'They're going to be great players': KJ Duff, Ian Strong's high school bond on full display for Rutgers football
Since his return to the program before the 2020 season, Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano has emphasized that talented local high school football players should continue their athletic and academic careers on the Banks. Sophomore wide receiver Ian Strong and freshman wide receiver KJ Duff heard that message loud and clear.
New York is not known as a powerhouse when it comes to high school football, and it is often overshadowed by the high school talent that its neighbor, New Jersey, produces.
But, when it comes to decision time, recruits fall head over heels for the promise and potential of leaving their home to shine at a program with a bigger and better brand and atmosphere. Strong and Duff were two players who went against the grain and stayed close to home.
Strong was born and raised in Coram, New York, and went to St. Anthony's High School, where he put his name on the map playing mostly on the defensive side of the ball. Strong was a defensive back and was one of the top-ranked recruits in the state in 2023. As a three-star recruit, Strong received offers from Army, Yale and Kent State before ultimately deciding to become a Scarlet Knight.
"Coach Schiano, he lives by the culture and trust," Strong said. "I knew that this was the best decision for me."
As a freshman last season, Strong made an impact in a few games and hauled in a touchdown catch in his first career game. Strong has tallied more than 50 yards four times this season and had his best game against Virginia Tech with 110 yards.
Duff hails from Riverhead, New York, and also attended St. Anthony's, where he became the program's leader in catches, yards and touchdowns. Duff's on-field talents allowed him to rise to the top-ranked player in the state of New York for the 2024 class, according to 247sports.com. At 6-foot-6, Duff was regarded as a tight end in high school before switching to receiver.
Rutgers was the first Football Bowl Subdivision school to offer Duff a scholarship back in 2022, ultimately leading to his decision to play for the Knights over a number of big-time football programs such as Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Miami or Texas A&M.
Duff has thrived in his first season at Rutgers, being a key contributor in multiple games this year, with his best performance coming against UCLA, tallying 82 yards. As the Knights have continued to improve their passing offense, Duff’s hard work and talent have allowed him to be a crucial part of that growth.
The young receivers have a relationship that goes back to their high school days, when they were teammates for three years.
"We really started talking to each other when we got in high school. That's really where our bond took off," Strong said. "My senior year, I ended up taking him to high school every day. It was like a 45-minute drive. So I think that's where we got really tight."
Now, it’s no surprise their relationship has continued in the Scarlet and White.
"(Duff) recently moved into our apartment complex," Strong said. "I'll come home and he'll just be on the couch chilling. That's really cool, that we have a connection like that."
As Schiano builds his program, top-ranked players will continue to see that Rutgers is a strong program primed for player development and that staying home has real benefits.
"After the game, you really just want to run out to your family and, just like, get a hug from your mom or something," Strong said. "When you're far away, it's really hard for your parents to make that travel … You're in Jersey but you're still playing for the New York family and the New York fanbase."
With Senior Day approaching on Saturday, it's the last home game for senior wide receivers Dymere Miller and Christian Dremel. Barring a surprising transfer portal decision, Strong and Duff will be atop the depth chart for Knights pass catchers next season. The sky's the limit for the two Long Island boys.
"They're both great young men," Schiano said. "They're going to be great players."
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