Rutgers adds local TE to 2027 recruitment class.
Rutgers Football has landed a commitment from 2027 TE Sydney Padilla out of West Orange High School in West Orange, New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights were one of the first schools in on Padilla, as he plays his high school ball only a few dozen miles from the university.
The 6-foot-4 and 215-pound Padilla is listed as a three-star by 247sports but is currently unrated by Rivals and ESPN. 247sports gave him an overall recruitment grade of 87, which makes him the No.19 recruit in New Jersey and the No.28 TE in the 2027 class.
During his junior season with the Mountaineers, Padilla caught nine passes for 111 yards and four touchdowns. He also spent a lot of time playing defensive line, recording 57 tackles, 14 for loss, and 11 sacks, which was a team best.
Padilla held offers from Syracuse, Boston College, Kentucky, West Virginia, and a bunch of schools from the group of six level, but ultimately decided to commit to the Knights.
According to 247sports, Tight Ends coach Scott Vallone was the point man on his recruitment, but he also developed a good relationship with head coach Greg Schiano before deciding to commit.
“I made the decision to commit to Rutgers. I like the relationship with my position coach, Coach Vallone, and it’s close to home.”
He also made a statement to The Knight Report that shows why he is a good culture fit for Rutgers.
“I plan on recruiting others, but no one in mind yet. My message to guys considering RU would be come to Rutgers if you want to prove people wrong and chase your goals. I feel like there’s a narrative around Rutgers, I want to prove everybody wrong and help coach Schiano execute his goal of winning a national championship.”
Padilla is the first in-state commit the Knights have landed in the 2027 recruitment class.
Category: General Sports
