's less than 15,

436
00:25:19,100 --> 00:25:22,100
do not let them get on an e-bike because it's prohibited by law.

437
00:25:22,100 --> 00:25:22,734
Okay.

438
00:25:22,734 --> 00:25:26,467
And at 15 and 16, if you wanted to,

439
00:25:26,500 --> 00:25:30,066
if you had a teenager that wanted to ride an e-bike at 15 or 16,

440
00:25:30,133 --> 00:25:33,333
what they would do is they would go through the e-bike permit process.

441
00:25:33,333 --> 00:25:36,367
It's essentially like a moped license.

442
00:25:36,367 --> 00:25:38,567
After they get a permit, they practice on the road

443
00:25:38,567 --> 00:25:41,433
for a period of time, and then they would go to the DMV,

444
00:25:41,433 --> 00:25:43,867
take their road test, and eventually they would get an e-bike license,

445
00:25:43,867 --> 00:25:47,333
just like a moped license that you could get at 15 or 16 years old.

446
00:25:47,433 --> 00:25:47,900
Okay.

447
00:25:47,900 --> 00:25:51,533
Now, is there another class classification on bikes? Yes.

448
00:25:51,533 --> 00:25:55,000
Because some of these bikes I see they're going way more than 20 miles an hour.

449
00:25:55,033 --> 00:25:55,867
Absolutely.

450
00:25:55,867 --> 00:25:59,233
The next class up is motorized bicycles in new Jersey.

451
00:25:59,266 --> 00:26:02,000
These are still these can still be e-bikes.

452
00:26:02,000 --> 00:26:02,300
Okay.

453
00:26:02,300 --> 00:26:05,133
And these are the these motorized bicycles.

454
00:26:05,133 --> 00:26:06,500
The key here is that

455
00:26:06,500 --> 00:26:10,700
if they have a throttle capability, the moment you have a throttle

456
00:26:10,700 --> 00:26:13,767
where the e-bike can drive, where the e-bike can propel itself

457
00:26:13,767 --> 00:26:18,133
without you pedaling, then it becomes a motorized bicycle.

458
00:26:18,033 --> 00:26:19,433
Okay. And these motorized

459
00:26:19,433 --> 00:26:23,533
bicycles, it's classified as anything that goes up to 28mph.

460
00:26:23,533 --> 00:26:27,233
So before we talked about 20mph, and now we're up to 28mph.

461
00:26:27,233 --> 00:26:29,266
So if you're riding something

462
00:26:29,266 --> 00:26:33,166
that goes up to 28mph or it has a throttle capability,

463
00:26:33,166 --> 00:26:37,133
any throttle capability, then it's a motorized bicycle.

464
00:26:37,133 --> 00:26:40,467
And this is where there's even there's there's been pushed

465
00:26:41,133 --> 00:26:43,500
there has been pushed even more updates because

466
00:26:43,500 --> 00:26:46,533
now these require license, registration and insurance.

467
00:26:46,634 --> 00:26:49,133
Oh so interesting. One just requires a permit.

468
00:26:49,133 --> 00:26:52,133
Now these you have to actually register the actual

469
00:26:53,700 --> 00:26:55,433
bike with DMV. Correct.

470
00:26:55,433 --> 00:26:58,367
Yeah. You have to register both e-bikes, but you have to ensure which is.

471
00:26:58,367 --> 00:26:59,166
Which is interesting.

472
00:26:59,166 --> 00:27:01,700
That leads to a whole insurance issue.

473
00:27:01,700 --> 00:27:03,000
You know, once you have to register,

474
00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:05,433
I'm sure your insurance carrier is going to want to know about that.

475
00:27:05,433 --> 00:27:06,266
Absolutely. Yeah.

476
00:27:06,266 --> 00:27:09,433
And you have to make sure that, again, these these higher speed ones

477
00:27:09,433 --> 00:27:11,700
are not only registered but they're insured.

478
00:27:11,700 --> 00:27:13,166
So all right.

479
00:27:13,166 --> 00:27:16,500
So you have three classifications out there.

480
00:27:17,000 --> 00:27:21,066
What happens if say an officer pulls over

481
00:27:21,066 --> 00:27:25,166
somebody that's not in compliance especially a minor.

482
00:27:25,266 --> 00:27:30,934
Can the that be confiscated temporarily until the parent whatever. Yes.

483
00:27:31,100 --> 00:27:36,734
So I don't know how the process is set up now that the state is mandating.

484
00:27:36,834 --> 00:27:42,100
Yes. So so the depending on the age of the the minor if it's a minor

485
00:27:42,000 --> 00:27:45,233
operating one of these unlawfully, depending on the age,

486
00:27:45,233 --> 00:27:49,367
the minor could be issued summonses through our township ordinance.

487
00:27:49,834 --> 00:27:52,300
The the parent could actually be held

488
00:27:52,300 --> 00:27:55,533
responsible for a second or subsequent offense down the line.

489
00:27:55,533 --> 00:28:00,066
If we have a repeat offender, the e-bike could be impounded

490
00:28:00,066 --> 00:28:03,133
depending on the circumstances behind it,

491
00:28:03,133 --> 00:28:05,734
and then in order to get it out of the impoundment, you would

492
00:28:05,734 --> 00:28:09,000
of course have to get it properly registered, insured, all all of that

493
00:28:09,133 --> 00:28:09,834
to bring it into compliance.

494
00:28:09,834 --> 00:28:10,133
And I.

495
00:28:10,133 --> 00:28:11,333
Think that would be applicable

496
00:28:11,333 --> 00:28:15,066
for anybody who actually has to register the vehicle with DMV to.

497
00:28:15,133 --> 00:28:17,133
Correct. If it's not right there.

498
00:28:17,133 --> 00:28:17,433
Yeah.

499
00:28:17,433 --> 00:28:21,667
Basically, the impoundment process for this would be just like impounding a car

500
00:28:22,000 --> 00:28:25,233
if your car didn't have registration or insurance and it got impounded.

501
00:28:25,266 --> 00:28:28,000
It's essentially the same for for an e-bike now.

502
00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:32,567
So I think those are the big highlights of the new law out there.

503
00:28:32,667 --> 00:28:35,867
You will we will make sure that the residents know further about this.

504
00:28:35,900 --> 00:28:37,634
We will be promoting this either

505
00:28:37,634 --> 00:28:40,634
through the police department on our social media accounts.

506
00:28:40,834 --> 00:28:44,867
One of the other things that I know we're looking at is that we're having problems.

507
00:28:44,867 --> 00:28:48,133
So we're getting complaints from residents about some of these

508
00:28:48,000 --> 00:28:51,900
e-bikes riding in the parks and creating dangerous situations.

509
00:28:51,900 --> 00:28:56,300
So we may end up prohibiting the use of e-bikes in our parks.

510
00:28:56,300 --> 00:29:00,834
Meaning, in a sense, if there's a multi-use path or a sidewalk

511
00:29:00,867 --> 00:29:04,133
or whatever, I mean, not not if you want to take the e-bike

512
00:29:04,166 --> 00:29:07,900
to go to the park, but actually riding around in the park.

513
00:29:07,934 --> 00:29:09,233
Yes. Yeah, that's like there.

514
00:29:09,233 --> 00:29:11,934
So we're going to have to take a look at that because,

515
00:29:11,934 --> 00:29:16,266
you know, not everybody's obeying the current rules of the road.

516
00:29:16,266 --> 00:29:19,433
And, you know, it could become a very dangerous situation out there.

517
00:29:19,734 --> 00:29:20,133
Absolutely.

518
00:29:20,133 --> 00:29:24,000
And that's and that's where we're at in, in in our enforcement of this,

519
00:29:24,033 --> 00:29:27,000
of the new laws that have recently been passed

520
00:29:27,000 --> 00:29:31,033
from from the traffic safety division's perspective, we're in the education stage.

521
00:29:31,066 --> 00:29:33,333
We're trying to make sure everyone understands all these laws,

522
00:29:33,333 --> 00:29:35,834
and we're working into the enforcement stage now.

523
00:29:35,834 --> 00:29:36,533
So that's.

524
00:29:36,533 --> 00:29:38,333
And I think a lot of it, we're going to have to make sure

525
00:29:38,333 --> 00:29:40,834
that the school district knows that with their students out there,

526
00:29:40,834 --> 00:29:44,433
because they're the ones that are on the on the line there with that.

527
00:29:44,634 --> 00:29:47,100
So Sergeant Kloos, I would like to thank you.

528
00:29:47,100 --> 00:29:49,266
Behalf of the Piscataway Police Department for you

529
00:29:49,266 --> 00:29:51,133
stopping by the Traffic Safety Division.

530
00:29:51,133 --> 00:29:54,700
And as a reminder, school will be opening in September.

531
00:29:54,700 --> 00:29:58,634
And so parents out there, if you have any questions, feel free.

532
00:29:58,667 --> 00:30:01,133
Is there a contact number in the police department, Sergeant.

533
00:30:01,133 --> 00:30:03,367
Absolutely. Contact today. Any questions? Absolutely.

534
00:30:03,367 --> 00:30:07,634
Anybody looking to talk about e-bikes or clarify anything can call me directly.

535
00:30:08,066 --> 00:30:12,133
My phone number is (732) 562-2340.

536
00:30:12,300 --> 00:30:14,934
I want to thank you for stopping by Eye on Piscataway.

537
00:30:14,934 --> 00:30:16,233
Thank you. Thanks, mayor.

538
00:30:22,667 --> 00:30:26,266
July 13th, 2026, marked the beginning of

539
00:30:26,266 --> 00:30:29,100
the Piscataway Township Police Department's youth week

540
00:30:29,100 --> 00:30:32,066
for children interested in law enforcement.

541
00:30:32,300 --> 00:30:35,033
The week started off outside of the public safety building,

542
00:30:35,033 --> 00:30:37,500
with multiple opening speeches.

543
00:30:41,233 --> 00:30:44,500
This is a good way you can get a little taste of it, so.

544
00:30:44,500 --> 00:30:47,266
Listen to the officers, and parents, thank you for allowing us

545
00:30:47,266 --> 00:30:49,233
to have your children for the week here,

546
00:30:49,233 --> 00:30:51,500
and I'm going to turn it over to Director Stith.

547
00:30:51,500 --> 00:30:54,467
Parents, just to reiterate what the mayor said,

548
00:30:54,467 --> 00:30:59,233
thank you for, entrusting us with your kids for the week.

549
00:30:59,233 --> 00:31:02,700
They're going to have a great time. And to the kids,

550
00:31:02,700 --> 00:31:04,266
you're in good hands, you're going to have a good time,

551
00:31:04,266 --> 00:31:08,667
stop by the office, and I'll teach you how to tie a bowtie, alright?

552
00:31:08,667 --> 00:31:11,367
Good luck to you!

553
00:31:15,333 --> 00:31:19,066
Throughout an intensive week, the cadets learned all about what goes into

554
00:31:19,066 --> 00:31:22,667
being members of the force. This includes, but not limited to,

555
00:31:22,667 --> 00:31:25,767
learning how to lift fingerprints and using a radar detector,

556
00:31:25,767 --> 00:31:30,000
to visits from the K-9 units and seeing a police drone in action!

557
00:31:54,367 --> 00:31:57,266
One of the highlights of youth week was the visit from the

558
00:31:57,266 --> 00:32:00,100
Hackensack Meridian Health Air Medical Unit.

559
00:32:00,100 --> 00:32:04,033
The cadets got to see the helicopter land, got a chance to tour the helicopter

560
00:32:04,033 --> 00:32:07,066
and sit inside it, and speak with the pilots and medical staff

561
00:32:07,066 --> 00:32:09,033
to learn about their roles.

562
00:32:15,500 --> 00:32:19,066
On July 17th, the graduation ceremony was

563
00:32:19,066 --> 00:32:22,033
held at the Piscataway Community Center at the YMCA

564
00:32:22,033 --> 00:32:25,033
to honor the hard work of the cadets!

565
00:32:25,033 --> 00:32:28,066
During the event, the cadets marched to their seats as a unit,

566
00:32:28,066 --> 00:32:31,133
and the drill instructors handed out multiple superlative awards

567
00:32:31,133 --> 00:32:33,934
for standout recruits.

568
00:32:33,934 --> 00:32:37,333
Welcome to the graduating class of Police Youth Week 2026!

569
00:32:38,100 --> 00:32:41,133
Just looking at you right now, the transformation is incredible!

570
00:32:41,367 --> 00:32:44,934
More important than the drones, the helicopters, or the tactical gear,

571
00:32:44,934 --> 00:32:47,100
You learned the true definition of the badge:

572
00:32:47,100 --> 00:32:50,133
Integrity, discipline, and community.

573
00:32:50,133 --> 00:32:52,734
Stand tall, make good choices,

574
00:32:52,734 --> 00:32:56,166
and continue to make your families, and your community proud!

575
00:32:56,166 --> 00:32:59,000
Congratulations, Police Youth Week class of 2026!

576
00:32:59,000 --> 00:33:02,567
Through hard work, this individual significantly improved in drill and

577
00:33:02,567 --> 00:33:03,567
ceremony since day one.

578
00:33:03,567 --> 00:33:08,166
Engaging with classroom instructors, and showed interest in wanting to be

579
00:33:08,166 --> 00:33:09,634
a police officer.

580
00:33:09,634 --> 00:33:14,467
The Most Improved Award is proudly presented to the recruit

581
00:33:14,467 --> 00:33:18,033
Nieem Thompson!

582
00:33:18,033 --> 00:33:21,700
This award is presented to the recruit who has demonstrated outstanding performance

583
00:33:21,700 --> 00:33:24,100
and teamwork and leadership throughout the academy.

584
00:33:24,100 --> 00:33:26,767
From the beginning, they followed instructions properly and set

585
00:33:26,767 --> 00:33:29,166
the standard for how a recruit should conduct themselves.

586
00:33:29,166 --> 00:33:32,166
They had enough courage to speak to other recruits and assist them

587
00:33:32,166 --> 00:33:36,100
in making proper adjustments to be up to par with the rest of the class.

588
00:33:36,100 --> 00:33:43,367
This award is proudly presented to recruit Makenzie Rosario!

589
00:33:43,367 --> 00:33:47,100
The Detective Award is presented to the recruit who completed the

590
00:33:47,100 --> 00:33:49,900
scavenger hunt in the fastest time, while answering every

591
00:33:49,900 --> 00:33:51,700
question correctly.

592
00:33:51,700 --> 00:33:56,900
This award is proudly presented to recruit Rafael Sharif!

593
00:33:56,900 --> 00:34:00,533
I'm presenting the PT Award, this award is presented to the recruit who has

594
00:34:00,533 --> 00:34:02,867
demonstrated outstanding performance in physical training

595
00:34:02,867 --> 00:34:04,100
throughout the academy.

596
00:34:04,100 --> 00:34:08,000
Their dedication, determination, and commitment to physical excellence

597
00:34:08,000 --> 00:34:09,767
have made them a stand-out recruit.

598
00:34:09,767 --> 00:34:17,000
This award is proudly presented to recruit Matthew Oliveri!

599
00:34:17,000 --> 00:34:20,900
The Best Overall Recruit Award, requires a rare combination of traits.

600
00:34:20,900 --> 00:34:23,767
We look for the recruit who is always squared away,

601
00:34:23,767 --> 00:34:27,567
whose uniform, bearing, and attitude never waiver.

602
00:34:27,567 --> 00:34:30,066
We look for someone who maintains laser-focus,

603
00:34:30,066 --> 00:34:33,033
who treats their peers and instructors with the utmost respect,

604
00:34:33,033 --> 00:34:35,467
and who quietly chooses to do the right thing,

605
00:34:35,467 --> 00:34:37,834
even when they think nobody is watching.

606
00:34:37,834 --> 00:34:41,066
For outstanding leadership, sharp intelligence, and exemplary

607
00:34:41,066 --> 00:34:43,667
display of the core values of the Piscataway Police Department,

608
00:34:43,667 --> 00:34:46,000
it is my privilege as your Youth Week coordinator to present

609
00:34:46,000 --> 00:34:53,500
the 2026 Best Overall Recruit Award, to Ashmit Karnik!

610
00:34:53,500 --> 00:34:56,233
Class, who are we? POLICE YOUTH WEEK

611
00:34:56,233 --> 00:35:00,233
CLASS 2026, SIR! Good! Good job!

612
00:35:02,467 --> 00:35:05,500
Congratulations to all of our youth week graduates

613
00:35:05,500 --> 00:35:08,467
of the class of 2026!

614
00:35:16,333 --> 00:35:17,567
So who do you out

615
00:35:17,567 --> 00:35:21,433
of all the freshmen that potentially could play?

616
00:35:21,467 --> 00:35:23,500
Who do you think stands out?

617
00:35:23,500 --> 00:35:24,634
Oh, I don't know. You know.

618
00:35:24,634 --> 00:35:24,867
That's.

619
00:35:24,867 --> 00:35:28,000
A good question every year and I usually give you the same answer.

620
00:35:28,000 --> 00:35:30,634
I hate putting pressure on those freshmen.

621
00:35:30,634 --> 00:35:32,066
I could put pressure.

622
00:35:32,066 --> 00:35:33,734
You can, but you can ask who you want.

623
00:35:33,734 --> 00:35:36,033
I'll tell you.

624
00:35:36,033 --> 00:35:41,667
Well, I think it's it's been very hard to come up as a freshman

625
00:35:41,667 --> 00:35:42,900
because you have you don't really don't know

626
00:35:42,900 --> 00:35:45,266
what their talents are until they actually suit up for the game.

627
00:35:45,266 --> 00:35:46,100
That's a great point.

628
00:35:46,100 --> 00:35:49,634
And you know, a lot of them now start school in January.

629
00:35:49,667 --> 00:35:51,767
So they've been with us for a spring.

630
00:35:51,767 --> 00:35:55,000
So just for the general public, why do a lot of these players

631
00:35:55,000 --> 00:35:58,100
start in January instead of saying start over the summer. Why?

632
00:35:58,266 --> 00:36:01,133
Well, it's a whole nother semester that you can develop

633
00:36:01,133 --> 00:36:03,166
in a college football program. So what does that mean?

634
00:36:03,166 --> 00:36:06,834
Nutrition, strength and conditioning, football skills and training,

635
00:36:06,900 --> 00:36:09,867
all that stuff that you get a head start on.

636
00:36:09,867 --> 00:36:13,533
And now it's not really a head start because most guys are doing that.

637
00:36:13,533 --> 00:36:14,533
So if you're starting.

638
00:36:14,533 --> 00:36:17,367
In June so they graduate high school early.

639
00:36:17,367 --> 00:36:18,100
They do.

640
00:36:18,100 --> 00:36:22,934
And then they spend their time enrolling for the spring semester.

641
00:36:22,934 --> 00:36:23,834
And then they're able

642
00:36:23,834 --> 00:36:27,934
to see like in spring practices and they have the whole summer.

643
00:36:27,934 --> 00:36:30,734
So they're not just coming in. I guess what.

644
00:36:30,734 --> 00:36:31,367
End of June.

645
00:36:31,367 --> 00:36:34,433
July knew they had somewhat

646
00:36:34,467 --> 00:36:38,033
an idea of how the team practices.

647
00:36:38,066 --> 00:36:39,333
Yeah. Like anything else. Right.

648
00:36:39,333 --> 00:36:42,333
More experience you have, the more comfortable you are doing it.

649
00:36:42,433 --> 00:36:44,100
I think it helps. I know it helps.

650
00:36:44,100 --> 00:36:48,767
And it's become because we're talking about guys that have NFL futures, right?

651
00:36:48,834 --> 00:36:50,500
Not all of them, but a lot of them.

652
00:36:50,500 --> 00:36:53,133
And how do I best prepare myself for that?

653
00:36:53,133 --> 00:36:57,133
If that's something I want a whole nother, you know, what amounts to a whole nother

654
00:36:57,300 --> 00:36:58,433
10th of the time.

655
00:36:58,433 --> 00:37:02,033
I get to spend one tenth more here than I normally would.

656
00:37:02,100 --> 00:37:03,166
That's that's important.

657
00:37:03,166 --> 00:37:07,667
And it's also not just you, but it's also your entire support staff.

658
00:37:07,700 --> 00:37:09,867
Everything. Everything now.

659
00:37:09,867 --> 00:37:13,033
And of course, they're enrolling in classes to at the same time,

660
00:37:13,066 --> 00:37:18,333
obviously you have to do, but which helps out. The portal.

661
00:37:19,033 --> 00:37:22,033
That's obviously an annual merry go round

662
00:37:22,133 --> 00:37:25,433
for most college football head coaches.

663
00:37:26,100 --> 00:37:28,066
What folks that were in the portal.

664
00:37:28,066 --> 00:37:31,333
Who do you think is going to make an immediate impact coming from the portal?

665
00:37:31,367 --> 00:37:35,667
Well, you know, to me the most important thing first is retaining your own players.

666
00:37:35,667 --> 00:37:39,934
So you have to sit there and say, okay, who can we definitely not lose?

667
00:37:40,033 --> 00:37:42,767
Those are the guys you do everything within your power to keep.

668
00:37:42,767 --> 00:37:44,233
Then you go out and you look and say, hey,

669
00:37:44,233 --> 00:37:47,266
what are the needs of this football team, whether it be this year or two years?

670
00:37:47,300 --> 00:37:48,000
And you know what?

671
00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:51,066
I, I want to delve in that for a min

672
00:37:51,066 --> 00:37:55,066
because I know you've been very loud proponent on that.

673
00:37:55,100 --> 00:37:58,066
You know, with the advent of

674
00:37:58,066 --> 00:38:02,233
NILs that the university needs to get where a lot of the top flight

675
00:38:02,300 --> 00:38:06,233
schools are that, you know, felt like you had your hand behind your back.

676
00:38:07,133 --> 00:38:09,100
Do you feel that way still? No.

677
00:38:09,100 --> 00:38:13,700
And I've made mention of it, I think for the first time in my 25 years

678
00:38:13,734 --> 00:38:16,500
being affiliated with Rutgers, we have vertical alignment

679
00:38:16,500 --> 00:38:20,433
at the university when it comes to the football program, from our chairperson,

680
00:38:20,467 --> 00:38:24,333
Amy Towers, to our new president, William Tate, to our athletic director,

681
00:38:24,333 --> 00:38:27,500
Kelly Zinn, and the head football coach, you're talking to him.

682
00:38:27,533 --> 00:38:31,533
I think we all see winning at Rutgers the same way.

683
00:38:31,533 --> 00:38:35,300
And we all we also see how we're going to invest to get there.

684
00:38:35,300 --> 00:38:39,500
And that has never been all four layers since I've been here.

685
00:38:39,500 --> 00:38:42,100
We've had maybe 2 or 3, but never all four.

686
00:38:42,100 --> 00:38:44,133
And to me, that's what it takes when you're

687
00:38:44,133 --> 00:38:48,166
when you're trying to compete and be a champion in the best league

688
00:38:48,166 --> 00:38:51,433
in college football, you need to be aligned at every step.

689
00:38:51,433 --> 00:38:53,066
And that just gives you a chance.

690
00:38:53,066 --> 00:38:57,233
But the programs that are doing that, they certainly are aligned at every step.

691
00:38:57,266 --> 00:38:59,567
And I think it probably helps that with directors.

692
00:38:59,567 --> 00:39:02,767
And she has a little bit of experience coming from LSU

693
00:39:02,834 --> 00:39:06,166
with the Southeast Conference dealing with football.

694
00:39:07,333 --> 00:39:08,433
How hard was it

695
00:39:08,433 --> 00:39:11,433
to you to keep some of the existing players to share?

696
00:39:11,533 --> 00:39:13,066
Big challenge, big challenge.

697
00:39:13,066 --> 00:39:17,467
And the guys that I mentioned, you know, KJ could have gone anywhere in the country

698
00:39:17,467 --> 00:39:21,000
And he thought about it like, you can't blame him, right?

699
00:39:21,033 --> 00:39:23,033
And the money that's being thrown around.

700
00:39:23,033 --> 00:39:25,867
But at the end of the day, he made a decision

701
00:39:25,867 --> 00:39:29,333
that he was going to stay somewhere and really leave a legacy.

702
00:39:29,333 --> 00:39:32,000
And I think he has an opportunity to do that here.

703
00:39:32,000 --> 00:39:33,533
He's a tremendous player.

704
00:39:33,533 --> 00:39:36,300
He's become a big, big leader on our football team.

705
00:39:36,300 --> 00:39:38,367
But you look at Kobe Asamoah, same thing.

706
00:39:38,367 --> 00:39:39,767
Like these are guys that could have

707
00:39:39,767 --> 00:39:43,100
gone anywhere in the country and they chose to stay here.

708
00:39:43,100 --> 00:39:44,166
And it's a choice now.

709
00:39:44,166 --> 00:39:46,367
We can't say we're going to keep every player

710
00:39:46,367 --> 00:39:48,734
that's not realistic, but you have to say, okay,

711
00:39:48,734 --> 00:39:50,700
this is where we're going to use our resources

712
00:39:50,700 --> 00:39:54,266
and we're going to do everything we can to keep them if they don't want to stay.

713
00:39:54,266 --> 00:39:56,667
You can't make anybody stay. But you know what?

714
00:39:56,667 --> 00:40:01,166
You can make it an appealing case, but you better have those relationships

715
00:40:01,166 --> 00:40:02,033
in advance, right?

716
00:40:02,033 --> 00:40:03,634
You know, like I've said many times,

717
00:40:03,634 --> 00:40:06,000
you don't go build a bridge when you want to cross the river.

718
00:40:06,000 --> 00:40:08,100
So I think for the general public, for those folks

719
00:40:08,100 --> 00:40:12,300
that are not well versed in the portal, I mean, years ago, I mean,

720
00:40:12,333 --> 00:40:16,634
you would sign a recruit and typically they would stay for all four years.

721
00:40:17,033 --> 00:40:20,333
Now you're lucky if they stay for 2 or 3 years.

722
00:40:20,567 --> 00:40:24,700
Yeah, but and Rutgers is not the only one.

723
00:40:24,734 --> 00:40:27,734
It's every university is going through the same thing,

724
00:40:27,934 --> 00:40:32,133
but it leads to a bigger challenge for coaches and coaching staffs

725
00:40:32,133 --> 00:40:36,233
around the country because of the way the portal process works. Now.

726
00:40:36,500 --> 00:40:37,233
You're not kidding.

727
00:40:37,233 --> 00:40:38,133
And you have to figure out

728
00:40:38,133 --> 00:40:41,100
different ways to teach and prepare because you got to get them ready.

729
00:40:41,100 --> 00:40:44,100
Some of the guys, you know, we'll have guys that we brought in

730
00:40:44,533 --> 00:40:45,700
from the transfer portal.

731
00:40:45,700 --> 00:40:48,934
We've had six months to get them ready, and now we'll have training camp

732
00:40:48,934 --> 00:40:50,100
and we've got to go.

733
00:40:50,100 --> 00:40:52,934
Have you ever had a situation where somebody said, oh, I'm coming.

734
00:40:52,934 --> 00:40:54,500
And then next thing you know, they changed their mind.

735
00:40:55,300 --> 00:40:56,500
Often.

736
00:40:56,500 --> 00:40:59,900
Yeah, that happens all the time, both in players and in coaches.

737
00:40:59,934 --> 00:41:01,533
Yeah, yeah. You know people have change in heart.

738
00:41:01,533 --> 00:41:03,767
So now you're seeing a portal for coaches too now.

739
00:41:03,767 --> 00:41:06,033
Well the portal for coaches has always been.

740
00:41:06,033 --> 00:41:08,567
But the portal for players certainly has taken off.

741
00:41:08,567 --> 00:41:09,767
Yeah. All right.

742
00:41:09,767 --> 00:41:12,533
So we talked about a little bit about the portal.

743
00:41:12,533 --> 00:41:12,900
I mean

744
00:41:12,900 --> 00:41:16,166
are there any other specific of players that you brought in through the portal

745
00:41:16,166 --> 00:41:20,100
that you're expecting them to step up and playing the key positions?

746
00:41:20,133 --> 00:41:22,166
Yeah. Well, you know, we weren't very good on defense.

747
00:41:22,166 --> 00:41:25,900
So we went out and focused on on players that we thought could help.

748
00:41:26,133 --> 00:41:30,000
And I think we have found for Time Morris, a linebacker from rice has really

749
00:41:30,000 --> 00:41:33,667
impressed us, not only in the way he's played, but his leadership ability.

750
00:41:33,700 --> 00:41:37,000
Malachi Davis, a guy from Toledo who was a really fine player.

751
00:41:37,000 --> 00:41:41,066
I think he's going to be very, very effective defensive end for us.

752
00:41:41,133 --> 00:41:41,934
Those are two guys.

753
00:41:41,934 --> 00:41:43,934
We have a bunch of defensive backs that I think,

754
00:41:43,934 --> 00:41:46,000
you know, without mentioning them all by name.

755
00:41:46,000 --> 00:41:47,433
There's great competition now.

756
00:41:47,433 --> 00:41:51,100
We've built some depth in the offensive line using the portal.

757
00:41:51,100 --> 00:41:54,100
So and then Dylan Lonergan, one of the quarterbacks, you know

758
00:41:54,100 --> 00:41:55,233
he along with A.J.

759
00:41:55,233 --> 00:41:57,233
Dillon comes to us from Boston College.

760
00:41:57,233 --> 00:41:59,033
So which is ironic.

761
00:41:59,033 --> 00:42:01,700
He's going to be playing against his former players this year.

762
00:42:01,700 --> 00:42:04,834
Well we are we'll figure out who the quarterback's going to be in camp,

763
00:42:04,834 --> 00:42:06,300
but he's certainly going to be with us.

764
00:42:06,300 --> 00:42:08,533
Yeah, but yeah, that'll be you.

765
00:42:08,533 --> 00:42:10,100
Talk about an emotional moment, right?

766
00:42:10,100 --> 00:42:12,133
There's be a lot of reasons for emotion there.

767
00:42:12,133 --> 00:42:15,333
If Dylan is in fact the quarterback at that time.

768
00:42:15,333 --> 00:42:18,734
So yeah, there's a lot that goes into it that and there's

769
00:42:18,734 --> 00:42:22,667
a lot of unforeseen factors that come into play.

770
00:42:22,667 --> 00:42:25,834
But you know, it just makes it just a little more complicated.

771
00:42:25,867 --> 00:42:28,367
It's you really have to stay on top of it.

772
00:42:28,367 --> 00:42:31,066
And we have a great staff that helped me do that.

773
00:42:31,066 --> 00:42:32,934
So when you think about staff during the portal,

774
00:42:32,934 --> 00:42:35,734
did you like you wanted to focus on the defense?

775
00:42:35,734 --> 00:42:39,033
Did you have Coach Johannson

776
00:42:40,000 --> 00:42:43,000
obviously heavily involved and looking at the portal with you?

777
00:42:43,000 --> 00:42:44,667
Well, he wasn't hired yet. Okay.

778
00:42:44,667 --> 00:42:49,033
So yeah, it was that was a that was a bit of a tough, tough situation.

779
00:42:49,066 --> 00:42:49,266
Right.

780
00:42:49,266 --> 00:42:51,000
And some of the kids would say, well, we don't know who

781
00:42:51,000 --> 00:42:52,634
the defensive coordinator is going to be.

782
00:42:52,634 --> 00:42:54,166
So that's that's a legitimate concern.

783
00:42:54,166 --> 00:42:56,367
But the reality is we're going

784
00:42:56,367 --> 00:42:59,500
to we're going to run a defense that's based in these principles,

785
00:42:59,500 --> 00:43:03,533
and this is the program you're going to be coming to. Yes.

786
00:43:03,533 --> 00:43:04,634
I can't tell you exactly who

787
00:43:04,634 --> 00:43:07,100
that individual is, who's going to be leading the defense.

788
00:43:07,100 --> 00:43:10,734
But the principles and our program are going to be what they are.

789
00:43:10,867 --> 00:43:12,700
And I felt we did very well in the portal.

790
00:43:12,700 --> 00:43:15,433
The guys that we needed to get, I think we got.

791
00:43:15,433 --> 00:43:20,033
So you have two recruits reclassified to the class of 26.

792
00:43:20,266 --> 00:43:23,300
How does that how does that work with the reclassification?

793
00:43:23,300 --> 00:43:27,133
And how important is that for your program for you know,

794
00:43:27,100 --> 00:43:31,033
I don't think, you know, unless you're a football fanatic, you understand that.

795
00:43:31,033 --> 00:43:35,433
But if you're somebody who just turns the TV on and they don't understand that,

796
00:43:35,533 --> 00:43:36,567
how that works.

797
00:43:36,567 --> 00:43:38,233
You're right. And it's not.

798
00:43:38,233 --> 00:43:40,100
It's something that happens a lot.

799
00:43:41,066 --> 00:43:43,367
You know, starting in January starts a lot, happens a lot.

800
00:43:43,367 --> 00:43:47,767
But but forgoing your whole senior year takes a couple of things have to happen.

801
00:43:47,767 --> 00:43:49,867
Number one, they have to be academically qualified.

802
00:43:49,867 --> 00:43:52,033
They have to have enough credits to do that.

803
00:43:52,033 --> 00:43:54,166
And number two, the situation has to fit.

804
00:43:54,166 --> 00:43:55,734
And how does that happen?

805
00:43:55,734 --> 00:43:58,000
It's any number of factors. But you're right.

806
00:43:58,000 --> 00:43:59,767
We have two players that are going to do that.

807
00:43:59,767 --> 00:44:03,867
And I think it's it's going to be a great benefit to them in their development.

808
00:44:03,867 --> 00:44:06,033
And it's going to be a benefit.

809
00:44:06,033 --> 00:44:07,867
And obviously they have to agree to that.

810
00:44:07,867 --> 00:44:08,700
Oh yeah. Yeah.

811
00:44:08,700 --> 00:44:12,000
That's and I really want them to be very much in agreement,

812
00:44:12,066 --> 00:44:15,634
not kind of wavering because, you know, it's a little different.

813
00:44:15,634 --> 00:44:18,634
You're passing up your whole senior year of high school. But

814
00:44:19,900 --> 00:44:20,900
we've done it with a few.

815
00:44:20,900 --> 00:44:22,767
Antoine Raymond actually did that.

816
00:44:22,767 --> 00:44:25,500
His program again, situations are all different.

817
00:44:25,500 --> 00:44:28,166
His high school program dropped football in May.

818
00:44:28,166 --> 00:44:31,367
So he and his mom. Oh, he had to. Yeah.

819
00:44:31,367 --> 00:44:33,100
He could have gone to another high school, but I said,

820
00:44:33,100 --> 00:44:35,333
if you're going to go to another place, why not come here?

821
00:44:35,333 --> 00:44:36,767
And what a great opportunity

822
00:44:36,767 --> 00:44:39,767
it was for him because he got to learn under Kyle.

823
00:44:40,066 --> 00:44:40,100
Yeah.

824
00:44:40,100 --> 00:44:43,333
So he was able to see how Kyle did his business.

825
00:44:43,433 --> 00:44:45,233
Couldn't ask for a better mentor.

826
00:44:45,233 --> 00:44:47,066
No doubt. Yeah. No doubt.

827
00:44:47,066 --> 00:44:52,000
So you have Aidan Gibson was reclassified as we were talking about 2026.

828
00:44:52,066 --> 00:44:55,100
How challenging will that be to allocate the touches.

829
00:44:55,100 --> 00:44:57,367
And in the backfield.

830
00:44:57,367 --> 00:44:59,300
Well everything comes down to practice right.

831
00:44:59,300 --> 00:45:01,100
You go out and practice. You earn your reps.

832
00:45:01,100 --> 00:45:04,133
So we happen to have Antoine Raymond, who I think

833
00:45:04,233 --> 00:45:07,166
is a premier running back in the country.

834
00:45:07,367 --> 00:45:10,000
And I believe he rushed for over 1200 yards.

835
00:45:10,000 --> 00:45:11,066
He did. He did.

836
00:45:11,066 --> 00:45:14,467
And that's pretty, pretty good going into the Big Ten schedule.

837
00:45:14,467 --> 00:45:16,233
You're able to rush that. No kidding right.

838
00:45:16,233 --> 00:45:18,367
And especially as a second year player.

839
00:45:18,367 --> 00:45:21,100
But like I said he had the opportunity to learn under Kyle.

840
00:45:21,100 --> 00:45:24,367
He's a tremendous athlete a guy that really understands.

841
00:45:24,433 --> 00:45:26,900
And we have a great running back coach in Damien Shaw.

842
00:45:26,900 --> 00:45:30,467
He's done a tremendous job year in and year out with our running backs, and

843
00:45:31,433 --> 00:45:33,100
that's why Aiden's going to have an opportunity

844
00:45:33,100 --> 00:45:36,166
not only to learn from Coach Shaw, but also to learn from Antoine.

845
00:45:36,233 --> 00:45:39,567
So you talked about a little bit about Kyle Monangai, and you have

846
00:45:41,033 --> 00:45:44,367
Pacheco, Monangai both grads alum.

847
00:45:44,500 --> 00:45:47,433
Does that help you recruit for somebody

848
00:45:47,433 --> 00:45:50,433
who's a promising running back?

849
00:45:50,433 --> 00:45:54,133
Say, hey, listen, I have two of two former Rutgers

850
00:45:54,133 --> 00:45:59,100
players are now stars in the NFL at the running back position.

851
00:45:59,166 --> 00:46:00,133
Sure it does. Yeah.

852
00:46:00,133 --> 00:46:03,000
I mean, these young guys, especially the top running backs,

853
00:46:03,000 --> 00:46:05,900
they all have the aspiration to go play in the National Football League.

854
00:46:05,900 --> 00:46:10,700
And when you can say, hey, this coach developed these players, that sure helps.

855
00:46:10,734 --> 00:46:14,133
So you have you talked prior about K.J.

856
00:46:14,133 --> 00:46:16,266
Duff staying.

857
00:46:16,266 --> 00:46:19,166
Obviously a lot of the defenses that you're going to be playing

858
00:46:19,166 --> 00:46:22,066
are going to be keen on him. How is that going to work out?

859
00:46:22,066 --> 00:46:23,467
Is there going to be somebody else

860
00:46:23,467 --> 00:46:25,567
that's going to sort of take the pressure off him?

861
00:46:25,567 --> 00:46:30,166
He was lucky last year to work with a colleague that was very good

862
00:46:30,233 --> 00:46:35,100
who transferred out, but he's going to be sort of there alone by himself.

863
00:46:35,100 --> 00:46:37,433
And now that with all the hoopla about him,

864
00:46:37,433 --> 00:46:39,634
you know, obviously defenses are going to be keen on.

865
00:46:39,634 --> 00:46:41,467
Not that they didn't last time.

866
00:46:41,467 --> 00:46:41,900
Yeah.

867
00:46:41,900 --> 00:46:44,367
I mean, he will garner a lot of attention from the defense.

868
00:46:44,367 --> 00:46:46,133
But Dave Brock, our receiver

869
00:46:46,133 --> 00:46:49,300
coach, has done a tremendous job of building that room.

870
00:46:49,300 --> 00:46:53,133
And it's taken a couple of years, but we have great depth in the room.

871
00:46:53,133 --> 00:46:55,066
It's great competition right now.

872
00:46:55,066 --> 00:46:58,033
Ben Black, who is a tremendous player.

873
00:46:58,033 --> 00:47:01,467
But because like you said, we had we were kind of loaded at the position.

874
00:47:01,467 --> 00:47:04,166
He's helped and he's played and contributed.

875
00:47:04,166 --> 00:47:08,367
But now it's his turn to step up and be the guy opposite K.J., and he is.

876
00:47:08,367 --> 00:47:09,934
He's shown that all offseason.

877
00:47:09,934 --> 00:47:12,033
He's had a great offseason, so I expect him.

878
00:47:12,033 --> 00:47:16,900
But we have a bunch of young receivers that it's their time now and I'm confident

879
00:47:16,934 --> 00:47:17,500
they'll step up

880
00:47:17,500 --> 00:47:20,667
and we have some some really good ones coming from high school here.

881
00:47:20,767 --> 00:47:22,133
You know, starting next. Next.

882
00:47:22,133 --> 00:47:26,033
So will there be any that are actually physically play that were just coming out

883
00:47:26,066 --> 00:47:28,133
that they're not red shirt. They're going. To play.

884
00:47:28,133 --> 00:47:28,834
You know what.

885
00:47:28,834 --> 00:47:31,700
There's two young freshmen that I think have a chance to play.

886
00:47:31,700 --> 00:47:34,100
Yeah that it'll be interesting again.

887
00:47:34,100 --> 00:47:35,166
That's such a talented room.

888
00:47:35,166 --> 00:47:38,266
Now I think that maybe one of the if not the most,

889
00:47:38,333 --> 00:47:41,533
it probably is the most talented room in our program.

890
00:47:41,634 --> 00:47:45,500
So when you have a freshman there, what is the point of no return

891
00:47:45,500 --> 00:47:50,100
where they can actually have some playing time but yet be redshirted?

892
00:47:50,166 --> 00:47:51,734
Well redshirting now.

893
00:47:51,734 --> 00:47:53,066
And it just changed.

894
00:47:53,066 --> 00:47:55,100
Redshirting has gone away.

895
00:47:55,100 --> 00:47:58,000
There's new there's a new rule in college sports.

896
00:47:58,000 --> 00:47:59,033
It's five for five.

897
00:47:59,033 --> 00:48:00,634
You're not supposed to call it five for five.

898
00:48:00,634 --> 00:48:01,900
They don't want us to call it that.

899
00:48:01,900 --> 00:48:05,533
But what it is is you have five years of eligibility to play,

900
00:48:05,533 --> 00:48:08,867
and whether it's from high school graduation

901
00:48:08,867 --> 00:48:11,900
or from your 19th birthday, that's the way it's right.

902
00:48:12,066 --> 00:48:13,934
You have five years to play five.

903
00:48:13,934 --> 00:48:15,934
So now you don't have to worry about that anymore

904
00:48:15,934 --> 00:48:18,100
where you can't play and pass this or you can't play.

905
00:48:18,100 --> 00:48:18,133
And I.

906
00:48:18,133 --> 00:48:18,867
Think part of that,

907
00:48:18,867 --> 00:48:21,900
you know, people were redshirting, but they wanted to jump to the portal.

908
00:48:22,000 --> 00:48:24,000
You know you got a little confusing there.

909
00:48:24,000 --> 00:48:24,300
Yeah.

910
00:48:24,300 --> 00:48:27,667
So now it's much more straightforward.

911
00:48:28,333 --> 00:48:31,333
Now again you hold your breath right because someone will sue and then

912
00:48:31,500 --> 00:48:33,100
but right now that's the rule.

913
00:48:33,100 --> 00:48:35,900
And I'm hopeful that it'll just kind of be consistent.

914
00:48:35,900 --> 00:48:38,900
I got to ask a technology question.

915
00:48:38,900 --> 00:48:43,634
Are coaches now using AI to figure out

916
00:48:43,634 --> 00:48:48,066
what other teams plays that they've run over the course of a game?

917
00:48:48,133 --> 00:48:50,033
You know, they stick it in the tape.

918
00:48:50,033 --> 00:48:51,934
I just had a curiosity. Yeah, we are.

919
00:48:51,934 --> 00:48:53,567
Sort of like a computer just trying to figure out

920
00:48:53,567 --> 00:48:57,533
why they did X amount of plays this way and there.

921
00:48:57,533 --> 00:49:01,433
So there's a lot of different technology that's used in coaching nowadays.

922
00:49:01,567 --> 00:49:04,500
There's certain things you're not allowed to use during the game,

923
00:49:04,500 --> 00:49:07,533
but you use a lot of it in your preparation during the week.

924
00:49:08,100 --> 00:49:12,066
During the game, you're only allowed to use the headsets electronically.

925
00:49:12,066 --> 00:49:15,734
And now the iPads that we watch the video on.

926
00:49:15,734 --> 00:49:18,000
So during the game. But that's. The two.

927
00:49:18,000 --> 00:49:20,066
So you don't wait to look at the jumbotron?

928
00:49:20,066 --> 00:49:22,000
No, we don't wait. Well,

929
00:49:22,000 --> 00:49:25,000
sometimes you do, but most of the time you're looking right at that iPad now.

930
00:49:25,033 --> 00:49:28,700
But years past there was no iPads right last year.

931
00:49:29,033 --> 00:49:29,934
Whatever.

932
00:49:29,934 --> 00:49:33,100
So that was a new NCAA rule that you can use an iPad, correct.

933
00:49:33,133 --> 00:49:35,100
Oh, so it came in within the 21st century.

934
00:49:35,100 --> 00:49:38,000
Yeah. We're modernizing. Yes. Yeah.

935
00:49:38,000 --> 00:49:41,133
So I have to say what other new new rules

936
00:49:41,133 --> 00:49:44,700
have changed with the NCAA pertaining to actual to play the game.

937
00:49:44,767 --> 00:49:48,133
Yeah, there's there's a few. But look

938
00:49:49,166 --> 00:49:49,867
the game you

939
00:49:49,867 --> 00:49:53,433
know, people want to worry and cry about what's happening.

940
00:49:53,533 --> 00:49:56,533
The the game of college football's never been more popular.

941
00:49:56,533 --> 00:49:58,166
We just have to fix a few things.

942
00:49:58,166 --> 00:50:01,266
And I think the number one thing is everybody's got to calm down

943
00:50:01,266 --> 00:50:03,767
a little bit and assess, okay, how how did this change?

944
00:50:03,767 --> 00:50:05,367
Before you go change a change,

945
00:50:05,367 --> 00:50:08,767
let's see how the change works first and then maybe we adjust it.

946
00:50:09,033 --> 00:50:12,367
I don't think we're that far off, but there are some things

947
00:50:12,367 --> 00:50:13,934
that definitely have to get changed.

948
00:50:13,934 --> 00:50:17,133
And one of the big things is the NIL the way it works, right?

949
00:50:17,867 --> 00:50:20,133
I was always the one when I know

950
00:50:20,133 --> 00:50:23,233
I mentioned this before is that I thought the NCAA.

951
00:50:23,266 --> 00:50:26,634
I know you can't say it, but I will really screwed this up.

952
00:50:26,634 --> 00:50:30,433
There should have been parameters, you know, instead of letting the free

953
00:50:30,467 --> 00:50:32,634
market take control of everything because, you know,

954
00:50:32,634 --> 00:50:35,300
there are teams that are going to be at a disadvantage

955
00:50:35,300 --> 00:50:37,033
there because depending upon where they are

956
00:50:37,033 --> 00:50:40,767
and whatever market they are in, that they really didn't get ahold

957
00:50:40,767 --> 00:50:45,033
of this quickly on and recognize how impactful this was going to be.

958
00:50:45,166 --> 00:50:47,100
Yeah, I mean, you know what's fair?

959
00:50:47,100 --> 00:50:49,667
Nothing's fair in life, right? You got to figure it out.

960
00:50:49,667 --> 00:50:55,100
But I think, as you said, what drove this was the markets and the courts.

961
00:50:55,133 --> 00:50:57,100
And that's a rough way to do things.

962
00:50:57,100 --> 00:51:00,066
And we did have an opportunity as not just the NCAA,

963
00:51:00,066 --> 00:51:03,233
all of us, to get it right, and we failed.

964
00:51:03,266 --> 00:51:06,734
So then other processes occurred.

965
00:51:06,734 --> 00:51:09,033
But now we have another chance to get it right.

966
00:51:09,033 --> 00:51:12,066
And we need to do that so we can make college football.

967
00:51:12,100 --> 00:51:13,834
I mean, like I said, it's more popular than ever.

968
00:51:13,834 --> 00:51:15,000
How do we sustain that?

969
00:51:15,000 --> 00:51:19,533
I know, and now it's given on from Wednesday to Saturday now,

970
00:51:20,233 --> 00:51:24,133
which that that would have been taboo having games on Wednesday nights.

971
00:51:24,300 --> 00:51:26,333
So now it's Thursday, Friday Saturday night.

972
00:51:26,333 --> 00:51:28,500
Yeah. People people love their football.

973
00:51:28,500 --> 00:51:29,834
Yeah.

974
00:51:29,834 --> 00:51:33,767
Quickly, if I know I always ask you a question

975
00:51:34,000 --> 00:51:37,000
for the general public, what pitch would you make

976
00:51:37,000 --> 00:51:41,266
to parents that want to have their son come play at Rutgers?

977
00:51:41,333 --> 00:51:44,300
Well, it hasn't changed right now.

978
00:51:44,300 --> 00:51:46,066
Money is changed for sure.

979
00:51:46,066 --> 00:51:48,367
And like I've said, we have vertical alignment

980
00:51:48,367 --> 00:51:52,667
and we have more resources now to match what the expectations are.

981
00:51:52,667 --> 00:51:56,066
But at the end of the day, they're still 18 to 22 year old kids.

982
00:51:56,066 --> 00:51:59,133
They may drive nicer cars and they may have more money in their bank account,

983
00:51:59,133 --> 00:52:03,133
but they're still young people that need guidance, need to be led and mentored.

984
00:52:03,133 --> 00:52:04,567
And that's what our staff does.

985
00:52:04,567 --> 00:52:07,700
And, you know, I've said it many times, my goal is to win

986
00:52:07,734 --> 00:52:09,667
the national championship at Rutgers.

987
00:52:09,667 --> 00:52:13,934
But my purpose and why I coach is to help develop these guys.

988
00:52:14,133 --> 00:52:18,033
A lot of young people God puts under my watch, and to me,

989
00:52:18,700 --> 00:52:20,066
there's a responsibility there.

990
00:52:20,066 --> 00:52:21,133
How are we going to develop

991
00:52:21,133 --> 00:52:25,100
these young guys to become great husbands, fathers and members of communities?

992
00:52:25,100 --> 00:52:26,634
That's our responsibility.

993
00:52:26,634 --> 00:52:29,900
And these guys are the future leaders of our country.

994
00:52:29,934 --> 00:52:30,700
I mean, those are.

995
00:52:30,700 --> 00:52:33,867
And you're also looking down the road, potentially future coaches.

996
00:52:33,934 --> 00:52:37,100
Future coaches, future mayors, future everything.

997
00:52:37,000 --> 00:52:37,166
Yeah.

998
00:52:37,166 --> 00:52:42,000
Well, we have like one of our police officers came out, came out of football.

999
00:52:42,033 --> 00:52:43,000
Captain of our team. Yeah.

1000
00:52:43,000 --> 00:52:44,767
Darn right Ray Pilch.

1001
00:52:45,533 --> 00:52:47,567
We're going to close out the show.

1002
00:52:47,567 --> 00:52:51,367
But favorite ice cream?

1003
00:52:51,734 --> 00:52:54,634
That's a tough question. Store or flavor?

1004
00:52:54,634 --> 00:52:55,266
Either or.

1005
00:52:58,166 --> 00:52:59,300
That you're willing to admit.

1006
00:52:59,300 --> 00:53:02,000
I am I am really an easy guy when it comes to ice cream.

1007
00:53:02,000 --> 00:53:05,333
There's not many I don't like, but I'm kind of an old fashioned guy.

1008
00:53:05,367 --> 00:53:06,767
I got into this.

1009
00:53:06,767 --> 00:53:08,500
But do you like it soft or hard?

1010
00:53:08,500 --> 00:53:11,133
Well, I like I like the salted caramel.

1011
00:53:11,133 --> 00:53:13,133
That's my. That's my one. That that sounds a little.

1012
00:53:13,133 --> 00:53:16,433
That sounds a little bit, you know, modernized, doesn't it?

1013
00:53:16,467 --> 00:53:20,300
Now, I know your favorite dish is Italian.

1014
00:53:20,333 --> 00:53:22,900
Yep. Chicken Scarpariello.

1015
00:53:22,900 --> 00:53:25,934
And your favorite sandwich?

1016
00:53:27,634 --> 00:53:28,834
Probably an Italian.

1017
00:53:28,834 --> 00:53:29,300
Okay.

1018
00:53:29,300 --> 00:53:29,834
All right.

1019
00:53:29,834 --> 00:53:32,634
And your favorite refreshment drink?

1020
00:53:32,634 --> 00:53:34,934
Nonalcoholic. Nonalcoholic?

1021
00:53:34,934 --> 00:53:36,133
Yeah. Gatorade zero.

1022
00:53:36,133 --> 00:53:38,634
Gatorade zero. Because no calories. There you go.

1023
00:53:38,634 --> 00:53:39,300
Yeah.

1024
00:53:39,300 --> 00:53:43,000
Well, I want to thank the head football coach, Greg Schiano, for stopping

1025
00:53:43,133 --> 00:53:44,433
Eye on Piscataway.

1026
00:53:44,433 --> 00:53:47,634
We obviously wish him and his staff and the players

1027
00:53:47,667 --> 00:53:52,000
the best of luck in the 2026 season, coming especially here at SHI.

1028
00:53:52,000 --> 00:53:54,934
We want to make sure everybody's in the seats at the stadium.

1029
00:53:54,934 --> 00:53:57,066
We want to make sure it's a sellout for every game.

1030
00:53:57,066 --> 00:54:01,033
That's good for Piscataway Township and I myself, as the mayor, cannot pay

1031
00:54:01,033 --> 00:54:05,033
enough every time that the Big Ten Network says live from Piscataway, new Jersey.

1032
00:54:05,133 --> 00:54:06,066
You know, for PR,

1033
00:54:06,066 --> 00:54:08,467
if we ever had to pay for that PR wise, that would be a lot of money.

1034
00:54:08,467 --> 00:54:11,467
But I really appreciate all the hard work that you do, coach.

1035
00:54:11,567 --> 00:54:13,433
Appreciate you as a resident of town.

1036
00:54:13,433 --> 00:54:16,100
And best of luck to the players and everybody.

1037
00:54:16,100 --> 00:54:18,500
Well, the same goes mayor. We appreciate everything you do.

1038
00:54:18,500 --> 00:54:20,467
You do a great job and you're doing it for a long time.

1039
00:54:20,467 --> 00:54:21,233
So thank you.

1040
00:54:21,233 --> 00:54:23,500
Thank you. Good seeing you. You too.

1041
00:54:30,166 --> 00:54:31,533
Welcome to National Night Out.

1042
00:54:31,533 --> 00:54:34,533
2026 Piscataway.

1043
00:54:40,133 --> 00:54:43,333
We like to welcome you to our Piscataway National Night Out.

1044
00:54:43,367 --> 00:54:46,100
We've been doing this for over like 35 years.

1045
00:54:46,100 --> 00:54:48,066
And every year it gets better and better.

1046
00:54:48,066 --> 00:54:51,066
Let's remember what this night is for National Night Out.

1047
00:54:51,133 --> 00:54:53,433
Get to know the men and women in blue out here.

1048
00:54:53,433 --> 00:54:55,533
All of our first responders

1049
00:54:55,533 --> 00:54:59,667
patronize the businesses out here and have a very good time here.

1050
00:54:59,667 --> 00:55:01,033
This is what this is about.

1051
00:55:01,033 --> 00:55:03,000
To get to know your community.

1052
00:55:03,000 --> 00:55:05,066
You're here at the community center.

1053
00:55:05,066 --> 00:55:07,033
This is what it's all about.

1054
00:55:07,033 --> 00:55:10,867
We have a gorgeous, wonderful,

1055
00:55:11,000 --> 00:55:14,433
pretty, environmentally clean community

1056
00:55:14,533 --> 00:55:17,867
with great public safety services.

1057
00:55:18,100 --> 00:55:23,634
The our police department is a solid organization looking out for your safety.

1058
00:55:23,867 --> 00:55:28,900
We have great volunteer opportunities in our volunteer fire companies.

1059
00:55:28,900 --> 00:55:30,000
And you know what?

1060
00:55:30,000 --> 00:55:34,000
We all live together in peace and harmony,

1061
00:55:34,000 --> 00:55:36,066
and that's the way it should be in America.

1062
00:55:36,066 --> 00:55:37,066
Don't you agree?

1063
00:55:39,000 --> 00:55:42,033
I come from a law enforcement family.

1064
00:55:42,066 --> 00:55:45,000
My mother is the sheriff of Middlesex County.

1065
00:55:45,000 --> 00:55:46,767
My father is a retired lieutenant

1066
00:55:46,767 --> 00:55:50,100
from the prosecutor's office, and so is my brother.

1067
00:55:50,100 --> 00:55:53,734
So I know that there are a lot of good police officers out here,

1068
00:55:53,734 --> 00:55:58,100
and this is an opportunity for you to come together and meet them here today.

1069
00:55:58,100 --> 00:56:01,133
So when something is going on, you feel comfortable

1070
00:56:01,133 --> 00:56:04,266
getting to know them and they feel comfortable getting to know you.

1071
00:56:04,266 --> 00:56:07,934
So I hope you take this opportunity tonight to do just that.

1072
00:56:07,934 --> 00:56:12,567
So when I say P-Way, you say... You know! enjoy.

1073
00:56:12,834 --> 00:56:16,567
This evening is is the evening of fellowship

1074
00:56:16,567 --> 00:56:19,000
and you get opportunity to meet some of the police officers

1075
00:56:19,000 --> 00:56:21,166
that serve this community. So have a great time.

1076
00:56:21,166 --> 00:56:23,333
We have activities for all ages.

1077
00:56:23,333 --> 00:56:26,100
Have a great time. Thank you.

1078
00:56:29,533 --> 00:56:50,166
♫