NORMAL — Illinois State football coach Brock Spack has no plans to anoint a full-time starting quarterback. Yet at the same time, Spack has pretty much made up his mind. The No.
19 nationally ranked Redbirds will use Tommy Rittenhouse and (not or) Jake Rubley at quarterback in the coming season. Quarterbacks Tommy Rittenhouse, left, and Jake Rubley pose during Illinois State football media day at Hancock Stadium. “I could see us being able to use both.
They bring such different skill sets,” Spack said Wednesday at the team’s Media Day at Hancock Stadium. “I could see that very easily. So far, that’s where it’s headed.
” Rittenhouse has been ISU’s second string quarterback the past two seasons. Rubley is a former three-star high school recruit who transferred from Kansas State. Here are six reasons why what Spack called a “really unique” situation could work for the Redbirds.
Complementary skills The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Rittenhouse is considered a faster and better runner, while the 6-3, 220-pound Rubley has the edge in arm strength and passing abilities. Head coach Brock Spack smiles during the team photo for the Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. “Their skill sets are a lot different.
What they’re really good at, they’re really good at,” said Spack. “Both guys have gotten better at what their weaknesses are and improved those things. There is still a separation on what they do best.
” “We both have areas we do .