Rutherford begins his 2009 outdoor season in the same manner in which he ended his freshman indoor campaign -- occupying the Road Runner Sports NEC Rookie of the Week post. The freshman hurdler welcomed in the new season by qualifying for the IC4A Championships in the 400-meter hurdles. Rutherford’s 53.71 time placed him third at the Georgia Relays where he also posted the third-fastest (14.96) 110-meter hurdles mark.