[Lefty Noob]

Good article on Tampa Bay linebacker Barrett Ruud over at the Sporting News website.

SportingNews.com - NFL - Ruud settles in as Bucs starting middle linebacker
Posted: August 7, 2007

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have always felt Barrett Ruud was tailor-made for their defense.

Big and strong enough to stop the run, agile and quick enough to cover tight ends and running backs in passing situations, and mature enough to handle the mental aspects of playing middle linebacker.

The Bucs selected Ruud in the second round in 2005 -- No. 36 overall -- with expectations that he would eventually replace Shelton Quarles, whose retirement this year created an opening earlier than some people anticipated.

Ruud, who started five games last season, is ready to make the most of the opportunity.

"I think last year I was always kind of in the mind-set of don't (mess) anything up. "You're in here, but you're not in here the whole time, you're in here to make sure the defense keeps running,"' Ruud said.

"Now it feels more relaxed, you just go play. You're going to make mistakes, but you don't have to worry about looking over your shoulder. You just go out, make plays and don't worry about the consequences. ... It's more of a comfort level knowing that it's my job now as opposed to kind of filling in for a little bit."

What do you folks think of this kid Ruud? Can he effectively handle the MLB position and replace Quarles?