EDISON – Jeremy Zuttah will have the chance to play in the National Football League this season. The 6-foot-3, 306-pound guard from Rutgers was chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of Sunday’s NFL Draft.
“It’s a good feeling,” Zuttah said Sunday after learning he had been selected by the Buccaneers. “It’s been a long process, and I’m glad it’s finally over.”
Although he is smaller than many NFL guards, Zuttah has the versatility and athletic skills to play either guard or offensive tackle.
“It’s a good fit. That’s the best thing,” said Zuttah. “The offensive line coach (31-year NFL veteran Bill Muir) said they like their offensive linemen athletic and quick. They don’t go for the 6-8, 360-pounders. That’s perfect for me.”
“(Tampa Bay’s) real excited to have him and they feel it was actually a steal for them at that point in the third (round),” said Noel LaMontagne, Zuttah’s agent. “Jeremy’s going to go down there and compete for a starting position pretty much right away. Ultimately it will be just finding where he fits in best and where he kind of works to keep the cohesiveness of the line together.”
Zuttah was a three-year starter for J.P. Stevens High School, where he was a well-regarded prospect. His high school teams had a 24-8 record, including an undefeated season that led to the state championship in 2001. In addition to playing offensive guard and tackle, Zuttah was a starter at defensive tackle his junior year and defensive end in his senior year.
In 2004, Zuttah started five of nine contests in his freshman year at Rutgers, splitting time between offensive guard and tackle. In 2006, he earned All-Big East Conference first-team honors. As a senior in 2007, Zuttah was again a first-team All-Big East Conference selection. He did not allow any sacks in the final two years of his college career.
“Jeremy was a four-year starter for us and I know he will excel at the next level,” said Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano. “He is a multi-talented player and outstanding athlete who can play several positions.”
I loved this pick by the Bucs. He can play 4 positions on the line and should add great depth and possibly start for the Bucs.