Baton Rouge has long been a breeding ground for football talent, and one young athlete making a name for himself is James Rutledge our latest Rising Star. A standout wide receiver and defensive back from Sacred Heart, James is proving that passion, intelligence, and relentless effort can set a player apart no matter what.
At 5″5 and 125 pounds, James stands out because of his work ethic and how much he cares about improving, his football IQ, and determination, make him a force to be reckoned with the more he continues to grow and improve in his future. His dedication to refining his skills and contributing to his team’s success is evident in the way he approaches every practice, game, and challenge.
This past December, James took his talents to the next level, competing in the Gridiron Football Junior High Bowl Game for Team South. The opportunity allowed him to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage, further cementing his reputation as a player to watch in the coming years.
I recently spoke with James to discuss his football journey, goals, and the motivation that drives him. His passion for the game is undeniable, and his commitment to continuous improvement makes it clear that his best days are still ahead. Keep an eye on this young playmaker his story is just beginning.
Q. Who got you into football?
A. “My father mostly got me into football. He was all state in high school and I wanted to be like him. My cousins also influenced me. I grew up watching them play and wanted to be like them too. My cousin Preston Jones participated in gridiron’s senior bowl this year. He is now going to play for Nichols.”
Q. Why do you play the game of football?
A. “I play the game of football because it is fun and means a lot to me. I like the grind and the family I make with my team and most of all I like to compete.”
Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through playing football?
“I learned that you have to want it you can’t just give half effort or you will not become anything.”
Q. Where do you see football going in your life?
A. “My dream is to play in high school and go d1 and eventually get to the pros but I know that’s not easy and I have to put in the work, but I’ll enjoy every minute I’m able to play football.”
Q. What is your favorite football memory?
A. “My favorite memory was probably when I made the game-saving tackle against St Thomas Moore.”
Q. What does football mean to you?
A. “It means to me that I can be a part of a team and compete and grind with my teammates and make memories.”
Q. What challenges have you had while playing football?
A. “I broke my ankle going into 6th grade and I also broke my finger in the first practice of 7th grade. Our quarterback also got injured in the middle of our season and they had to move me to play qb the next week.”
Q. How did you overcome those challenges?
“I overcame those by learning to be patient and rehabbing my ankle. I also went to every practice while I was injured. I also attended every practice with my broken finger and did every drill that didn’t affect my finger. When they moved me to QB I would study the plays with my dad every night to be prepared for the game. I ended up going 2-0 and my first pass was a touchdown.”
Q. How do you stay trained and in football-shape during the off-season?
A. “During the offseason, I do basketball, track, baseball, and swim to stay in shape, and any days I have time to I work out on my own and I run sprints in the empty lot next to my house.”
Q. How are you looking to get better and improve in football?
A. “It is a priority for me to keep a healthy diet and get a good amount of sleep. I am also always looking for drills to improve my craft.”
Q. What are some goals that you have set for yourself in the future?
A. “Some goals I have set for myself in the future are to get playing time my sophomore year on varsity and keep my grades at a 3.8-4.0 and to improve every day.”
Q. Who is your favorite football player and why?
A. “My favorite football player is Jamar Chase because he is so versatile and strong and fast and he plays like there is nobody better than him and he always competes with the best. I also like Bo Jackson because he was a multiple sport athlete.”
Q. What football teams do you cheer for?
A. “I cheer for LSU, Bengals, and Saints.”
Q. What do you think your biggest strength is?
A. “I think that my biggest strength is my work ethic and how versatile I am. This season I played RB, WR, QB, SS, OLB, and CB.”
Q. What are your goals going forward?
A. “My goals are to be a well-rounded student-athlete and enjoy the sports that I’m able to play.”
Q. Do you have a fun fact about yourself?
A. “Football is my favorite sport, but I love to compete in swimming, and during the summer I have won in breaststroke multiple times.”
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