Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano announced the spring award winners for the Scarlet Knights Thursday at the Scarlet-White Game, presented by PNC Bank. DB Robert Longerbeam won the Frank R. Burns Award, given to the player who displays extraordinary mental and physical toughness during spring practice. OL Hollin Pierce was the recipient of the Mark Mills Second Effort Award, given to the most improved offensive player. LB Tyreem Powell earned the Douglas A. Smith Award for his showing as the most improved defensive player.
Longerbeam played in five games as a true freshman last season, moving to defensive back. He saw extensive action at cornerback in the road win over Maryland. A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Longerbeam attended T.C. Williams High School.
Joining the Scarlet Knights after attending Fork Union Military Academy, Pierce earned a spot as the backup left tackle on the depth chart in 2020. A native of Trenton, New Jersey, the offensive lineman made his collegiate debut in the victory at Purdue.
Powell primarily worked on the scout team in 2020 as a true freshman. A versatile athlete at Vineland South High School, he played cornerback and linebacker and earned All-South Jersey accolades. Powell is from Vineland, New Jersey.
Rutgers opens the 2021 season on Sept. 4 against Temple. The Scarlet Knights will host six opponents at SHI Stadium, including Big Ten members Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Maryland.