Breaking News: Mike Maietti discusses Rutgers commitment
Rutgers added one more offensive lineman to its recruiting class of 2016 as Don Bosco center Mike Maietti picked up a last-minute offer from the Scarlet Knights today and committed shortly thereafter. Before publicly announcing his commitment tonight, Maietti spoke to Scarlet Nation about how all of it transpired.
“Since the new staff came in, I know the O-line coach [A,J, Blazek] really liked me. He came to my school a couple of times, him and [head] coach [Chris] Ash. Today, they pulled the trigger and offered me. That was my dream offer and I finally got it. I talked to my family and I knew that’s where I wanted to go. I want to stay home in New Jersey.”
Maietti commented on the reaction of the RU staff when he informed them of his commitment earlier today.
“They are really, really excited. Even when the O-line coach offered me, he was really excited. He said I am the type of guy they want on and off the field and all that stuff. They are really, really excited.”
Prior to receiving the offer, Maietti was committed to New Hampshire.
“I decommitted earlier today. Coach Mac [Sean McDonnel] and that whole staff have a really good thing going there," he said. "I was going to go there but my dream offer came in and I knew I could not miss this opportunity.”
Maietti went on to talk about why Rutgers was his dream offer.
“It’s representing your home state. That is a big thing. My offensive coordinator [Mike Teel] went there. I have a great relationship with him. It just all worked out for the best.”
Maietti is a true center prospect, something that is not always common in offensive line recruiting.
“I was playing guard up until my sophomore year in high school and then the old O-line coach moved me to center and I have been starting on varsity for three years now at center. I fell in love with the position," Maietti explained. "I feel like it is the brains of the offense. Everyone says the quarterback has to be the smartest one on the field. I don’t really agree with that. Maybe it’s just because I play center, but I like to think I am one of the smarter guys on the field. I know when something is coming so we can change protections and stuff like that. That is what I really pride myself on to be honest.”
Maietti is currently training in his spare time with teammate and Iowa commit Brandon Simon. Maietti also recently played in the Semper-Fi All-American Bowl out in Costa Mesa, Calif.
“It was a great experience. There were a lot of big-time prospects there,” Maietti said. “It was exciting to build relationships with those guys.”
Even though things progressed quickly, Maietti has been to the Rutgers campus before.
“I camped at Rutgers my sophomore year. But since the new staff came in, they showed a lot of love so I am excited to be a part of it. I am also excited that it’s in my home state.”