Morris v. Rudock: The Two Sound Off On The Starting Quarterback Battle

The starting quarterback position battle is at the top of the list when it comes to interesting storylines that will play out when Michigan's fall camp opens officially on Friday.

Shane Morris took the first team reps and was the most impressive quarterback at the Spring Game, which is momentum he will use as camp opens up.

"I busted my butt this summer with everything, like watching film every day and studying the playbook," he said. "I feel like I have a really good understanding of the playbook and what the coaches are trying to do. That’s going to help me out tremendously."

Morris knows he will be in for a battle with Iowa transfer Jake Rudock, but feels like he has what it takes to win the job.

"Toughness. Leadership abilities. Confidence," he said about what he brings. "I’m very confident this year and I am ready to help the team win. A big part of the position depends on god-given abilities and stuff like that, but the consistent thing about a quarterback is his mental toughness.

"I feel good. I feel confident. I feel like I can win this job and be the best quarterback for this team. Like Coach Harbaugh said, roll the balls out there and let’s see how it goes."

Rudock says he is still learning how Michigan does things, but is comfortable overall and feels like the program is a good fit for him as a graduate transfer.

"The verbage is different, but plays don’t change too much in a pro-style offense," he said. "That’s the biggest thing. And learning those little wrinkles."

Rudock started 25 games for the Iowa Hawkeyes, making him the most experienced signal-caller on the roster, but he acknowledged he still has a ton of work to do during camp.