Rumors have been running rampant about Michigan bringing in Iowa graduate transfer quarterback Jake Rudock. And while the insiders were hearing that is was “doubtful” it looks like things may be picking up steam.
According to multiple trustworthy message board contributors (yes, I know that sounds a bit crazy), sources close to the Rudock family has said that Jake will indeed be transferring from the Big Ten West to the Big Ten East.
While Rudock may not be the sexiest name in the world, he has something that no other quarterback on the roster possesses: real playing experience.
The former three star St. Thomas Aquinas signal caller has two full years of starting experience which he established himself as one of the most accurate and “safe” quarterbacks in the Big Ten. He was 2nd in the conference in completion percentage (61.7%) and fourth in QB efficiency (133.5), as well as 1st in interceptions (5) by quarterbacks with 250+ pass attempts in 2014.
To say the least, he\’s a solid, smart quarterback that takes control of the ball. Something Michigan had struggled mightily with under Hoke.
While he takes care of the ball, the biggest knock on Rudock is his “weak arm” and a playing style that\’s almost \”too safe\”. Which is more than fine by me thanks to the offense Harbaugh is bringing in and the running back stable the Wolverines will feature.
That is why, if he does end up in Ann Arbor, I believe he becomes the odds on favorite to start the opener at Utah.
“Why?” You might ask.
That’s why.
Smith was Harbaugh’s first quarterback in the NFL and was seen as a bust before the new Michigan head coach got his hands on him. He turned the former #1 overall pick into a smart, safe quarterback that rarely turned the ball over and relied on his power running game and his possession receiving tight ends and wide receivers. And that\s exactly what the 2015 Michigan Wolverines need.
No more horrible decisions and costly turnovers for the Maize and Blue. Harbaugh wants his quarterbacks to take care of the ball and, if Rudock does indeed join the program, he’s the best option to do so.
Morris is a gunslinger that struggled making the right decisions in his very short stint as starting QB. While Speight, Malzone and Gentry have zero starting experience combined. Unless someone takes a big step forward, I think the safe play will be the one that’s made.
If Rudock is in the winged helmet when summer training camp begins, I believe his ability to take care of the ball and lead the team with experience will give him the best chance to be Harbaugh’s first starting quarterback as Michigan head coach.
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