High School: Played football and was a member of the track and field team at West Essex High School...played linebacker and strong safety in football...led team to 10 or more wins each of his three varsity seasons...team won state, section, and group titles his senior year...earned first team all-conference, All-Essex County, and state All-Group II honors as a senior...earned two letters in track as a sprinter and long jumper.

At Delaware: Third-year team member...junior who will play a key role for the Blue Hens for the second straight year after transfer from FCS member Wagner College in Staten Island, NY...will serve as a blocking back on short yardage situations and on special teams...has good size and can catch the ball coming out of the backfield...will add backup support behind All-American senior Omar Cuff, sophomore Jared Bradley, and sophomore transfer Jerry Butler...carried six times for 15 yards and had a reception for three yards in Blue-White Spring Game in April...changed number from 40 to 32 this fall...2006: Earned first letter at Delaware in first year of eligibility after transfer from Wagner...saw action in all games as a special teams player and short yardage blocker...carried twice for 12 yards and registered two tackles on the season...rushed twice for 12 yards on carries of 11 and one yard vs. West Chester...posted solo tackles vs. Rhode Island and William & Mary...team went 5-6 for head coach K. C. Keeler...rushed for 48 yards on 10 carries and scored on a 23-yard touchdown run and had two catches for eight yards in the Blue-White spring game...2005: Did not see game action...sat out per NCAA transfer rules...team went 6-5.

At Wagner: 2004: Played linebacker at Wagner College for head coach Walt Hameline...team posted a record of 6-5.

Personal: Matthew Vito “Matt” Ruggiero (“roo-jeer-o)...son of Henry and Regina Ruggiero...finance major at Delaware...youngest of four children...works with the family business during the off-season.

Career Statistics at Delaware