PISCATAWAY -- Big Ten football often is associated with power, but speed still kills.

By the end of the first quarter of the first game of last season -- when Rutgers allowed three long touchdown passes to College Football Playoff participant Washington  -- it was apparent that the Scarlet Knights had a major speed deficiency.

It only became more obvious -- and thus more of a recruiting need -- as the season progressed.

Rutgers unveiled a new class of 28 scholarship players Wednesday on National Signing Day, and the reason that many could see the field as true freshmen is because they offer an added gear.

"If you look at the class overall, there was a huge emphasis on the skill positions," coach Chris Ash said. "You look at the wide receivers, defensive backs, running backs, who I think we have increased our overall team speed, I think we've increased the number of people that we can use on special teams early."

Negative recruiting used vs. Rutgers

While Rutgers also struggled at times to gain separation in pass routes and to cover deep passes, the lack of speed was most noticeable on special teams and in the resulting field position battle.

Rutgers ranked last in the Big Ten in net yardage on both kickoffs and punts, a two-way problem with the specialists and the coverage team. Four kicks were returned for touchdowns.

"We'll make no secrets about it," Ash said. "Our special teams were not where they needed to be."

In addition to adding graduate transfer punter Ryan Anderson and walk-on kicker Justin Davidovicz, Rutgers signed recruits capable of following in the footsteps of Trey Sneed, Dacoven Bailey Larry Stevens. The speedy true freshmen played on special teams coverage in 2016.

"A lot of these players, I think, are going to have a chance on special teams right away," Ash said. "The team speed and depth for special teams play was really important for us, and I think we've been able to address that."

Cedar Creek's Bo Melton talks about signing with Rutgers

Rutgers signed Wayne Hills wide receiver Hunter Hayek -- whose personal-best time in the 100-meter dash would have ranked fourth at the spring track 2016 NJSIAA Meet of Champions -- and his twin brother and fellow track star Tyler Hayek.

Linebacker Syhiem Simmons, athlete Tim Barrow, halfback Raheem Blackshear and wide receivers Bo Melton and Damon Mitchell also bring a speed upgrade. That should take some of the pressure off of Janarion Grant and Jawuan Harris.

Sure tackler Jon Lovett (Baylor) and burner Bryce Watts (Virgnia Tech) likely would have been in the same position for early special teams playing time if not for decommitments.

"We don't ever talk about film izle redshirting to our recruits," Ash said. "We want them to come in with the mindset that they are going to come take somebody's job and they are going to compete for playing time. And we want them to prepare that way once they sign that national letter of intent."

Ryan Dunleavy may be reached at rdunleavy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rydunleavy. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.

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