I didn't even apply to Rutgers as a safety
Yeah. I know. How prestigious of you, but big deal. This is about a kid who possibly may end up either at Rutgers or elsewhere, like UCONN.
This isn't about safety or whatever with a 2 cm ruler. This is a kid who is talented and wants to go somewhere, and play and go to school and perhaps have a normal life doing that. Rutgers poses a real possibility for him and is most likely in the driver's seat, because of its proximity, and is easy for his family to come watch him play. UCONN is 2 hours away and is another good possibilty. Both a re e good choices for him, and that's what this is, a choice that is beneficial for HIM.
He isn't thinking about safety school, he's thinking about his family. Who can get to him and how close is he in case something were to arise.
He likes Rutgers a lot, perhaps a lot more than UCONN, but at the end of the day, that won't be enough in wanting his services. It certainly isn't about how much money your former players have brought to your program. If anyone grabs Cliff O, they'll be lucky to have him. But for arguments sake, please stop with the safety crap, even if you came out of NJ. Its old, stale , dry, and it reeks of corniness. Get a clue man