We would like to welcome our next Diamond In The Rough to Gridiron, Drew Rutledge, a 2028 Offensive Lineman standing at 6’4, 270 out of Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana. Carrying a 4.0 GPA on his shoulders, this is a player who, one week, lost his spot to someone who had never played center prior. Then, in one game, he got a chance at redemption and absolutely ran with it, and he had a tremendous sophomore season as a result. He is a powerful force in the middle of the Neville offensive line, with strong hands, great footwork, and the ability to get to the second level when necessary. He also played baseball until his freshman year and dreams of playing college football at Clemson, North Carolina, or UL-Lafayette. He is only going to get stronger as he still has two years of high school ball left.
Here is my interview with Drew Rutledge:
What has your football journey been like? At what age did you start playing football, and what inspired you to play football?
I’ve been playing football since probably third grade. I played with a close family friend of mine, who was the coach. He was really my biggest inspiration, other than my dad. He really pushed me to be the best I can be, and our team to be their best as well, and it kept me going all the way throughout where I am now.
Who else has been some of the biggest influences in your journey so far?
My strength coach is a big reason I love the game so much. He really brought me from where I was my freshman year, which was 295 pounds of baby fat and not a whole lot of muscle, to where I am today at about 270, and I definitely look a lot better than I did.
How would you describe the football culture at your school, community, and in Louisiana?
Neville holds a deep tradition. There’s not a whole lot of new modern things other than uniforms. The coaching at Neville is just unmatched. I think we have the best coaching staff in the state, and they do so much for us. The tradition runs deep, rooted in all the previous coaches who have been there so far.
Do you have a core memory of playing as a little kid, like when you first started playing?
My team played a championship game, and it was a blowout. It was like 42-6, something like that. The game ended at halftime because the other team’s coaches wouldn’t stop chatting to the refs, and they just called the game.
Was playing on the offensive line something you always wanted to do, or did you have another position in mind at first?
When I was younger, I always wanted to be on the defensive line, but when I got to junior high, I made that switch to the O-line. I’m more of an interior lineman, but I can really play anywhere on any side.
What’s something about your game that you think separates you from other players at your position?
I think my football IQ is just unmatched. I’ve got a really strong mindset, and when it comes to knowing and studying defenses, I think I am one of the best.
What part or parts of your game do you feel like have improved the most over the years, and what would you like to improve on?
I think I have improved the most in footwork. My footwork has gotten more than ten times better than it used to be. I feel like I can improve on my strike timing and my pad level.
Walk me through your preparation during a typical game day.
Most of the time, we’ll go to the pep rally, then I’ll go to treatment, and the guy who does it offers the best possible treatment, and he plays a big part in our preparation for gameday. Then we’ll get back into school, do a pregame workout and stretch, eat, and then it’s just film study and getting my mind right for the game.
What were some of the toughest challenges you faced over the years of playing thus far?
I think this past year was the hardest mentally for me. I lost my spot to someone who had never played center before, and it really drove me and lit a fire under me, helping me get better in all aspects of the game.
What was the most memorable game you played, and why did it stand out?
The most memorable game was our Week 2 game last year. At halftime, the guy who had taken my spot prior wasn’t playing well at all, so he was taken out, and I was subbed back in. I went back in the second half and played one of my best games.
How would you describe yourself as a leader to your teammates?
I try to keep the team in check when it comes to being great in the classroom and on the field. I really want the best for all my teammates, and I try to keep them in check, just behavior-wise, as they go throughout the day and the season.
When people look back at your high school career, what do you hope they say about you as a player and person?
I hope they would look at me and see a leader, someone who worked as hard as possible to get to where they are.
Did you play any other sports when you were younger, or do you do any others now?
I used to play baseball, but I kinda stopped playing once I got to my freshman year to focus more on football.
What was the Neville Gridiron Football camp experience like?
I thought it was fun. My favorite part about it was definitely the one-on-ones with the offensive and defensive line.
What were some of your biggest takeaways from it? What is something you learned the most?
I really liked the way one of the coaches, who coached at LSU, I believe, just liked the way he explained a lot of things. He was really motivating when he talked to us.
What has the recruitment process been like for you?
The only schools I’ve really talked to are McNeese, Louisiana tech, and UL as of right now.
Do you have a dream school that you want to play for?
It would probably be Clemson or North Carolina, but I would love to attend UL.
Why do you believe you can make a difference wherever you end up?
I feel like I can really lead well in big moments and when it comes to being around the team in general. As I said, I believe my IQ will definitely help a team be successful.
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