Florida QB finds fit in midwest

Iowa football has a lot going for it -- Kirk Ferentz, a semi-intimate stadium and rollicking fans.

Sure, that all helped the Hawkeyes land St. Thomas Aquinas quarterback Jake Rudock. But so did the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound quarterback is interested in pre-med.

"One thing that really impressed me was the hospital," said Rudock, who became the Hawkeyes' eighth commitment for the 2011 recruiting class on Wednesday. "I'm thinking about going into pre-med, so the size of the hospital, the magnitude and how well known it is, that was kind of exciting."

When he committed, Rudock mentioned what a perfect fit Iowa's pro-style offense is for his skills. Aquinas' offense is diverse, but it plays to Rudock's strengths, which is drop-back pro-style.

Aquinas quarterbacks coach Dave Bilitier said Thursday that Rudock's strength is quick decision making. It's something the Raiders' offense thrives on.

"We work on that everyday in practice," said Rudock, who completed 128 of 197 for 1,945 yards and 34 touchdowns with only five interceptions last season. "It's always get rid of the ball, make your reads and make them quick. Don't spend too much time on one receiver because he's not going to get open. You can waste time. You have to get it done."

It came down to Iowa and Wisconsin for Rudock. Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois and Memphis also offered scholarships. Rudock toured Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois earlier this summer.

"It seems like when one or two Big Ten teams offer you, a couple more jump in," Rudock said. "I think that's how it really kind of happened. Most of the coaches are kind of friends with each, so that's kind of how it works."

Rudock thought Wisconsin's offense was more of a run mentality with a reputation for big backs and big O-line. He thought Iowa played to the strengths of its personnel.

"Wisconsin is more of a run-first offense and that seems to work," said Rudock, who led Aquinas to a 13-1 record last season. "Iowa does whatever it needs to do. That was kind of in the back of my head."

Rudock also has some noteworthy baseball skills. He plays infield for Aquinas and is hitting near .300. But it sounds as though it'll be all football at Iowa.

"I've decided just football, because being a quarterback is a lot of work," he said. "I've played two sports my whole life, so I guess it's kind of a little break. I need to just worry about the one sport and put all my effort there."

If you search "Jake Rudock" on YouTube, you'll find some impressive training videos, showing some very specific quarterback workouts.

"I just focus on quick breaks and, really, escaping pressure, that's the most important thing," Rudock said. "You can always throw, but you need that good footwork. That's something I always work on. No matter who you are, you always have to work on that part of your game."

Rudock is the eighth commitment for Iowa's 2011 class. The Hawkeyes picked up three commitments on Wednesday.

___________

Jake Rudock, 6-3, 185, QB, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

John Raymon, 6-5, 240, DE, Council Rock North High School (New Town, Penn.)

Ray Hamilton, 6-5, 225, TE, Strongsville (Ohio) High School

Austin Vincent, 6-2, 170, WR, DeSoto (Texas) High School

Henry Krieger-Coble, 6-4, 220, TE, Mount Pleasant High School

Austin Blythe, 6-3, 280, OL, Williamsburg High School

Marcus Grant, 6-2, 190, WR Lawrence Academy (Groton, Mass.)

JaCorey Shepherd, 5-11, 170, WR, Horn High School (Mesquite, Texas)