BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Former Bridgewater State University defensive end Rob Ruggierohas been invited by the Indianapolis Colts to their rookie mini-camp. The Colts' rookie mini-camp will take place later this week on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 16th through the 18th.
In 2013, his first and only season with the Bears after transferring from Springfield College, Ruggiero notched 44 tackles (33 solo) over ten games with 23.5 tackles resulting in losses of 138 yards. The Acton, Massachusetts native also recorded 12 sacks as well as seven pass breakups, two forced and one recovered fumble, and two blocked kicks.
Ruggiero tied for third in all of Division III in tackles for loss and tied for sixth in sacks.
"I think he has very good chance of turning some heads and getting signed," noted BSU Head Coach Chuck Denune. "He has all the speed, strength, and size to compete with the best."
"The football staff wishes him nothing but the best, and we are already very proud of his accomplishments," Denune added.
In 39 games over four seasons of collegiate football, Ruggiero amassed 129 tackles (85 solo) including 47.5 for loss and 22 sacks.
The 2013 BSU football team posted a 6-4 record in the inaugural Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) football season, capped off by a 45-20 victory over Mass. Maritime in the 35th Annual Cranberry Bowl. Ruggiero was voted the MASCAC Defensive Player of the Year by the league's coaches, and he was one of nine Bears named to the All-MASCAC Team.
Ruggiero garnered a number of postseason accolades on the regional and national level in 2013 including the Beyond Sports Network Division III All-America Second Team. He was also selected to the New England Football Writers (NEFW) Division II/III All‐New England Team as well as the Dfootball.com All-East Region Second Team and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III North All-Star First Team.
Following the season, Ruggiero competed in both the American Bowl in Mexico City, Mexico and the All American Bowl in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He earned the Jim Marshall Award given to the best defensive lineman of the All American Bowl, and was also one of four recipients of the All American Award.