Rutgers Defensive Coordinator Likes What He Sees But Still More Work To Be Done

Rutgers Scarlet Knights have long ways to go to reach elite level

South Dakota football coach Travis Johansen speaks at a Sioux Falls Rotary meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025. | Jonathan Fernandez/Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights football defensive coordinator, Travis Johansson, spoke with the media at his spring football press conference. 

There are a lot of questions this team will answer about dealing with experienced and inexperienced players who will compete in the new season. There are also new coaching staff members on the team. Johansen is not concerned. It’s all part of an exciting challenge and a set of steps to help the team grow and build a winning culture. 

“I think more importantly, guys that we are great human beings, connect with players really well,” Johansen said. “Have an understanding of our system so that teaching gets really streamlined.”

Rutgers brought in several defensive transfers before Johansen's hiring. The new defensive coordinators are impressed with what they’re seeing so far this spring. 

“They’re all extremely hardworking young men,” Johansen said. “They’re good people, and I think fit our culture really well.” 

It’s going to be a slow process for the new transfer players and the current Scarlet Knights to adjust to playing together and buy into the system. The team feels that they’re on the right track. 

“It’s going to take us all summer, all fall camp to kind of get to the mastery of what we’re trying to accomplish,” Johansen said. “Their minds are wrapping around it really well. We feel good. We got a lot of work to do.”

Johansen doesn’t get surprised by anything. He has a lot of respect for the program. He’s enjoying the experience of sitting down with every player. Have a one-on-one conversation to get to know them as a person, not just as a player. Team chemistry and harmony matter a lot in sports. 

The Scarlet Knights have several talented players in the secondary. Their recruiting and transfer portal has helped them a lot. Johansen already feels that New Jersey is home to him. He’s going to take his time to experience every part of the town, but his main priority is to be at the facility and work with the players and coaches.

“What you believe is what you emphasize,” Johansen said. “As a coach, every day is about fundamentals. When you have your head coach backing you that way, and you coach it, and he’s coaching it, your players find a lot of value in that, and you can show them the places where that’s important.” 

The coaches and the program seem to already be on the same page, which is a positive sign. They have a long way to go to reach the elite level. Having coaching experience on defense will greatly benefit this Rutgers team in the long run.