UNC Football: Jace Ruder transferring to North Texas

Yesterday morning, former North Carolina quarterback announced he’s transferring to North Texas.

Ruder arrived in Chapel Hill in 2018 as a true freshman during Larry Fedora’s last season as head coach. The lone game he played in that year came against Georgia Tech. Ruder looked solid in limited action, completing four of his five attempts for 80 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game with a left arm injury. That injury would ultimately keep him out for the remainder of the season.

After receiving a redshirt, Ruder came back in 2019 with four years of eligibility remaining. He battled with fellow redshirt freshman Cade Fortin and true freshman Sam Howell for the starting quarterback position before eventually Howell was named the guy. Ruder saw limited action as the backup and ended up getting injured once again in the Heels’ September matchup with Appalachian State.

Managing to stay healthy at least in 2020, Ruder saw the field for garbage time in games against Syracuse, Duke, and Western Carolina, going two of three for 11 yards passing. With such a stable quarterback situation currently and as Mack Brown continues to add talent to the position, it came as no surprise when Ruder announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on December 21.

Props to Ruder for sticking with the team despite not becoming the starter and instead finding his role as a vocal leader. Ruder served as a mentor with real game experience for Sam Howell in 2019 as he navigated his rookie year in Chapel Hill. This past season, Ruder was able to play a similar role for true freshmen Jacolby Criswell and Jefferson Boaz.

Ruder was a positive, hard-working player over his entire career at UNC. Here’s hoping he finds the success he deserves at North Texas.