Rutgers Kicks Off 2027 Class with In-State Tight End Sydney Padilla
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are wasting no time building momentum for their 2027 recruiting class, and they’re starting close to home. West Orange (N.J.) High School tight end Sydney Padilla became the first commitment in the class, announcing his decision shortly after an in-home visit from tight ends coach Scott Vallone.
At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Padilla brings size, upside, and a local connection that Rutgers is clearly valuing as it looks to reestablish in-state recruiting dominance. His commitment became official Friday, but the groundwork had been laid over the course of several visits to campus and a growing relationship with the Rutgers coaching staff.
“I made the decision to commit to Rutgers,” Padilla said. “I like the relationship with my position coach, Coach Vallone, and it’s close to home. I like how the tight end is involved in the offense, which is another reason I decided to make this choice.”
A Local Talent Staying Home
Padilla has been a frequent visitor to Piscataway since receiving his offer in June. That familiarity paid off. He’s built a strong connection not just with Vallone, but also with head coach Greg Schiano - a key factor in Rutgers’ ability to secure early commitments from top regional talent.
For Padilla, the opportunity to play in the Big Ten while staying close to family and friends was a major draw.
“It means a lot to rep my state,” he said. “It even gives me motivation to push harder because I know my people are not far and are looking up to me.”
The Scarlet Knights were in the driver’s seat for much of Padilla’s recruitment. While he held offers from Boston College, Syracuse, and West Virginia - as well as several Group of Five programs - Rutgers consistently stood out. He didn’t make a concerted push to visit other campuses, and the bond with the staff, plus the proximity to home, ultimately sealed the deal.
“I love the atmosphere every time I go,” Padilla added. “The coaching, game day vibes, and the crowd.”
Where Padilla Stands Nationally
Padilla enters the fold with a solid recruiting profile. He holds an 87 grade from 247Sports, ranking him as the No. 28 tight end nationally and the No. 19 player in New Jersey. The 247Sports Composite - which blends rankings across multiple services - slots him at No. 30 among tight ends and No. 20 in New Jersey, placing him just inside the top 600 nationally in the 2026 class.
While he’s not yet a household name on the recruiting circuit, Rutgers sees something in his long-term potential, and his physical tools suggest there’s plenty of room to grow.
How He Fits in Piscataway
Padilla gives Rutgers a developmental piece at tight end - a position that remains a focal point in offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca’s system. The Scarlet Knights brought in DJ Howerton and Brady Owens in the 2026 class, but depth is still a work in progress. Padilla's commitment helps address that need while also giving Rutgers a head start on reestablishing its New Jersey recruiting footprint after signing just two in-state players in 2026.
Padilla’s versatility is one of his early calling cards. He lines up both as an H-back and as a traditional inline tight end. While his role in the passing game has been limited - he finished with nine catches for 111 yards and four touchdowns - his frame, wingspan (reportedly 80 inches), and blocking potential make him an intriguing prospect, especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
He’s already got the size and length to project to around 250 pounds at the college level, and his 4.7-second speed is serviceable for the position. The next step in his development will be refining his technique - particularly learning to sink his hips and improve leverage in the blocking game. His change of direction is another area to watch as he transitions to the next level.
Looking Ahead
Rutgers has made a statement by opening its 2027 class with a local commitment at a position of need. Padilla may not be the flashiest name in the class - yet - but he fits the mold of a player who can grow into a key contributor in the Big Ten. He’s got the frame, the work ethic, and the home-state pride that Rutgers is banking on as it builds for the future.