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On Thursday, Coffee County senior Nate Rutledge signed his letter of intent to play college baseball at Freed-Hardeman University.

Rutledge plans on majoring in business when he attends college and he hopes to be an electrician and start his own business one day.

“I had a few other offers, but Freed-Hardeman had a small town feel like Manchester,” said Rutledge. “They have some great people there and a great program.”

Rutledge, who plays first base for the Red Raiders, had a fantastic year in 2023, compiling a batting average of .323, an on base percentage of .425, 15 runs, 10 RBI, 8 stolen bases and a fielding percentage of .980.

With one season of high school baseball left, Rutledge hopes to accomplish a few more goals before going to college.

“I would like to win all-district again,” he said. “But I would also like to get past regionals and make it to state.”

Rutledge and the Red Raiders begin the 2024 baseball season in March.