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This Rutgers football WR is ready for a bigger role in 2026
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- This Rutgers football WR is ready for a bigger role in 2026
PISCATAWAY – Benjamin Black the last two seasons has made some big plays for Rutgers football , flashing his potential and ability to make an impact as part of the Scarlet Knights ' deep and talented wide receiver corps.
But Black has still mostly been under the radar.
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His chance to change that could be coming.
As Black prepares for his third season in a Rutgers uniform, he could be earning himself a bigger role within the offense, especially following the departure of Ian Strong .
The Scarlet Knights return a bevy of impact receivers – most notably KJ Duff, a potential future first-round draft pick , but Black shouldn't be overlooked.
Oct 5, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Ben Black (2) catches a pass for a touchdown against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Malcolm Hartzog Jr. (7) and defensive back Marques Buford Jr. (3) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
The 6-foot, 185-pound Black joined Rutgers as part of the 2024 recruiting class – he was a three-star prospect out of Mallard Creek High School in North Carolina and the No. 39 overall recruit in the state according to the 247Sports Composite.
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Rutgers under Greg Schiano has made it an emphasis to add more speed to the roster. Earning Black's commitment helped achieve that – Black ran track in high school and was part of a state championship team that set a North Carolina record in the 4x200-meter relay.
He played in all 13 games in 2024 as a true freshman, recording 12 catches for 157 yards and one touchdown.
Then last season Black played in all 12 games, including three starts. He had eight catches for 119 yards and one score.
All of that experience has gone a long way.
Two seasons of production, two seasons of competing against Big Ten defensive backs, taught him what it takes to be a consistent receiver at this level.
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"I just feel like you've got to have the same mindset every day, you've got to go out and you've got to be the best player you can be," Black said. "You can't just have like off days or whatever. You just got to go out and do the same thing, play your best, practice your best every day, and then you'll show up in the game."
Black pinpointed exactly what he's working on this offseason to become a more productive receiver in 2026.
"(Becoming) more consistent with my hands," Black said during spring practices. "I feel like I have good hands, and I just, once I learn how to use them in every situation, then I'll be great."
Playing alongside Duff doesn't hurt, either.
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They joined the program at the same time, and since then Duff has established himself as one of the top receivers in the Big Ten and Rutgers' most dangerous offensive weapon.
Black isn't missing the opportunity to pick Duff's brain to learn the nuances of what's gotten him to this level.
"Yeah he's been a great leader over here over the years," Black said. "He came in the same class as me. I was just watching him improve and be successful, and then now I get to ask him questions. He had over 1,000 yards last year, so he learned a lot and he did a lot here. So I'm able to ask him a question every day. I see him every day. I get to get better off of him. If I have questions, I go to him."
It remains to be seen what exact role Black will be in this season, but this could be his chance to make the biggest impact he's had since joining the program.
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The days of Black flying under the radar could be ending.
"Just every time I get a rep, every time I get a rep, I'm just getting better every day," Black said. "Every time I step up for practice, I'm just doing my best every rep. So I'm just getting better."
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Rutgers football WR Ben Black ready for bigger role in 2026
