Rutgers’ loss could turn out to be a gain for a football program in the state of Florida.
In a tweet posted to his Twitter account, Taylor Marini (no relation) announced that he has “decided to transfer from Rutgers University and I look forward to pursuing my football career at another institution.” Just where that institution will be is unknown, although the Lake Mary, Fla., native chose the Scarlet Knights over scholarship offers from, among others, FIU, UCF and USF, the Star-Ledger pointed out.
No reason was given for the departure, with the player writing a "[t]hank you to the RU fans, my teammates and the coaching staff for your support.”
MyCentralJersey.com notes that Marini “is the fifth player to transfer out of Rutgers since last season ended, joining defensive linemen Nick Internicola and Josh Klecko, quarterback Blake Rankin and defensive back Bryant Gross-Armiento.”
Marini was a three-star member of RU’s 2013 recruiting class and was rated by ESPN.com as the No. 40 tight end in the country. The 6-4, 240-pound Marini did not play at all during his true freshman season, taking his redshirt instead.
Should Marini land at an FBS program, he will more than likely be forced to sit out the 2014 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules.
(Photo credit: Rutgers athletics)