By AARON MUELLER
Dowagiac Daily News

The last time Kyle Rudolph played quarterback was in fourth grade, and he led his team to the title that year.

And now the 6-6, 265-pound Notre Dame tight end may get his shot at lining up behind center again.
Head coach Brian Kelly announced at the team’s media event on Tuesday the team would feature a wildcat-type formation in its offense this year, and Rudolph is one of the candidates to line up in the quarterback position.
“Last year I had a big tight end in Cincinnati (Ben Guidugli). I kind of like the big, physical guy,” Kelly said, adding the team will also look at Theo Riddick and Armando Allen, who was featured in a version of the wildcat last year at Notre Dame and is probably the frontrunner.
Rudolph’s candidacy to be the feature player in the wildcat formation came as news to him.
“I had no idea,” he said. “But I’m excited. I’d love to do it. Any time I get the ball in my hands and get a chance to make plays … I’m excited. Being a bigger guy, that opens up a lot more things.”
Rudolph feels comfortable throwing the ball as well.
“I’ve got a pretty strong arm,” he said with a smile. “Back in fourth grade, we didn’t throw the ball too much. But if we did, I would have done good.”
In addition to maybe getting the occasional nod at quarterback, Rudolph will be counted on again in the passing game.
Last year he would line up flexed out and that led to a productive season catching the ball to the tune of 33 receptions for 364 yards and three touchdowns.
As a result of his productive sophomore season, this year the junior is one of 32 players named to the Mackey Award Watch List, given annually to the nation’s top tight end.
But Kelly said this year Rudolph and the other tight ends will also be called upon to get a little dirty, too, as a key part of run blocking.
“The tight end definitely plays a very important role in the run game in this offense,” Rudolph said, “where the tight end has to set the edge or base block on defensive ends.”
Overall, Rudolph says offensive players are excited about the new system, one in which, according to Kelly, the goal of every play is to score.
“It keeps the guys on offense excited and into every play, because at any point, that can be an opportunity to score.”