Mason Rudolph Tabbed One of the Best Quarterbacks of the 2000s
STILLWATER – Here at Pokes Report, we bring Oklahoma State fans daily articles on what’s going on in the West End Zone and with recruiting. We’re excited spring football for Oklahoma State is right around the corner as it should be a full schedule, unlike last year’s pandemic shortened spring.
On Friday, ESPN produced a list of the top 60 quarterbacks of the 2000s and Oklahoma State’s own Mason Rudolph made the list checking in at No. 53.
He’s one spot ahead of former Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes and three spots ahead of former Cal quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Going through the list, there’s a quite a few quarterbacks listed that played only one season, possibly two. So, I’m very upset Brandon Weeden, who threw for 9,004 yards and 71 touchdowns in just two seasons and won not only the only conference championship in program history, but a New Year’s Bowl game in the Fiesta Bowl, didn’t make the list.
This is what ESPN had to say about Rudolph:
“Stats: 13,618 passing yards, 63% completion rate, 92 TD, 26 INT, 17 rushing TDs
Few quarterbacks have ever thrown a prettier deep ball. The Cowboys won 10 games and finished in the AP top 20 in all three of Rudolph's seasons as a starter. They've averaged eight wins since he left.”
There’s no question Mason Rudolph is one of the best quarterbacks Oklahoma State has ever seen. Some argue he’s the greatest and when you look at his stats, the overall record during his time here and all the school records he holds, I’m really not one to argue.
He led the Pokes to a 32-9 record as a starter and managed to beat every Big 12 team at least once during his tenure. As far as school records go, he holds no fewer than 54, including single-season and career records for passing yards, passing touchdowns and pass efficiency. As for his 13,618 passing yards, it ranks fourth in Big 12 history, a conference known for passing quarterbacks.
Rudolph, along with one of the best receivers the program has ever known in James Washington, really helped solidify Cowboy football as a national program.