Asamoah Talks About Taking a Leadership Role in O-Line Room: Big Ten Media Day

PISCATAWAY, NJ - AUGUST 28: Kwabena Asamoah #69 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the game against the Ohio Bobcats on August 28, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Rutgers offensive lineman Kwabena Asamoah was one of the three player representatives that the Scarlet Knights sent to Big Ten media days to speak on behalf of the program. He was joined by wide receiver KJ Duff and running back Antwan Raymond, who largely spoke about their decision to return to Rutgers. Asamoah’s line of questioning was a little bit different, with his first major question revolving around the leadership he will bring to the Rutgers offensive line room this season.

With graduations and the transfer portal, Asamoah, who was named an All-American by ESPN last season, is the only returning starter on the Rutgers offensive line who played all 12 games at the same position.

“For me, it puts me in a position to, like you said, be a leader. That’s an honor to me personally. When I came in as a young 17 year old there were guys on the team that helped me become the player I am today, so I am just blessed, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do the same for others,” said Asamoah when asked about what his experience means to him as he becomes a leader on the offensive line.

He was also asked about the relationship between the offensive line, the offensive line coach Jim Turner, and Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.

“With our new coach, Coach Turner and Coach Schiano, I feel like they are on the same page, and coach Ciarrocca as well, I feel like they are all on the same page with how they want the offensive line to play and how they want the offense to operate, so you know with coach Turner coming in, we have been working hard at being violent, being passionate, you know playing hard every single down, so I am really excited for what this year holds,” said Asamoah.

Rutgers’ offensive line room is one of the more promising areas on the team, even with the attrition the group has faced this offseason. The tackle room has a lot of depth that we saw last season due to all the injuries. The prospect pipeline has been adding promising high school talent for a few years now. Asamoah will play a pivotal role in bringing all of that together as a sort of elder statesman in the room, all while continuing to show the individual dominance he has shown in the past.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →