Rusty Staats

HISTORY — from college Profile

2023: Transferred to Texas Tech from Western Kentucky with one season of eligibility.

—at Western Kentucky—

Previously starred at Western Kentucky where he was coached by current Texas Tech offensive coordinator Zach Kittley and offensive line coach Stephen Hamby in 2021 … appeared in 45 games for the Hilltoppers with 27 starts, all in the past two years … was Western Kentucky’s primary starter at center … tabbed an honorable mention All-Conference USA selection each of his final two seasons … helped push Western Kentucky to a pair of nine win seasons and two bowl victories … 

2022 (sr): started in all 14 games for the Hilltoppers … allowed only one sack over 651 opportunities, according to Pro Football Focus … credited with only one quarterback hit allowed as well as seven quarterback hurries and nine quarterback pressures … led the FBS, as of Dec. 22, for most pressure opportunities … ranked tied for seventh among centers nationally in pass blocking efficiency according to PFF … credited with being in on 1,039 plays offensively and another 79 on the field goal protection unit … honorable mention All-Conference USA selection … tabbed to the Rimington Trophy watch list prior to the season.

2021 (jr): started and played in 13-of-14 games, missing only the Boca Raton Bowl victory over Appalachian State … anchored an offensive line that protected Bailey Zappe on his way to setting the NCAA FBS records for single-season passing yards and passing touchdowns … unit only allowed 17 sacks on the season, which ranked 12th in the FBS and second in Conference USA … collected honorable mention All-CUSA honors by conference coaches and second team accolades by Pro Football Focus.

2020 (soph)): appeared in seven games with 46 offensive snaps as an interior offensive lineman … saw action on multiple special teams units.

2019 (redshirt fr): appeared in 11 of 13 games, playing a total of 15 offensive snaps as a redshirt freshman … majority of offensive snaps came in blowout wins at Arkansas and Southern Miss … 2018 SEASON (FRESHMAN): redshirt season.
 
High school: Attended Watertown High School in his hometown of Watertown, TN … four-year starter for the Purple Tigers … helped team to an 8-3 record his senior year and a second-place finish in Region 4-2A … was an All-Region 4-2A honoree that season … tabbed a Class 2A semifinalist for the Mr. Football Award in Tennessee his senior year … originally committed to Navy as part of 2017 class and spent one year at the prep school before enrolling at Western Kentucky.

—6/23/23