CJ Beathard No Plans of Leaving Hawkeyes; Jake Rudock Out!

Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard has said that he has no intentions of leaving the University of Iowa Hawkeyes.

Washington Post reported that Beathard talked to the media on April 1, 2015 for the first time after coach Kirk Ferentz introduced a depth chart in January 2015, showing Beathard listed over Jake Rudock, their starter for two years who is set to transfer. Rudock announced near the end of March that he was playing his last season in a different team.

According to Beathard, he would not leave the Hawkeyes even if Rudock stayed in the starting position. However, Beathard had said that he believed that he was better than Rudock and can do more.

The Des Moines Register reported that Beathard played 10 games in the past season for the Hawkeyes, but he was only presented as the top guy in three. He played a game and a half when Rudock sustained an injury, then was placed on rotation during the TaxSlayer Bowl on January 2. Beathard led Iowa to 62 points in 28 possessions during a couple of games.

WhoTV reported that Beathard was already excited to be Iowa's starting quarterback for spring drills and the upcoming season.

Hawk Central delved into how Beathard would impact the Hawkeyes as their starting quarterback. He only started once in his college career and was put into the top role for two-plus games. He led the team in their comeback victory at Pittsburgh, was credited for their huge win at Purdue and also contributed a lot at the TaxSlayer Bowl.

Compared with Rudock who averaged 7.06 yards per pass attempt in the 2014 season, Beathard averaged 7.01. Beathard took 172 snaps in the games he played and the run/pass ratio was deemed a push. He rushed 16 times for 131 yards, attempted 68 passes and sacked only twice. He likes to scramble. Out of 32 passing calls on 75 first-down plays, Beathard also finished 10-of-21 throws for 211 yards, had three touchdowns and an interception, based on the same report by Hawk Central. He scrambled seven times for positive gains in each one and was even sacked once. He drew three defensive pass-interference penalties.

Overall, the 6'2" 209-pound quarterback is confident enough to lead. His throws are expected to get better as the new season progresses. The Hawkeyes will need to improve their backup from the sidelines to support Beathard when their opening game commences on September 5 this year against Illinois State.