Georgia Tech’s Keylan Rutledge and Haynes King Shine on ESPN’s Top 100 List
Georgia Tech’s football program recently celebrated significant recognition as offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge and quarterback Haynes King were named on ESPN’s list of the top 100 college football players. The announcement, made public on March 15, 2024, highlights the impressive achievements and resilience of both athletes, setting a promising tone for the upcoming season.
Haynes King, who has garnered attention for his toughness and skill, faced considerable challenges last season due to a shoulder injury that limited his throwing range. Despite this setback, he led the Yellow Jackets to their second consecutive winning season. His performance placed him among a select group of quarterbacks, as he became only the sixth player in the playoff era to account for at least 25 touchdowns while throwing fewer than five interceptions and completing over 70% of his passes. The other five quarterbacks achieved similar feats and were subsequently selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Rutledge’s journey to this recognition has also been remarkable. After transferring from Middle Tennessee, he endured a severe car accident that resulted in a significant foot injury, leaving him with a challenging recovery. Nevertheless, he demonstrated resilience by starting every game for Georgia Tech, earning first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors. His performance established him as one of the most formidable interior linemen in college football.
Impressive Stats and Awards
As the new season approaches, both players have received substantial accolades and attention. King is on the preseason watch lists for prestigious awards, including the Maxwell Award for national player of the year and the Davey O’Brien Award, which recognizes the nation’s top quarterback. ESPN ranks him among the top ten quarterbacks in the country. In just two seasons with Georgia Tech, he has already amassed over 4,956 passing yards, ranking sixth in the school’s history, and is tied for fourth in touchdown passes with 41.
In a standout 2023 season, King made history as the first NCAA Division I FBS player in at least 69 years to achieve a season with over 2,000 passing yards, at least 10 touchdown passes, a completion percentage of 70% or more, and two or fewer interceptions. His 72.9% completion rate during the 2024 season set a new school record, contributing to a total of 37 touchdowns responsible for, another school record.
Rutledge has also found himself in the spotlight, being named a second-team preseason All-American by the Associated Press. He is included on the watch lists for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top interior lineman, and the Lombardi Award for outstanding offensive and defensive linemen. His first season at Georgia Tech was marked by a strong performance, starting all 13 games at right guard, despite missing all preseason activities due to his injury.
Team Contributions and Future Outlook
Rutledge’s performance has been pivotal for the Georgia Tech offensive line. He ranked among the top ten offensive linemen nationally in the Total Points metric from Sports Info Solutions (SIS), with a top-five ranking in run-blocking. His ability to protect the quarterback was exemplified by only two blown blocks in nearly 400 regular-season attempts. Under his watch, the Yellow Jackets’ offensive front ranked third nationally for fewest sacks allowed, giving up only nine in 13 games. They also averaged 187.0 rushing yards per game, ranking second in the ACC.
With the season ahead, the expectations for both King and Rutledge are high. Their accomplishments thus far signal not only personal achievements but also a promising future for Georgia Tech football. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Yellow Jackets aim to build on their recent successes and continue their upward trajectory in college football.
