Keylan Rutledge Preseason 2023 Outland Trophy Watch List
Clemson Tigers are preparing for the upcoming bowl season, but they are also looking to strengthen their team for the next season. They are interested in Keylan Rutledge, a transfer portal prospect from Middle Tennessee State. He will be visiting Clemson this weekend. Rutledge has two years of eligibility remaining and is expected to make a significant impact on the Clemson Tigers’ offensive line.
Rutledge played for Middle Tennessee State and started all 11 games in the past season as a right guard. He played six games as a true freshman and averaged 74 snaps per game. He was voted team captain in his final season at Middle Tennessee and was a three-star prospect for 247Sport upon exiting high school in 2022.
The Clemson Tigers are not the only team interested in Rutledge’s services. Georgia Tech has already received a visit from him. He will tentatively be returning to Georgia Tech on Friday and Saturday before visiting Auburn on Saturday afternoon, followed by Clemson on Sunday.
Rutledge’s Journey So Far
Rutledge was a standout player for the Blue Raiders at Middle Tennessee State University, where he held a starting position on the team. His performance there earned him the attention of multiple schools, including Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, both of which have extended offers.
His decision to enter the transfer portal has opened up new opportunities for the talented offensive lineman. He is now being courted by some of the most prestigious football programs in the country, with Clemson being the latest to express interest.
The Clemson Visit
During his visit to Clemson, Rutledge is expected to watch a bowl practice and meet with offensive line coach Matt Luke. Rutledge’s former head coach at Middle, Rick Stockstill, coached Clemson’s offense as a position assistant and co-coordinator in the 90s. Stockstill was fired after this season following 18 years as Middle Tennessee’s head coach.
Rutledge says that Danny Pearman, Clemson’s assistant coach, was the original point person who learned about Rutledge’s interest in the Clemson Tigers program. At this point, Rutledge does not yet have a Clemson offer, but his visit to Clemson could change that.
The visit to Clemson is an important step for Rutledge as he navigates his options in the transfer portal. It allows him to get a first-hand experience of the facilities, culture, and coaching staff at one of the country’s top football institutions. This could play a significant role in his decision-making process.
Clemson, on the other hand, sees Rutledge as a valuable addition to their offensive line. His potential arrival would bolster their squad and add depth to their roster1.
Competition for Rutledge
While Clemson is a formidable contender in the race for Rutledge’s signature, they are not alone. As mentioned earlier, Rutledge has received offers from Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. In addition, Boston College has also shown interest in the Middle Tennessee transfer
Georgia Tech, in particular, has been proactive in its pursuit of Rutledge. They are looking to fill a significant hole in their offensive line, and Rutledge seems to be a top target for them.
The Decision Awaits
As of now, the offensive lineman is taking his time, assessing his options, and making visits to interested schools.
His visit to Clemson this weekend could potentially sway his decision in favor of the Tigers. However, with offers from other high-profile schools still on the table, the final call remains uncertain.
