Virginia OL Aaron Southard commits to Rutgers Football

Rutgers landed a commitment from Virginia offensive tackle Aaron Southard during the program’s Official Visit weekend. Southard is 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, from The St. James Academy in Madison. He chose Rutgers over ECU, Marshall, UConn, and USF, with Michigan State pressing to visit. Southard earned his offer after a late March workout with OL coach Jim Turner. During the visit, Schiano FaceTimed Southard while he spoke with Turner, a moment he recalled. Southard praised Turner and Rutgers’ culture, noting the program’s NFL track record. HUDL lists a 5.8-second 40-yard dash, 315-pound bench, 465-pound squat, and 535-pound deadlift. He is Rutgers’ second 2027 OL commit, part of an eight-player class. Southard joins interior lineman James Cocozzo in Rutgers’ 2027 class, broadening the Knights' interior options. He brings depth and aligns with Rutgers’ plan to reinforce the line. The staff highlighted his SEC experience from Kentucky as a foundation for growth in their pro-style system. This pledge marks an early win for Rutgers’ 2027 recruiting efforts and depth.