LA CROSSE — Christian Rudrud was thrilled to find out the Division II Minnesota-Duluth football program wanted to recruit him as a quarterback.
Previous discussions with college programs revolved around the Central High star to play running back, and he had no problem with that, but he was pleased to see Duluth’s reaction to the way he played under center as a junior.
“I always thought I’d be a running back in college,” Rudrud said. “But Duluth coaches liked the way I play quarterback because it’s a lot like the way their quarterback plays now.”
Rudrud jumped at the offer and couldn’t be happier to give his future home and current teammates at Central a look at where his with his game after starting one season at the position.
Rudrud said he has focused on speed and strength while throwing as often as he can to help the RiverHawks be as ready as they can be when the season begins with a 7 p.m. kickoff against state power Waunakee at UW-La Crosse on Thursday.
That’s the stage on which Rudrud hopes the RiverHawks can show off an explosive offense and hard-hitting defense.
Rudrud and junior Gabe Servais will play big roles in whether or not the offense takes off and give Central multiple looks at quarterback by sharing snaps this fall.
“It can make things very confusing (for a defense), like Johnny Leaver and (Bradley) Check did a Logan a couple of years ago,” Rudrud said. “We can both run the ball well, and we are going to have a good amount of players who can catch the ball.”
Rudrud carried the football 129 times for 952 yards and 13 touchdowns and completed 29 of 46 passes for 370 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.
Servais completed 6 of 9 passes for 248 yards and 4 touchdowns, rushed for 519 yards and 4 touchdowns and caught 12 passes for 169 yards.
“Gabe is so versatile,” Rudrud said. “I don’t even know where we can best use him because he can do every, to be honest.”
Senior Connor Groth and junior Anthony Jones are other significant pieces in Central’s offense becoming dangerous. Groth caught 4 passes for 82 yards last season, but 3 of them went for touchdowns, and he has worked hard with Rudrud during the offseason.
“Me and Connor, since our freshman year, have been throwing together independently,” Rudrud said. “Thousands of routs. He runs extremely crispy routs, and I don’t think there is anyone in the MVC who can guard him.”
Senior running back Karon Carter and junior wide receiver Ruben Smith could also be factors in that offense.
“Being balanced isn’t just about running and passing,” Central coach Mitch Olson said. “It’s about getting all of those good athletes touches in different ways.”
Unleashing this offense, of course, relies on solid help up front, and seniors Aiden Martin and Noah Hess hold the experience among those on the offensive line.
Senior defensive back Aaron Buley (42 tackles last season), junior defensive back Wyatt Foley, Servais and Jones are the top returning defensive players, so getting some new faces on the same page might take some time.
And there is no time for players to work their way into game mode because the season begins with a home game against state powerhouse Waunakee.
“Obviously, it’s a huge challenge,” Rudrud said of the opener. “It’s one of the best programs in the state, but I’m always up for a challenge.
“It could set the tone for the season.”
