Former UCLA TE Matt Alaimo Announces Transfer To Rutgers

Rutgers football recruiting gets a big boost from the addition of UCLA transfer tight end Matt Alaimo (St. Joseph’s Regional, Montvale, N.J.). The six-foot-five playmaker was a three-star prospect, and held offers out of high school from Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn, Pitt, Florida and other Power Five programs.

After a redshirt season in his first year of college, Alaimo was looking to make a return home to be closer to family and friends. Alaimo visited campus last Friday, alongside his parents, and made a return visit Sunday for the Rutgers wrestling match against Oklahoma State. His brother, three-star quarterback and RU target Michael, was also in attendance.

The relationship Alaimo has with his brother could be a sway piece in recruiting. UCLA never offered Alaimo’s brother, and Alaimo has mentioned in the past that his parents were interested in both of them attending UCLA. Matt’s commitment could heavily impact Michael’s decision.

Alaimo will room with transfer QB Johnny Langan, former Bergen Catholic and Boston College quarterback who announced he was transferring to Rutgers in December. Both Langan and Alaimo played youth football for Wayne PAL, in Wayne, N.J.

It looks like Alaimo may be immediately eligible to play, based on similar transfer cases and it becoming more of the norm of late with the NCAA. If so, Alaimo would have four years of eligibility remaining. He will be a huge addition to a stagnant offense that needs more playmakers. He’s a great option as a flex tight end, and solid blocker.

Alaimo is a talented baseball player. Rumors swirled around him considering to opt for the MLB Draft instead of college, and schools like Pitt wanted him as a two-sport athlete. It’s unclear if he’ll play both sports at Rutgers.

Rutgers has made it a mission to keep in-state talent at home. Although fans would prefer if players committed immediately to play for the Scarlet Knights, you can’t fault a highly recruited player like Alaimo for testing his options. Fans should welcome Alaimo back with open arms, and realize the talent they’re getting.