Tulsa QB commit Jace Ruder honored by Iowa offer
By Tyler Devine
IOWA CITY, Iowa – High school junior quarterback Jace Ruder has been committed to Tulsa since three days before Christmas.
But that didn't stop the Iowa coaching staff from extending him a scholarship offer on Thursday.
"It feels good," said Ruder, a three-star recruit from Norton, Kan. "Always an honor to have more schools putting faith in you to get the job done with their program."
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Ruder said Sunday that he is 100 percent committed to Tulsa, but realizes that college football recruiting is a fluid process and things could change.
"It doesn't make me re-think my commitment," Ruder said. "I've told the coaches recruiting me and I'll tell everyone, I'm committed to Tulsa right now. Although, I understand that college football is an ever-changing industry. So I want to always have doors left open in case something drastic were to happen."
Ruder doesn't know much about Iowa other than the stability of Kirk Ferentz and his coaching staff. Ferentz is entering his 19th season as the head coach at Iowa and is the dean of Big Ten football coaches.
Ruder said he was told by Iowa tight ends coach LeVar Woods that the staff likes his ability to play outside the pocket if need be.
"Coach Woods told me they were very impressed with my film and that I had an impressive arm," Ruder said. "As well as having the ability to use my legs whenever the time arises."
Ruder is open to visiting Iowa, but as a multi-sport athlete his time for visits is limited in the spring.
"I'm not sure yet," Ruder said. "I'm extremely busy in the spring with track and basketball with shots at a couple state titles so those are my focus now. If I am able to make it up for a visit it is still to be determined."