Transferred to Samford from Mississippi State . . . will compete for the starting job at third base.

Previous College: Started 69 games during his time at Mississippi State . . . was an Academic All-SEC selection . . . he hit .262 with a home run and 14 RBI in 2005 . . . in 2006, he hit .242 with four home runs and 26 RBI . . . in 2007, posted a .250 batting average for the Bulldogs.

High School: Prepped at Cullman High School . . . was an All-State selection . . . named 5A Player of the Year . . . named to the Rawlings All-District team . . . named Southeast Region and State Player of the Year . . . named Academic All-State and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal: Born March 29, 1985 . . . son of Tony and Cheryl Rutledge . . . enrolled in Samford's MBA program.