Georgia Tech Transfer Profile: Offensive Lineman Keylan Rutledge

Will Rutledge step in and start for the Yellow Jackets in 2024?

After covering the two new tight end transfers in our ongoing profiles of the new transfers joining the Yellow Jackets program in 2024, it is time to move onto the offensive line. 

The Yellow Jackets had one of the most improved offensive lines in all of college football in 2023 and are returning four starters up front. Ethan Mackenny, Joe Fusile, Weston Franklin, and Jordan Williams are all back to try and anchor another strong unit in 2024. 

However, right guard Connor Scaglione ran out of eligibility and Brent Key's team had a hole at right guard it needed to fill. Georgia Tech did not go heavy in the transfer portal this offseason, but they filled in some key areas and one of those was right guard. 

Key and offensive line coach Geep Wade had to fend off Clemson to land MTSU offensive line transfer Keylan Rutledge, but they landed the talented guard and I think he is likely to start at right guard to open the season. 

MTSU transfer Keylan Rutledge :: HELEN COMER/The Daily News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Prior to heading to MTSU, Rutledge played his high school football at Franklin County High School in Georgia. 

Per his bio at Georgia Tech Athletics: 

"Rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports … Lettered in football, basketball and track … Played both offensive and defensive line as a senior… Earned Region 8-AAA first team honors as a tight end in 2020 … Was a two-time all-state and all-region performer in basketball after notching 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 points … Crowned a state champion in the shot-put with a throw of 53 feet, 4 inches … Also all-state in track … Played for coach Parker Martin."

Rutledge was a multi-year starter for the Blue Raiders and I think he can make an instant impact in year one with Georgia Tech. When looking at his PFF (Pro Football Focus) numbers, he showed big improvement from year to year. 

In 2022, Rutledge played 480 snaps on offense and finished with a 54.4 overall grade, a 53.8 run-blocking grade, and a 50.3 pass-locking grade. Rutledge was looking to take a leap in 2023 and that is what he did. While playing 760 snaps, Rutledge improved to a 60.8 grade on offense, a 55.4 run blocking grade, and a very good 75.6 grade in pass blocking. 

His improved 2023 season was awarded with All-Conference Honors. 

Per his bio at Georgia Tech Athletics:

 "Attended Middle Tennessee from 2022-23 … Played in 22 games, making 17 starts in two years at MTSU … Named first-team all-Conference USA in 2023 … Started all 11 games he played … Named the team’s Offensive Lineman of the Game four times … Averaged 74 snaps per game to lead all offensive linemen … Voted a permanent team captain by his teammates … Missed only one game due to injury … Played in 11 games as a true freshman in 2022, making six starts … Named Conference USA All-Freshman … Averaged just over 50 snaps played per game … Graded out a winner nine times … Was the team’s offensive lineman of the week following MTSU win over UTEP."

Rutledge is going to be taking a step up in competition this season, but he has what it takes to be a starter in the ACC. He seems to be a player who is still improving, evidenced by his leap from 2022 to 2023 and if he keeps doing that, Georgia Tech's offensive line might be even better in 2024 than it was in 2023. 

Georgia Tech Committ Danielle Carnegie Hits 2,000 Career Points

Follow us on social media for the latest news on Georgia Tech Athletics!

Facebook: All Yellow Jacket

Twitter: @AllYellowJacket