Last mission to repair the Hubble telescope Hubble space telescope discoveries have enriched our understanding of the cosmos. In this special report, you will see facts about the Hubble space telescope, discoveries it has made and what the last mission's goals are.
For their own good Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
TAMPA - Barrett Ruud has connections to the Bucs coaching staff dating to the 1970s. But he didn't become a serious fan until the team got rid of its '70s look.
Ruud prefers red.
"Tampa's always been my favorite team growing up," Ruud said. "Ever since they made the switch to those new uniforms, I became an even bigger fan."
Ruud, a middle linebacker from Nebraska, is a legacy of sorts. His father, Tom, was a Cornhuskers linebacker during the early '70s, when Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin was a Nebraska assistant.
Saturday, the Bucs drafted Ruud in the second round, 36th overall. He is the team's highest-drafted linebacker since Derrick Brooks, who was 28th overall in 1995 and began his career in an orange uniform.
"My dad was a team captain when Coach Kiffin was at Nebraska," said Ruud, 6 feet 2, 241 pounds. "I met him for the first time down at the Senior Bowl. Coach Kiffin still has a lot of Nebraska pride." Nebraska football is a passion for the Ruud family. In addition to his father, Ruud's great-grandfather and two uncles were Huskers. His younger brother, Bo, is a redshirt sophomore. The Bucs have three solid starters with Brooks on the weakside, Shelton Quarles in the middle and Jeff Gooch at strongside, but all are 30 or older. Ruud, who will work at the strongside, is a pick for the future, though position coach Joe Barry said he believes he will contribute as a rookie. "To say that kid can definitely come in and compete, there's no doubt about it," he said. "We wouldn't have drafted him in the second round if we didn't think he was capable of doing that."
Ruud, who grew up in Lincoln, Neb., is the Cornhuskers' all-time leading tackler with 432. He played as a freshman and started his final three seasons. His 50 tackles behind the line of scrimmage are second all-time. "I think I'm a heady player," Ruud said. "I diagnose quickly. And I think I've got good athletic ability as far as what it takes to play in the defense down in Tampa. You've got to be able to cover and get sideline to sideline, and that's something I take a lot of pride in doing."
Ruud also seems to be a student of Bucs linebackers and looks forward to learning from Brooks, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection.
"It's unbelievable," Ruud said. "He's my favorite linebacker in the league, and he's a guy who's been doing it for 10 years now. I first started watching him back in the late '90s, when it was Derrick and Hardy Nickerson playing. I've watched him real close every time I've had the chance. It will be a thrill for me."
RESUME: Nebraska's all-time leading tackler with 432. . . . Consensus All-Big 12 first-team selection. All-conference academic honoree scored 40 out of 50 on the Wonderlic. . . . Team captain. . . . As a senior, made career-high 19 tackles against Kansas State, including 16 solo and three for a loss, with a forced fumble.
SCOUTING REPORT: A short, stocky run-stopper in the mold of the Dolphins' Zach Thomas. . . . His 50 tackles behind the line of scrimmage were second at Nebraska to Grant Wistrom's 58.5. . . . Student of the game can diagnose plays quickly. WILD CARD: Cornhusker football is a Ruud family tradition. Ruud's father, great-grandfather and two uncles played at Nebraska. His father, Tom, was coached there in the early 1970s by former Husker and current Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. . . . Last name pronounced like the word rude. BUCS LB DEPTH CHART
The Bucs have three solid starters who know their system in Derrick Brooks, Shelton Quarles and Jeff Gooch, but all are 30 or older. Ruud joins Ryan Nece and Marquis Cooper as the next generation.
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Email editor
