Jake Rudock has 'bounce in his step' on Michigan campus

CHICAGO – Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said Friday that Jake Rudock has acclimated to life in Ann Arbor. Now, who becomes the Wolverines quarterback is a game of best man wins.

The graduate transfer from Iowa is expected to compete with returning QB Shane Morris, plus three other newcomers, to be the first starter in the Harbaugh era.

"He's got a bounce in his step. He's got some real pizzazz," Harbaugh said. "Shane Morris and Jake, they're very serious, very focused, but very loose and confident at the same time. Very excited to watch both of them compete. They both have a lot at stake. I'm just going to kind of observe."

Rudock threw for 4,819 yards and 34 touchdowns in two seasons as the Hawkeyes' starting quarterback, but lost the job entering spring practice to junior C.J. Beathard. It was clear in Thursday's session at Big Ten Media Days that Iowa was embracing its new guy; and Michigan likes Rudock, too, as a guy who can bridge the gap until young up-and-comers like Alex Malzone and Zach Gentry are ready.

Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz fielded a lot of Rudock/Beathard questions from conference media.

"Jake's a great young guy. We've got nothing but respect for him," Ferentz said. "He was totally on board his entire time at Iowa. So I wish nothing but the best for him. I know he's going to do well academically, and I hope it works out athletically."

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