2004 Outlook Redshirt freshman Bo Ruud will look to make it a family affair in Nebraska's linebacking corps this fall. Ruud enters fall camp listed second at Sam linebacker behind sophomore Stewart Bradley. Ruud hopes to make a push for playing time alongside his older brother, Barrett, Nebraska's starting Mike linebacker each of the past two campaigns. Ruud redshirted during his first season and added needed strength to compete in the Big 12 Conference.

2003 (Redshirt) Ruud suited up for several games, but decided to redshirt in his first year.

Before Nebraska (Lincoln Southeast HS) Ruud joined the Husker program from Lincoln Southeast High School, a powerhouse in the Nebraska prep ranks. Ruud was Nebraska's earliest ever commitment, pledging his intention in June of 2001, 20 months before 2003 signing day. Ruud had a standout career at Southeast, helping the Knights to two Class A state titles in his final three seasons. He was a two-way star, playing running back and linebacker. Ruud rushed for 1,385 yards and 15 touchdowns and caught four passes for 125 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Ruud scored four touchdowns in a state semifinal win over Kearney and scored the Knights’ only touchdown in a 7-6 title game victory over Millard North. He had 70 total tackles, including 51 solo stops, as a senior. Ruud was named the honorary captain of the Lincoln Journal Star’s Super-State team and was a first-team pick as a running back. The Omaha World-Herald named him to its All-Nebraska team as a linebacker and made him the honorary captain on the defense.

A second-team all-state pick by both papers as a junior, Ruud made 49 tackles, rushed for nearly 450 yards and scored six touchdowns as a running back. He also started for the Knights as a sophomore. Ruud also starred on Southeast’s basketball team, which finished as the 2003 Class A state runner-up. He was a two-time honorable-mention all-state pick and also earned academic all-state honors. He was also a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal Bo is the son of Tom and Jaime Ruud and was born on Sept. 2, 1984. He had a strong first season in the classroom, being named to the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll each of his first two semesters and carrying a 3.16 cumulative grade-point average. He has not declared a major. Ruud’s father, Tom, played linebacker for the Huskers (1972-73-74), and earned All-Big Eight honors. Tom spent five seasons in the NFL with Buffalo and Cincinnati.