[2024] Rudock Looks To Take Next Step

[Rocketcan]

State College, PA

Redshirt Sophomore Outside Linebacker Hisashi Rudock is ready to step up to the plate. Despite having a decent season as a redshirt Freshman, Rudock wants to be a leader on the Nittany Lion defense.

"I want to take that next step," Rudock told reporters at Penn State's annual Winter Media Day. "I want to find that extra gear and lead by example."

There may be more to Rudock's ambitious statements than just wanting to make himself better and being a leader for his team. For example, leading them *where*.

"Yeah, it isn't fun finishing just outside looking in two years in a row." Rudock said of Penn State's back-to-back 8-5 campaigns that saw them finish second in the Big Ten East both in 2022 (when Rudock was redshirting) and 2023. "Trying to get over that hump is going to be hard especially now [that the Big Ten has expanded and done away with divisions]. Gotta be one of the best two."

The Big Ten moved to the new conference format after adding in teams like UCLA, and the reigning National Champions: the USC Trojans. Thus, it will be difficult for Penn State to compete for a Big Ten Conference Championship Game berth. Perhaps more than before. "That's why you go out and compete, though. To see who the best is," said Rudock.

When asked about any added pressure since some outlets were ranking Penn State and picking them to be a decent contender after years of merely above-average play, Rudock smiled. "We'll see. It's easy to talk in the offseason. We'll see." When pressed further about the pressure of living up to expectations, Rudock responded, "No one has greater expectations for this team than this team. Make no mistake about it, we want to compete. We want to win."

Rudock will get a chance to show his improved play in the upcoming Spring Game Scrimmages that will likely be held in the next few weeks.