Mixed emotions for Rutledge on Pitt trip
Two-star offensive tackle Chris Rutledge from Miami (Fla.) Krop was originally scheduled to visit Rutgers over the weekend, but recently had a change of plans. He rescheduled that visit and traveled to Pitt for his first official trip, and got to see one of his top schools up close.
“I met coach Harris and had a long conversation today about what he saw in me as a player,” he commented. “That was nice.” The biggest thing that stood out to him, however, was something that the Panthers had no control over.
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“It snowed,” he said excitedly. “That was the first time I had ever seen it. It was cool.”
As much as he liked part of the visit, another part could have gone better. He was hosted by freshman outside linebacker H.B. Blades, and after Blades had to leave early, he felt he was slighted for the second half of the trip.
“I would rate it about a six,” he commented. “My host had to leave early and I think that hurt the trip.
“I went up there with some other people from Florida, and I didn’t get to see as much. I didn’t feel at home. The other people from Florida had a better time.”
Pittsburgh was Rutledge’s first visit, but his slate is full with four others already scheduled. He will travel to NC State this upcoming weekend (Dec. 12), Florida on Jan. 9, Rutgers on Jan. 23, and Miami on Jan. 30.
“I am looking at the teams’ camaraderie and how the team will treat me,” Rutledge said. “I also want to make sure the academics are high.”
His house has been swarming with coaches over the last week with many of his favorites coming in to see him and his family. So far he has received in-home visits from Miami, NC State, Ole Miss, Rutgers, Pitt, Florida, and South Florida.
Chris stands 6-foot-6, weighs 270 pounds, and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds. He also claims a 23-inch vertical leap.