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 well in,” Rittenhouse said. “It’s hard for a defense to figure out one or the other.” The Redbirds do not appear hesitant to have Rittenhouse pass or Rubley run.
“Tommy is a great passer too and I think I’m a good runner too,” said Rubley. “Yeah, we have our strengths in different aspects, but I think we can do both of them. I’m really excited for the season.
” Willing to team up Rittenhouse and Rubley expressed a willingness to work together. “It’s definitely a different situation, but honestly it’s great,” Rubley said. “Tommy and I, we make each other better because we’re competing every day with each other, helping each other out.
"We’re going to be a great 1-2 punch. It’s going to be really hard for defenses to play us both. They’ve got to scheme us both.
” Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse has a laugh during Illinois State football media day at Hancock Stadium. “Our approach right now is we both play and do whatever can get it done in certain areas depending on the game situation,” said Rittenhouse. “We both have done a good job competing and supporting each other.
We’re spitballing back and forth on everything we’re seeing no matter who’s out there.” According to Spack, he and offensive coordinator Tony Petersen don’t anticipate a set rotation. “Once we get in game scenarios, the guy with the hot hand will probably play more” Spack said.
“Both guys are doing a great job and playing really well.” The ISU coach also wouldn’t rule out both Rittenhouse and Rubley on the field at the same time. “Tommy is so athletic he’s like a slot receiver anyway,” said Spack.
“He can dart around. He can throw on the run. He can run and catch.
” Rittenhouse’s development Rittenhouse has starting experience, taking over for since graduated Zack Annexstad when Annexstad was injured late in both the 2022 and ’23 seasons. While appearing in 12 games, Rittenhouse has passed for 684 yards and rushed for 224. “I just feel more comfortable in the offense,” Rittenhouse said.
“I’ve grown mentally and in decision making and gained confidence through the offense with Coach Petersen. I’m learning a lot from him. The game experience sitting behind Zack the past two years, I learned a lot from him as well.
” “Tommy is very athletic. He can run a running offense through the quarterback,” said Spack. “He scrambles well and throws it well on the run.
His arm strength has improved. He can make most of the throws now.” Tommy Rittenhouse Jake Rubley Rubley’s spring Rubley transferred to ISU in January and went through spring drills with the team.
“No. 1, coming in as a transfer you’ve got to build trust with your players, especially at quarterback,” said Rubley, the son of former NFL quarterback T.J.
Rubley. “Getting in there and trying to implement yourself as a leader is huge. I think I’ve gotten a lot better since spring.
Eight months ago to now, I’m a whole different player. I’m feeling really confident going into the season.” Rubley attempted just six passes at Kansas State, completing five for 47 yards.
“Jake is a classic, beautiful thrower. He’s got a really nice throwing motion,” Spack said. “He can make all the throws.
He’s improved his movement. He runs a little better than he has in the in past. He’s worked really hard on that.
He’s a bigger guy, but he scrambles pretty well.” Guidance of Petersen Petersen will be in charge of keeping opposing defense guessing whichever quarterback is under center. A veteran coach, Petersen was a quarterback in his playing days.
“He’s always been a good play caller,” said Rittenhouse. “I feel confident with whatever he gives us. We’ve got to go out and do our job.
” “He knows how to handle quarterbacks. I think he’s got a really good plan,” Spack said. “We have packages for both.
We’ve already done that.” Micah Barnhart (69) and Elijah Wroten (59) have fun during Illinois State football media day at Hancock Stadium. Buy in of team Spack has seen no hint of the rest of the Redbird offense preferring one signal-caller over the other.
“It doesn’t seem to put any type of bind on our team,” said the ISU coach. “Sometimes you can see a team is not real comfortable with one of them. But we don’t see any type of stress or aggravation.
Our offense is comfortable with either guy.” Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium.
Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium.
Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium.
Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium.
Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium.
Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium.
Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State University football media day at Hancock Stadium. Rittenhouse Rubley Follow Randy Reinhardt on Twitter: @Pg_Reinhardt Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sports Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
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