James Cocozzo, a highly rated offensive lineman from Stillwater/Saratoga Central Catholic, has announced that he will begin his college football career at Rutgers University a year earlier than originally planned.
The 2026 enrollee had originally committed to the Scarlet Knights for the class of 2027, but after a rigorous rehabilitation from a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained during his junior season, he will report to campus in August to join the team.
Coach Greg Schiano will see the young prospect transition from the tackle position he occupied in high school to an interior line role, a move that the coaching staff believes will maximize his impact on the defensive front.
Cocozzo’s family background adds a layer of football tradition; his father, Joe Cocozzo, enjoyed a professional career that included stints at the University of Michigan and the San Diego Chargers, where he started 48 regular‑season games and played in Super Bowl XXIX.
During his freshman year in 2023, James earned first‑team Times Union small‑school All‑Star honors at linebacker, and as a sophomore he was again selected to the Times Union first‑team for his performance at offensive tackle.
Rutgers concluded the 2025 season with a 5‑7 record, culminating in a 40‑36 loss to Penn State, a result that has set the stage for the program’s renewed focus under Schiano and the arrival of new talent like Cocozzo.
Off the field, the incoming freshman plans to major in exercise science, indicating an academic path that aligns with his physical development and recovery journey.