Rutledge satisfied with season outlook
Jonas Rutledge is a junior cornerback for the Mustangs. In 2001 Rutledge had three touchdowns and 54 tackles. Rutledge will be one of the key defensive players for next season.
The Daily Campus: What is your overall impression of working with the new coaching staff?
Jonas Rutledge: So far it’s everything that I expected and more. I have never been coached by such a complete staff across the board. I’m excited about working with them.
DC: Have you been able to learn the new defense through studying Kansas State film and meetings with coaches or are you in initial learning stages right now?
Rutledge: Well, so far, I really haven’t seen much Kansas State film but I have seen enough to grasp the concept of what the coaches want to do on defense. But honestly the whole team is in the initial learning stages right now simply because we all have to learn a whole new concept totally different from what we did last year.
DC: How much film have you seen of new head coach Phil Bennett’s defenses at Kansas State?
Rutledge: Not much, but I have all summer to watch as much film as possible.
DC: How will your role change in terms of the coverages you’ll be asked to do?
DC: Have they said whether you’ll still return kicks, or are they planning to save you for defense only?
Rutledge: I’ll still be returning kicks and hopefully punts as well. The coaches have had a chance to see some game film of what I can do with the ball, and coach Bennett knows a good return man when he sees one. They had Aaron Lockett over at Kansas State, and he was ranked in the top five in the nation for kick returns and punt returns. I hope I can have the same success.
DC: A lot’s been made of off-season conditioning, with the linemen slimming down, etc. Did [strength and conditioning] coach Chuck Faucette alter your off-season conditioning? How so (specifically)? Are you bigger/stronger than last year?
Rutledge: I pretty much did what everyone else did as far as lifting went, but I also ran indoor track so I was able to stay in pretty good shape and keep my weight where coach Bennett wanted it to be. I actually gained about 10 pounds from my playing weight last year (175 pounds), and I am stronger than last year, especially in my lower body. Running track helped me with my speed, and I was able to lower my 40 time to a 4.39, so I really benefitted from track.
DC: Do you have individual goals for this season (all-WAC, certain number of picks, etc.)?
Rutledge: Right now I just want to win. It’s good to have goals, but I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about them now. I will expect a lot out of myself. I can tell you that, so look out.
DC: Are you and Kevin Garrett the best pair of corners in the league?
Rutledge: Hands down Kevin Garrett and myself are the best pair of corners in the league. I’m not trying to be cocky or arrogant, but I honestly think we are – maybe one of the best pairs in the nation. Next year we will prove it.
DC: What are your early impressions of the new offense? Do you think the defense will have to shut down opponents again to have a chance to win?
Rutledge: From what I’ve seen so far in practice, next year’s offense will be much improved. Talent-wise, they will be fine, and with them going to a more attacking offense, they will give us the rest we need. Well, you win games by playing defense, so we plan to do everything possible to put this team in a position to win some ball games.
DC: Will the thin defensive line put more pressure on the secondary? What are your impressions of the defensive front? Can it hold its own?
Rutledge: I’m not worried about the defensive line. We have enough talent up there to get done what we want to get done. Our new defense has so many blitzes anyway, we’ll be sending linebackers left and right so they’ll have all the help they need. The secondary is really counting on them to make plays and cause the quarterback to hurry his throws and put us in great positions to make plays.
DC: It’s early, but can you speculate on players (offense or defense) who will surprise this year?
Rutledge: On defense, look out for [sophomore safety] Alvin Nnabuife to really step it up this year at safety. On offense, look for [sophomore wide receiver] Jay Taylor and [freshman quarterback] Richard Bartel to have their coming-out parties. Look out for [sophomore running back] ShanDerrick Charles: The man will have more games to showcase what he can do.
DC: How hard is it to get ready for a season learning new schemes and terminology? Is there any worry among the players about whether you’ll be ready for the Navy game?
Rutledge: Well right now it’s early, so of course things are difficult, but we are a smart group of guys. I think we will pick things up pretty quick. As far as Navy goes, we’ll be more than ready for that game. We want to win. Coach Bennett wants to win, and we can only get better. The sky is the limit for us as a football team.
DC: Who is your favorite player to watch?
Rutledge: On offense, I have to say ShanDerrick Charles, and my boy Comet (senior wide receiver Chris Cunningham). On defense, it has to be [senior linebacker] Vic Viloria, [sophomore linebacker] D.D. Lee and [junior linebacker] Jarrian James. The boys can flat out play.
DC: Who is your favorite player to play with?
Rutledge: Vic, he plays every game like it’s his last and never quits.
Rutledge satisfied with season outlook
