The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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He looked the part of an "NFL‑ type" quarterback in a win over Rutgers, his coach said in typical Harbaugh fashion, comparing it to how a bird watcher knows a bird by its "gist," while passing game co‑ ordinator Jedd Fisch noted Rudock was becoming more comfortable with his reads and personnel. He was even better in the 48‑41 double‑overtime win over Indiana Nov. 14, accounting for 504 yards and throwing for a program‑record six touchdowns, finally connecting on several deep throws. "He's really getting more aware of the entire system rather than half of it or three‑quarters of it," Fisch said. "The more he's aware of what we're trying to do, the more he can get to certain guys faster, get rid of the ball quicker … he can hold the ball lon‑ ger knowing that maybe something is picked up. "Maybe early on in the season with the protection scheme, he might not have known [a rusher] was picked up so he might have checked it down quick. "He's got more knowledge base. As the knowledge base grows, be‑ cause he's more comfortable, it feels like he's getting to different things. Maybe early in your career you can go [first read], second, check down. Maybe now it's first, second, third, check down, or first, second, third, fourth, check down. You see that in the NFL with rookies to their sec‑ ond year; I think you see it in guys throughout the season." Teammates admitted it took time to adjust to an "Iowa guy" in the locker room, given how foreign it was — like a player from a division rival traded to a playoff contender at the deadline in Major League Baseball. You can't fake it if your heart isn't in it. Rudock proved early that his was. "He comes into the room and just does everything right," Fisch said. "Not joking, not a storyteller … he just comes in and is very profes‑ sional at everything he does. He's very professional in the way he handles himself." Rudock may or may not play in the NFL, but given his academic prowess, he'll very likely fulfill his dream of being a doctor. And whether or not he's wearing a Mich‑ igan shirt or an Iowa hat when he steps out on weekends in the future, he's already met the Michigan Man standard legendary coach and ath‑ letic director Fielding Yost set forth in his retirement speech about the "spirit of Michigan." "It is based on a deathless loyalty to Michigan and all her ways," Yost said. "An enthusiasm that makes it second nature for Michigan Men to spread the gospel of their university to the world's distant outposts. And a conviction that nowhere, is there a better university, in any way, than this Michigan of ours." ❏ Chris Balas has been with The Wolverine since 1997, working part time for five years before joining the staff full time in 2002. Contact him at cbalas@thewolverine.com and follow him on Twitter at Balas_Wolverine.