When it comes to its senior class, Rutgers will be close to full strength for the Rate Bowl — with one notable exception. Star running back Kyle Monangai will not participate in Thursday’s meeting with Kansas State at Chase Field in Phoenix,

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano said Tuesday that star running back Kyle Monangai will not play in Thursday’s Rate Bowl against Kansas State. Monangai – along with other players looking to pursue the NFL after this season – had the option to sit out the game to avoid any injury risk that could dent their draft stock.

The decision comes a week and a half after Kansas State star junior running back DJ Giddens opted out of the Rate Bowl and declared for the draft. With Monangai out of the picture, the Scarlet Knights will turn to true freshman Antwan Raymond and sophomore Ja’Shon Benjamin.