Rutgers Secures Commitment from 2027 Virginia Offensive Lineman Aaron Southard

Rutgers football has announced the addition of another commitment to its 2027 recruiting class, with Virginia offensive lineman Aaron Southard confirming his decision to join the Scarlet Knights via social media. This marks the second offensive line commitment during the official visit weekend on May 29th.

The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Southard, who plays offensive tackle at Saint James Academy in Madison, Virginia, has been recognized for his athletic prowess, boasting a 5.8-second 40-yard dash time. His strength is equally impressive; his HUDL profile indicates that he can bench press 315 pounds, squat 465 pounds, and deadlift an impressive 535 pounds.

Prior to his commitment, Southard had received offers from several programs, including East Carolina, Marshall, UConn, and USF. Reports from The Knight Report suggested that Michigan State was also interested in bringing him to campus for a visit, but he ultimately chose to end his recruitment after a successful workout with Rutgers' new offensive line coach, Jim Turner, in late March.

Following his workout, Southard visited Rutgers for an unofficial tour during spring practice, which solidified his decision to commit to the Knights. He now becomes the third offensive lineman in the 2027 class, joining fellow recruits James Cocozzo from New York and Charles Butler from Pennsylvania. As of now, Southard is unranked by major recruiting platforms.