National Signing Day in college football brings out all kinds of social media antics from programs around the country trying to stand out. But this year, Rutgers gets to claim the crown for best player commitment announcements thanks to the help of a beloved NFL commentator.
For a second straight year, Rutgers turned to NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson for what they called “Scarlet Zone,” with clips posted on social media after every signing from Hanson announcing and breaking down the news. Hanson made all the announcements from the RedZone studios and was fully in character, breaking down state championship wins, skill sets and more for the Scarlet Knights faithful. He even threw in a “seven hours of commercial-free coverage” for good measure!
Welcome to National Signing Day!
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) December 20, 2023
7 hours of commercial free coverage starts now!
Let's start out right at home in New Jersey and check in with @BergenCathFBall where Kaj Sanders is in The ScarletZone ready to make an impact.
Welcome, @kajsanders_ 🤝 pic.twitter.com/XJZCHvt0uM
You can’t teach size 💯
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) December 20, 2023
Welcome, Big Ray🪓 @KeyzXclusive | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/rMYr7UEJs4
We are headed to New York to check in with @StAnthonysFB ‼️
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) December 20, 2023
STRONG moves were made on offense last year 💪
Can’t wait to see KJ Duff in Scarlet!
Welcome, @kj_duff! 🪓 pic.twitter.com/HSuINieKcY
Hanson is a Syracuse alum, and it’s unclear exactly the connection that got him to team up with the Scarlet Knights. Regardless, it’s great content, and fans loved hearing the popular host breaking down college football rather than his usual NFL stomping grounds. It’d be a tall task to find a school with a better way of announcing its new pieces.
I can't believe Rutgers football pulled this off, and I love it. https://t.co/gC0mY8aWqQ
— Joe Martucci (@JoeMartWx) December 20, 2023
Love watching these all day. Such a great idea https://t.co/ySewWhq6Aq
— Ryan O'Connor (@Ryan_OConnor24) December 20, 2023
— Devin McCourty (@devinmccourty) December 20, 2023
These signing day videos/fanfare just keep getting better https://t.co/oVNjdZbaEz
— Denton Cinquegrana (@Cinco70Denton) December 20, 2023
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) December 14, 2023