Ruud was also a member of the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Florida Tuskers.
Ruud was a standout at Lincoln Southeast, and was Nebraska's earliest ever commitment, pledging his intention in June 2001, 20 months before 2003 signing day.
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.
Ruud lined up as the weakside linebacker for his first three years, before switching to the strongside spot as a senior.
Ruud started 13 games at weakside linebacker in 2006, and earned First-team All-Big 12 honors from the league coaches.
In 2004, he was a redshirt freshman and he played in all 11 games and finished with 17 total tackles, including 12 solo stops.
The move reunited him with older brother, former college teammate and Buccaneers starting linebacker Barrett Ruud.