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Penn State Football: Nittany Lions offer new QB after Fields decommits

By Collin Wieder

Apr 22, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin yells to the sidelines during the first quarter of the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin yells to the sidelines during the first quarter of the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of the toughest weeks in Penn State football ended with a new QB offered in Kansas prospect Jace Ruder.

Five-star quarterback Justin Fields decommitted from the Nittany Lions earlier this week, but Penn State football moved on quickly offering Kansas quarterback Jace Ruder Saturday.

According to 247Sports, Ruder confirmed Penn State offered him. Although Ruder doesn’t have the same level of notoriety as Fields, he’s a talent. The three-star dual threat quarterback plays both ways at Norton High School.

The Nittany Lions enter a 17-way bidding war for the prospect’s services. On 247Sports, Ruder currently has three teams sitting near the top of his list with Florida State, Georgia and North Carolina.

Run Ruder Run

There’s a reason for the hype and his 17 Div. I offers. Looking at his skills, it’s easy to see why he’s so sought after. For example, his legs make some unbelievable plays that few can make. As a state champion hurdler in track, his 6-foot-3 stride makes him elusive to defenders.

Whether it be a scramble to throw or a designed run play, he’s a burner. A lot of players with that stride don’t look fast, but they still fly away from defenses shattering tackling angles. His smooth running ability and strong arm make for some pinpoint passes as well.

Ruder looks like a man amongst boys with his size and arm making him a nice college-ready product. Although the Norton’s offense doesn’t sling the ball around the yard like most high school offenses, he throws a pretty ball even on the run (Video Courtesy of Hudl).

In his first three seasons, Ruder compiled some nice numbers throwing for 3,585 yards, 32 touchdowns against 18 interceptions. On the ground, he proved just as devastating rushing for 1,130 yards and 22 scores. Furthermore, his play as a safety proved fairly productive as well. He recorded 86 tackles and two interceptions.

Ruder didn’t put up those numbers in meaningless games either. He carries a nice 16-7, two-year record as the starter. In addition, the Bluejays reached at least second round of the playoffs in the last two years making him a proven winner.

Must Read: Penn State Football: Why Tommy Stevens receiving snaps could work

Fields decommitment doesn’t mean he won’t come back but offering Ruder offers some insurance. Ruder isn’t a surefire signee. However, anyone watching Joe Moorhead’s offense has to be tempted to come to Happy Valley.

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