In his first full season at the varsity level as a starter, Jake Rudock took the reins of the defending national champion St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders and guided the team to a 13-1 record, throwing for 1,945 yards and 34 touchdowns as colleges from across the country watched this impressive 6-3, 185-pounder mature into a prospect.
On Wednesday night, after looking over schools such as Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Memphis, Rudock made his decision.
"I am going to the University of Iowa," Rudock said. "Great program, tremendous coaching staff and a chance to play on a team that fits exactly what I do."
Rudock, who has watched his stock rise over the past year, has worked as hard as any quarterback to prepare himself for the next level. In addition to balancing a baseball career, he always made it a priority to keep his throwing arm and mechanics in focus.
"From the first time I worked with Jake, it was evident that this was a young man who had all the tools to play at the next level," said coach Ken Mastrole, who runs Mastrole's Passing Camp. "Every session he attends, he always brings his best with him. There is no doubt in my mind that he has a chance to become something very special."
As Rudock heads toward his final season at the high school level, his goal of winning a state title still remains something that he wants to achieve. While the Raiders lost plenty of talent, receivers Rashad Greene (FSU commit) and Phillip Dorsett (Miami commit) return.
"I had the opportunity to watch Jake play three times last year and came away very impressed at the way he displayed leadership," said recruiting analyst Rich Barimo. "His mechanics are impressive. Iowa certainly fits him perfectly.
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Saweeet! Hawks have done well to land this kid, hope he really shines in Iowa City and turns heads in the Big Ten.
Posted by: Dan Johnson | July 01, 2010 at 09:33 AM
welcome aboard jake!
Posted by: mjblaser | July 01, 2010 at 09:42 AM
Welcome to Hawkeye Nation Jake!!! Have a great senior season and enjoy your time in High School! Glad your a Hawkeye!!!
Posted by: Joe | July 01, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Welcome to Hawkeye Nation, young man! Can't wait to see you rockin' a tiger hawk logo!
On Iowa!
Posted by: FreddyHawk | July 01, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Hawkeyes!!!! wooooooo
Posted by: nic (fort worth, tx) | July 01, 2010 at 10:19 AM
I love the look of this kid's delivery and his accuracy (from the highlights). He looks like a real good fit with Iowa. Congratulations! Go Hawks!
Posted by: Dave | July 01, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Welcome to Iowa Jake!! You sound like a very quality young man. It's great to have you aboard! Enjoy your Hawkeye experience and all that Iowa City and the U of I have to offer! Go Hawks!!
Posted by: JerHawk | July 01, 2010 at 10:34 AM
Welcome to the Hawkeye family Jake. Have a great Senior year.
Posted by: GoHawks | July 01, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Welcome to Hawkeye nation. There is no better.
Posted by: UIalum | July 01, 2010 at 02:46 PM
You'll never regret this decision, Jake. We also pick-up a couple of solid TEs and WRs to make you look even better. Go Hawks!
Posted by: TBone | July 01, 2010 at 03:50 PM
Welcome aboard Jake!
Looking at some of his film, I think he is a very similar player to our current QB Ricky Stanzi, maybe even a little more polished in his mechanics. It's great to see that maneuverability to. And he sounds like a quality young man who is going to be a great get for our program.
Posted by: Steve | July 01, 2010 at 05:01 PM
Go Hawks!
Posted by: Justin | July 01, 2010 at 06:06 PM
Steve: He's got a quicker release than Stanzi, but both need to learn to "look off" receivers. Otherwise, I'm excited ~ Go Hawks!
Posted by: TBone | July 01, 2010 at 06:38 PM
Jake,
Congratulations !!; Randy Shannon loses another one; Iowa gets gets a class act who does nothing but win and 'Canes get Jacory part II !!!.
We'll be following you and the Hawkeye Nation.
Posted by: Cane2896 Birkdale | July 01, 2010 at 08:23 PM
Welcome to the Hawkeye Nation, Jake! Can't wait to see you play!
Posted by: Dave | July 01, 2010 at 09:43 PM
Congratulations young man, Hawkeye Nation is proud to have you as a part of our beloved Hawkeyes. Here's hoping that you can lead your H.S. team to a championship, and enjoy your time in high school. All of us Hawk fans are excited to see you come out of the tunnel into the black and gold
Posted by: Jacob Chapman | July 07, 2010 at 11:23 AM