When Wisconsin wide receiver and kick returner Aron Cruickshank decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal, it was a surprise across the B1G. After a great performance on special teams in the Rose Bowl, he appeared to be well on his way to becoming a more integral part of the Badgers offense.

But Cruickshank opted to explore his opportunities and has now found a new home. This week, the rising junior announced his commitment to Rutgers, deciding to leave the B1G West championship squad for a program that finished 2-10 a year ago.

On paper, it may look like a head-scratching decision. But for Cruickshank, the move from Madison to Piscataway is about being closer to friends and family, as well as having a big role in the offense.

“It is definitely something I needed,” Cruickshank told 247Sports. “When I was at Wisconsin, it was hard because I didn’t have any family out there. I didn’t have any family out there. I didn’t have anybody out there like that for me. At Rutgers, I will have more people within my reach and family can always come over.”

Cruickshank heads to Rutgers with two years of eligibility, as well as a redshirt year available. He can petition the NCAA for immediate eligibility for the 2020 season, but if it’s not granted he can use the year as a redshirt season and still retain his two years of eligibility.

In Wisconsin’s Rose Bowl loss to Oregon, Cruickshank fielded four kickoffs for 194 yards and a touchdown. He returned two kickoffs for scores in the 2019 season. For the year, Cruickshank finished with 674 return yards, 138 rushing yards and 29 receiving yards. He accounted for three total touchdowns.