Georgia Tech’s veteran WR Malik Rutherford explains why he stayed, what makes this team dangerous, and how family fuels his game. Must-read from ACC Media Days.
Malik Rutherford Talks Loyalty, Leadership & Georgia Tech’s Rise originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Following a stellar 2024 season that saw Georgia Tech wide receiver Malik Rutherford lead the team in receptions, the Yellow Jackets spark plug of the offense is looking for more in 2025. Rutherford’s team leading 62 receptions were the 6th most in school history, and the most by a Yellow Jacket since Calvin Johnson graced Georgia Tech with his presence. Rutherford is looking to do whatever it takes to get his team a victory in 2025. He opened up at 2025 ACC Media Days about staying at Tech, the depth of this team, and his family motivation.
Q.You withdrew your name from the transfer portal back in December. What feels right about returning to The Flats for your final year of eligibility?
MALIK RUTHERFORD: Playing for that guy right there, Coach Key, and playing with these two guys. And also my mom, she wanted me to graduate from Georgia Tech. That played a big part. I just wanted to be here. I've been committed to Georgia Tech since my sophomore year of high school, so I wanted to finish what I started. I was a part of the rebuild, so yeah.
Q.How have you developed your route running skills to take full advantage of your position and utilize your skill set to the best of your capability?
MALIK RUTHERFORD: Just taking advice from our receiver coach, Coach McKnight and watching a lot of film day and night, even if I'm just on YouTube watching NFL guys training and things like that. I'm always trying to piggyback off of things that I see.
Q.Why is this Georgia Tech team ready to compete at the next level?
MALIK RUTHERFORD: Because of the depth we have. We never had this much depth in all the years that I've been here. I feel like every guy on our team could play ball at the highest level that Coach Key wants us to play at.
Q.You said you had a commitment to your mother. Describe your family. What is it about family that drives you so much?
MALIK RUTHERFORD: Since I was a kid, my mom, she literally -- my mom and my dad and my two older brothers, they literally did anything that I asked of them. There's no way that I can repay them but just go hard for them and get them anything that they want. One of my biggest goals is to retire my mom and dad.
Q.I want to ask you about the wide receiver room. We know it's deep this year, but talk about putting the work in daily with these guys. You've got Dean Patterson, Eric Rivers, yourself, got some young guys, been hearing about Isiah Canion. Talk about the room a little bit.
MALIK RUTHERFORD: All great guys. We're all competitive. This fall camp there's about to be a lot of competition. We don't know who's going to be a starter. It's up to Coach McKnight. But we come in and work every single day. We go out there and we have fun. We're always dancing around, things like that. Yeah, we just go out there and compete.
Related: Everything Georgia Tech HC Brent Key Said at ACC Media Day
Q.You had a great season last year, finishing just shy in terms of being the team leader for receiving yards and you were tied for the lead in touchdowns. Do you at all feel a little slighted that more people nationally are talking about who left the room than you returning and withdrawing your name from the transfer portal?
MALIK RUTHERFORD: I don't really care about any of that, to be honest. I'm just worried about winning and becoming a better teammate for my team.
Related: Everything Georgia Tech LB Kyle Efford Said at ACC Media Days
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
