Since 1963, Jesuit High School has produced a collection of tremendous athletes who have dominated their sports at the collegiate and professional levels. Cornerback Isaiah Rutherford ’19 has a chance to add to this impressive legacy as he heads to the University of Notre Dame this fall.

Isaiah’s aptitude for football first became apparent when he dominated varsity competition as a sophomore. As Isaiah continued to excel on the field, he gained attention from some of the best college programs in the country, including the University of Alabama and the University of Oregon.

Recruiters fell in love with Isaiah’s extraordinary athleticism, which allowed him to shine on both sides of the ball as a stellar running back and a lockdown cornerback.

During Isaiah’s three varsity seasons, he rushed for almost 3,000 yards and scored 47  touchdowns.

Even with the impact Isaiah has had on Jesuit, he believes that Jesuit has also had a significant influence on him as a player and as a person.

“Jesuit football has changed my mindset about football,” said Isaiah. “It helped me realize the brotherhood in the sport that’s needed to be successful. I’m most thankful for meeting a bunch of great guys and being coached by one of the best coaching staffs in the area.”

Jesuit Defensive Back Coach Isaiah Frey ’08, a former NFL free safety, appreciates Rutherford’s growth both on and off the field.

“I’m very proud of the man and leader he’s become,” Coach Frey said. “When I first started coaching here, he was a boy still trying to find his way as a gifted athlete. Fast forward to now, he’s developed into a young man who has earned the opportunity to continue to play football at a high level. If he continues to work hard and be coachable, college will just be the beginning of his football career.”

As Isaiah heads to the University of Notre Dame next year, and further into the future, he will continue to leave his mark on the outstanding legacy of Jesuit collegiate athletes.