After four weeks into the 2024 football season, the standout return man in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference has emerged clearly. Hillsdale College sophomore claimed the title with an impressive performance in the team’s 28-21 loss to Findlay on Saturday, earning the G-MAC Special Teams Player of the Week award.
Ruddy was a pivotal player, scoring all three touchdowns for Hillsdale, but it was his spectacular 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter that solidified his recognition. This marked Hillsdale’s first kickoff return touchdown since October 16, 2021, and just the second achieved by a G-MAC player in 2024, showcasing the longest kick return this season.
His touchdown was not a one-off. The sophomore accumulated 158 yards on five kickoff and punt returns against Findlay, including a 34-yard return on the opening kickoff of the second half, which was crucial in setting up the team’s first touchdown. Currently, Ruddy leads the G-MAC with 428 yards in kickoff returns, a significant margin of nearly 150 yards ahead of his competitors, and he holds the top spot nationally at the NCAA DII level.
Ruddy’s impact extends to punt returns as well, leading the G-MAC with an average of 14 yards per return. As a wide receiver, he has also been effective, racking up 344 yards and four touchdowns on just 10 receptions. His overall performance on the field has made him one of the most dynamic players in the nation, totaling 895 all-purpose yards, nearly 200 yards more than any other player at the NCAA DII level. With an average of 223 yards per game, he currently holds the highest ranking across FBS, FCS, and NCAA DII players, only behind two players in NCAA DIII after four weeks of the season.
This coming Saturday, Ruddy will aim to lead the Chargers to their first victory of the season as Hillsdale visits Northwood for a 1 p.m. kickoff.