Rutgers WR Sanu poses big challenge

Posted Nov 1, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Nov 1, 2011 at 10:16 PM

Story from correspondent Michael Manganello:

The University of South Florida defense faces a challenge this week in containing a Rutgers receiving corps led by junior Mohamed Sanu.

With a 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame, Sanu has provided a consistent target for true freshman starting quarterback Gary Nova. This season, he leads the Scarlet Knights with 731 receiving yards from 70 catches, including seven touchdowns.

“Offensively, it starts with Sanu,” USF coach Skip Holtz said. “He’s sixth in the country in receptions. In a key moment, they’re going to find a way to throw him the ball. … He’s a great player. I give them an awful lot of credit because they’re getting the ball to their best players. Sanu is definitely a difference maker.”

Sanu has been a thorn in the Bulls’ side in their previous meetings. As a true freshman in 2009, Sanu led the Scarlet Knights with 105 yards on five catches, including a touchdown. Last season, Sanu was held to 48 yards on seven catches, but also threw a 21-yard touchdown pass, one of four in his career.

“He’s a really good player,” defensive coordinator Mark Snyder said. “It seems like he’s been around forever. The guys got 70 catches. That’s amazing to me, the differential between the rest of the team and the number of catches he has. Obviously, he’s their production, a little bit like (Isaiah) Pead (against Cincinnati). We’ve got to know where he’s at.”