Offensive guard Keylan Rutledge is big enough to play offensive tackle. He just doesn’t. And he had a great college career at Georgia Tech in the ACC. He will tell you that college football isn’t just two
conferences in the SEC and the Big-10, but the ACC still remains a quality league. One of its member teams, the Miami Hurricanes, came one interception away from claiming this year’s National Championship.
Rutledge is 6’-4” and a beefy 330 pounds. However, when you gaze at him, he resembles more of a basketball player than an offensive lineman who plays football. He is not a fat guy, but very muscular and lean.
He played for Middle Tennessee University for two years before going into the portal and coming out at Georgia Tech for his final two seasons. At Middle Tennessee, he was named First Team All-Conference USA. At Georgia Tech, his accolades include two-time First Team All-ACC, Brian Piccolo Award winner, and being named First Team All-American.
Yes, he is that good. And he is ready to take the next step in his football life.
Revenge of the Birds staff writer Barry Shuck is at the Senior Bowl this week. He interviewed Rutledge between practice sessions.
OG Keylan Rutledge (6’-4”, 330 pounds)
Georgia Tech
Ranking: #136 (Round 3-4)
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Shuck: What are some traits of your game?
Rutledge: I have really good leverage and am able to get my hands inside. My footwork is good and get my legs stuck in the ground so that I can powerfully unlock my hips. And I have good balance control. I might get off speed. My second step might be a little whiny. But how I come off the ball is power. And then after that is finishing.
Shuck: Your college coach stated that you are the toughest player on the offensive line that he has ever coached. Your thoughts?
Rutledge: I think he gives me a little too much credit. At the end of the day, when it’s fourth-and-one, that’s what drives me. And a lot of the game is between the ears. I have overcome a lot in my life, but I never use any of it as an excuse. I almost had my foot amputated after my truck rolled repeatedly. It was a journey for sure.
Shuck: What are you expecting from playing in the NFL?
Rutledge: It’s a dream come true. But it’s just football at the end of the day. It’s cute to say I played in this conference or this NFL team, but we compete regardless of it. It’s the toughness that’s instilled in me. I’m just wired that way.
Shuck: What is your play like playing inside as a guard?
Rutledge: I am a mauler. I am a finisher. I put dudes in the dirt. I’ve always been like that. That’s why I’m here.
Shuck: Tons of NFL teams here this week at the Senior Bowl. How are you able to keep your focus, and are you still growing as a player?
Rutledge: There are things to clean up even when you have a great rep. Work on technique, hand placement, details, throwing hands, and having my feet tied together with my hands. Going back to fundamentals improves my game.
Shuck: How do you like to be coached?
Rutledge: I have been to two different schools and had lots of coaches. I like getting chewed at, but get very detailed with me and tell me to focus on one thing or another in terms of technique.
Shuck: Have you met with any NFL teams while here at the Senior Bowl?
Rutledge: I have met someone from all 32 teams since I’ve been here.
Shuck: With the offensive line, do you feel it is a huge responsibility to protect the most important players on the field like the quarterback and running backs?
Rutledge: That’s our job. Our job in the run game is to pose our will and finish blocks, and we have to keep the quarterback upright. The quarterbacks are paid a lot of money, so we have to take care of them. As an offensive lineman, you want to help the running back reach rushing goals and give up the fewest sacks. Those metrics are good to look at, but at the same time, you just want to turn the tape on and know other defensive players don’t want to face you.
