FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (April 14, 2021) – A total of 26 straight starts is impressive for any player, and it hasn't gone unnoticed for senior
Luke Rudolph.
After redshirting in 2016, Rudolph took the field for nine games in 2017, which led him to his streak of starts beginning in 2018. Rudolph credits his dedication to the game to his coaches, teammates, trainers and family for inspiring him and motivating him throughout it all.
"These past couple years I've had to be in the training room a lot, they do a really good job of keeping me healthy during the season," Rudolph said. "Mentally, it's just been trying to keep up with film with our coaches, especially Coach (Bob) Connelly and keeping a good understanding of what we're facing each week, that helps me be confident going into the games."
In a season like no other, many positions have seen changes and players have had to adjust quickly and step up for game days, Rudolph included as he saw the switch to center for this spring season. After starting all 12 games at right guard in 2018, and then all 12 games at left guard in 2019, a bit of adjusting is to be expected.
"It has been some of an adjustment, I would say the most difficult thing has been getting used to the spacing aspect, but at the end of the day it's still just football, so I'm starting to feel pretty comfortable at it," Rudolph said.
With a younger offensive line than has been seen in the past few years, Rudolph recognizes the hard work and respect that the teammates have for each other this season.
True or redshirt freshmen
Blake Gamez,
Angel Flores,
Noah Barta,
Maxwell Flores and
Eriq Williams have all started at least a game on the offensive line this spring. Though some played in a handful of games during the 2019 season, this spring has been their first experience with a significant role on the line.
As a result of the new switches and players on the offensive line, Rudolph noted how he has also transitioned into a leader while learning from his teammates.
"A lot of our younger guys have had to step up on the offensive line this year and they've done a really good job filling their roll and being ready, so I'm just trying to be a good example a leader to them, I think we do a good of pushing each other and holding each other accountable," Rudolph said.
Rudolph has played alongside many quarterbacks in his four seasons with NAU, which comes with adjustments and learning new spacing, plays, and learning each quarterback's mannerisms. In 2018, he blocked for Case Cookus, Daniel Bridge-Gadd,
Gino Campiotti,
Brandon Porter before Cookus stepped back in for all of 2019. This spring with his switch to center, he's now blocking for another pair of new quarterbacks,
Keondre Wudtee and
Jeff Widener.
Being flexible and open to learning and adjusting often is a huge part of being on the offensive line, and something Rudolph has proved he can do. After being with NAU football for five years, growth and learning is to be expected.
"I have definitely matured a lot, you come in as a freshman and think you know everything but being here the past five years I've grown a lot just learning more about myself and how to work well with others," Rudolph said. "I've been trying to become a leader and there have been a lot of good benefits on and off the field where I've seen myself grow, and I still have a ways to go to be where I want."
