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: Second-year team member...first year of eligibility after transferring from NCAA I-AA Wagner College in Staten Island, NY...has sophomore eligibility...has good size and can catch the ball coming out of the backfield...will add backup support in the Blue Hen backfield behind All-American Omar Cuff and true freshmen Jared Bradley and Cory Broyles...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.

At Wagner: 2004: Played linebacker at I-AA Wagner College for head coach Walt Hameline...led squad to record of 6-5.

Personal: Matthew Vito “Matt” Ruggiero (“roo-jeer-e-o)...born Nov. 1, 1985...son of Henry and Regina Ruggiero...leadership major at Delaware...youngest of four children.