A three-year starter at safety/inside linebacker and a graduate of Millsaps in May 2006, Ross Rutledge returns for a second season on the Majors’ staff working with outside linebackers.

In his first season on the coaching staff, Rutledge had the privilege of coaching two all-conference selections, helping returning sophomore Lee Klein and former teammate Ronnie Wheat land on the All-SCAC Second Team.

“Having played two seasons with Ronnie and watched his success from last season, I look forward to coaching him in his final season as a Millsaps Major,” Rutledge said.

On the playing field, Rutledge returned for his sophomore and senior seasons as the team’s leading tackler, recording 71 tackles (8.0 tackles-for-loss) in his final season -- highlighted by a 17 tackle performance against Sewanee -- to remain the team’s leading tackler in 2005. Rutledge also recovered three fumbles, forced two more and picked up a sack.
In the classroom, Rutledge received his undergraduate degree in history from Millsaps last year and will finish up his master’s in social sciences from Mississippi College in December.

A graduate of Memphis University School and a native of Germantown, Tenn., Rutledge competed in football, baseball and track upon his arrival to Millsaps, earning all-state honors.

A resident of Jackson, Rutledge is the son of Chuck, an attorney for First Tennessee and Sandra, a personal assistant. His older sister, Rheagan, is expecting a child in early December.