Rutgers Verbal Now Official

The official verbal is now in at the Rutgers football office.

Earlier today linebacker Rashawn "Rocky" Ricks from Paterson (N.J.) Paterson Catholic told Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano that he will be attending the university next fall. It had been reported that Ricks committed back in late June, but that was not so.

"I knew where I wanted to go for a while now. I was supposed to meet with coach Schiano a couple of months ago, but it never happened. I started to think about waiting until after the season started and maybe look at other schools. I talked it over with my parents and just came to the conclusion that Rutgers is the place for me so why wait."

Last season Rashawn had 110 tackles and was an all-league linebacker. His size of 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds is perfect for either a linebacker or defensive end.

"Now it's time for me to start calling some of the other players in New Jersey and ask them to stay home. If the state’s top talent stays home we can win championships, I really believe that."

Ricks chose Rutgers over offers from Temple and Pittsburgh. Others such as Maryland and Syracuse were also very interested.