A re-introduction to Rudock

IOWA CITY -- While A.J. Derby executed a perfect swim move over a block, broke down properly and made a form tackle on a kick return last week, Jake Rudock stood on the sideline, still a year away from anything football.

The two remain linked, even in the wake of Derby's position switch from quarterback to outside linebacker.

Yes, coach Kirk Ferentz said, the Hawkeyes have a desperate need at linebacker with their five most important games of the season in front of them and not even five healthy linebackers on the roster. That factored in Derby's switch.

So did Rudock's development at quarterback, he said.

"We think Jake is a good prospect, but that being said, he hasn't been here that long or played a snap yet, but we like what we've seen from him at this stage," Ferentz said.

But, Ferentz added, linebacker was what pushed the issue.

"Ever since [Pat] Angerer and [A.J.] Edds graduated, it seems like we've been a player short," Ferentz said. "We've had some good players, but it seems like we can't keep them on the field and we're right back in that situation this year."

Here's a quick refresher course on Rudock, who as a senior last fall led St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) to district, regional state and national championships with a 15-0 record:

-- Rudock picked the Hawkeyes over Wisconsin, Colorado and Illinois. Memphis and Minnesota also offered. Wisconsin was the real competition here. Then, a week or so before signing day, newly minted Miami (Fla.) coach Al Golden took a serious run only to be denied.

-- Rudock picked Iowa because he's a pro-style quarterback who wants to run a pro-style offense.

“Great program, tremendous coaching staff and a chance to play on a team that fits exactly what I do,” he said.

Before Rudock, Aquinas ran a spread offense with veer-option quarterbacks. It changed to play to Rudock's strengths.

“We've built it around him a little bit because of his size and his style of play,” said Aquinas quarterbacks coach Dave Bilitier. “He's comfortable in the pocket with a really good arm.”

When Rudock visited in June, Iowa had already offered a scholarship, but Rudock still competed in Iowa's senior camp.

“It wasn't like a tryout or anything like that, but he chose to go out there and compete and he was more impressive throwing the ball than us looking at him as a junior," Ferentz said on signing day. "To me, it really showed that he was a really confident guy and believed in himself and boy, I tell you, we were thrilled when he did commit.”

Rudock remains the No. 3 behind juniors James Vandenberg and John Wienke. He'll likely remain the No. 3 as a redshirt freshman next season. Even if it goes down that way, the depth chart opened with Derby's switch.

"One thing about quarterbacks, only one can play," Ferentz said. "It's not like a running back where you can rotate a couple guys through there."