Two Players Kicked Off Rutgers Football Team

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Just a few short months before the 2018 season gets underway, Rutgers University has kicked two players off its team, because the young men reportedly violated team rules, a source told NJ.com this morning.

Sophomore linebacker Brendan DeVara and junior defensive back K.J. Gray were dismissed from the team, Rutgers athletics spokesperson Hasim Phillips confirmed to Patch.

However, exactly why the two players were kicked off the team is not immediately known, and Rutgers head coach Chris Ash wasn't available for comment when asked by NJ.com.

Gray is a Newark native and attended St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City. He was a two-way player at St. Peter's, appearing at both wide receiver and defensive back. He was the No. 23 ranked recruit in New Jersey by ESPN.

DeVara is a former Wayne Hills star quarterback. In high school, he helped Wayne Hills win an NJSIAA North Jersey 1 Group 4 title. He was named first team all-state, first team All-Group 4 by The Star-Ledger, and first-team All-Metro by MSG Varsity. DeVara played linebacker and special teams for the Scarlet Knights his freshman season. He appeared in 11 games, playing mostly on special teams. He had one tackle and assisted on another in 2017.

Photos from Rutgers University: K.J. Gray, at left, and Brendan DeVara at right.