Scranton Prep’s Caleb Rutkoski Cleared to Return After ACL Injury
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | June 20, 2025 | Photo courtesy Matt Flanagan
Scranton Prep senior Caleb Rutkoski has been cleared to return to the football field after a long and demanding recovery from a torn ACL suffered during his junior season. The injury occurred on September 20, 2024, while Caleb was blitzing the quarterback. It brought a sudden halt to a promising year in which he played a major role on both sides of the ball as a fullback and outside linebacker.
Before the injury, Caleb was an integral part of Scranton Prep’s early success. In the team’s season-opening win over Valley View, he served as a lead blocker in a rushing attack that piled up 328 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Just a week later, he started at fullback in a marquee win over Maryland powerhouse Loyola Blakefield on August 31.
Returning from a torn ACL is one of the toughest challenges an athlete can face. It’s not just about getting back to running—it’s a thorough, structured process. It takes a successful surgery, a dedicated physical therapy plan, and, most often, a return-to-play protocol guided by a strength and conditioning coach. Caleb followed that process to the letter. His recovery has tested him physically, mentally, and emotionally, but he never backed down.
Now cleared to return, Caleb is ready to step back onto the field for his senior year with Scranton Prep. He’s focused on picking up where he left off and again being a key contributor to the team’s success.
Caleb would like to thank Dr. Ian Stout, Dr. Ted Tomaszeski and his staff, as well as myself for their work during his recovery. He also credits his parents and his brothers for their constant support and encouragement through the process.
He’s put in the work. He’s stayed the course. And now, he’s ready to write the next chapter.
