Rutgers gained some momentum with in-state recruiting on Friday when it landed a commitment from 6-foot-5, 242-pound tight end Michael Giacone (Westfield, N.J./St. Peter's Prep). Giacone, who was also considering Boston College, Connecticut and Maryland, became the third St. Peter's Prep player Rutgers has reeled in during the last 10 months. Offensive lineman Keith Lumpkin and running back Savon Huggins -- both of whom graduated earlier this year -- are the two others. St. Peter's Prep is one of the strongest programs in the state, but Rutgers hadn't been able to tap into that pipeline until Lumpkin committed. "They have a great coaching staff, great facilities and this will give me the opportunity to play in my home state," Giacone said. "I'm very close to my family. "Penn State used to get all of the New Jersey kids, but [Rutgers coach Greg Schiano] wants to make Rutgers the old Penn State for players from New Jersey. That's one of the reasons I chose Rutgers. If the New Jersey kids start going there the sky's the limit." Later Friday Rutgers picked up a commitment from three-star athlete Delon Stephenson (Parlin, N.J./Sayreville War Memorial). Stephenson, whose older brother Daryl will be a freshman defensive tackle for Rutgers this fall, is used primarily as a running back in high school. Stephenson became the 12th player to commit to Rutgers from the Class of 2012. Seven of the 12 commitments are from New Jersey. Giacone considered Connecticut, but he couldn't pass up the opportunity to stay in New Jersey. "Rutgers is a little weak at the tight end position right now," Giacone said. "They like my versatility. I can be on the field every down. "UConn was a very close second, but Rutgers was a better fit for me. It feels good to have the decision out of the way so I can enjoy my senior season."