Why MTSU football will need to lean on Keylan Rutledge, improved offensive line in 2023

Murfreesboro Daily News Journal
Middle Tennessee State sophomore offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge admits his group is entering the 2023 season with chips on their shoulders.
He also knows that improving the play up front is going to be vital to a Blue Raiders offense that struggled to run the ball the past two seasons.
"We know how it was rocky last year, for sure," said Rutledge, a 6-foot-4, 312-pound guard from Royston, Georgia, following the Blue Raiders' first preseason practice Wednesday. "We came into spring with that hunger like we have something to show. We know our defensive line is good and will give us a look every day. Iron sharpens iron.
"I'll speak for the whole line. ... We want to be the tone-setter for the team. We don't want to be, 'Oh, the offensive line needs work.' We want to walk out like, 'These guys can play.'"
The success of the offensive line starts with Rutledge, a Conference USA All-Freshman selection in 2022 who was named to the Outland Trophy watch list this week. That came despite not cracking the starting lineup until the final six games this past season.
"It was a blessing. ... I didn't really see it coming," Rutledge said of being one of 91 in the nation named to the watch list. "I'm just going to continue to keep working every day and build on that."
Rutledge worked his way into a reserve role near midseason before being elevated to the startling lineup after some injuries. He graded out as a winner nine times during that stretch, helping MTSU go 5-1 in his six starts, including a 25-23 win over San Diego State in the Hawaii Bowl to finish 8-5.
"I'm really proud of Keylan," MTSU coach Rick Stockstill said. "We initially planned to redshirt him (last season), and he didn't play much the first three or four games. We played him and he did a nice job. We love his leadership for a young guy."
MTSU's offensive line took some heat as the Blue Raiders averaged 3.5 yards per rushing attempt in 2021 and just 3.1 per carry last season.
Returning starter Frank Peasant (774 yards rushing, nine TDs) will lead a running backs group that includes talented newcomers in Northern Illinois transfer Jaiden Credle, junior college transfer Romal Webb and true freshman Jekail Middlebrook.
The Blue Raiders were able to mask some of the running issues last season with athletic quarterback Chase Cunningham being able to scramble and make plays happen in the passing game.
Redshirt sophomore Nick Vattiato, who is expected to step into the starting role, has above- average mobility, but not like Cunningham.
"Since the end of last season, and all of the new offensive linemen who have come in, it's been phenomenal," said Vattiato, who played in eight games, including six starts, for an injured Cunningham the past two seasons. "The job they've done throughout the spring, bringing new guys along, has been phenomenal. Their play is really showing that. I have the most confidence in the world for them."
MTSU averaged 373 yards and 29 points per game last season, even with the struggles up front. A more balanced offense will be essential to the Blue Raiders' success in 2023.
"If you can't run the ball, you can't play," said Rutledge, who is joined up front by Sterling Porcher, who started all 13 games last season, former Oakland standout Ethan Ellis, Wilson Kelly and J'Shun Bodiford.
"Our jobs is to get a body on a body, be physical, and be able to run the ball when we need to run the ball," Rutledge said. "When it's third-and-1 or third-and-2, get the tough yards. That's what we're going to pride ourselves on, being the tougher offensive line."
MTSU opens the season Sept. 2 at Alabama (6:30 p.m. CT, SEC Network).