Rusty heads into his third season on the squad...spent the past two years on the Scout Team...went through his first Spring drills, after missing last year due to an injury...one of the strongest players on the roster...natural position is guard...working hard to improve his fundamentals and techniques...provide depth at left guard...came to the Golden Eagles from Walters State Community College.

AT TECH -- (In 2007): Member of the Scout Team as a walk-on addition to the roster. (In 2008): Missed Spring drills due to a chest/muscle injury...returned to the roster in August and worked with team throughout the year, but did not play in any games...continued to help the program through his role on the Scout Team.

BEFORE TECH: Enrolled at Walters State Community College on an academic scholarship after high school and attended one year before transfer to Tech.

HIGH SCHOOL: Rusty played one year (2003) at Knoxville Central, then finished up his final two seasons (2004 and 2005) as a two-sport standout at Rutledge High School...lettered in football for coach Mark Hammer, and also lettered in track & field (shot put)...a May, 2006 graduate...earned all-district honors as well as first-team All-Region 1-3A honors...won the team's Best Lineman Award.

PERSONAL: The son of Ulyess and Teresa Chapman...birthdate is June 5, 1987...studying mechanical engineering...full name is Rusty Chapman.